Three African nations have officially secured places in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Ivory Coast becoming the latest team to advance.
The Elephants booked their place in the knockout stage after a crucial 2 0 victory over Curaçao on Thursday night. Needing all three points to guarantee qualification, Ivory Coast delivered under pressure, with Nicolas Pépé scoring both goals to seal progression.
The result ensured Ivory Coast finished second in Group E behind group winners Germany. They are now set to face the runner up from Group I in the Round of 32.
South Africa also confirmed qualification after edging past South Korea with a narrow 1 0 victory.
Meanwhile, Morocco strengthened Africa’s impressive showing at the tournament with an emphatic 4 2 win over Haiti, securing their own place in the knockout rounds.
On the other hand, Tunisia has become the only African team officially eliminated from the competition so far.
Africa’s representation in the knockout phase now stands at three teams, with hopes high that the continent could produce another deep World Cup run.
