Nine African teams advance to World Cup knockout stage, a record for the continent

Algeria and DR Congo recently secured their places in the last-32, joining Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Cabo Verde, Senegal, and Ghana. DR Congo qualified after a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, earning them four points and a spot among the best third-placed teams, and will face England next. Algeria also progressed to the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams after a 3-3 draw against Austria, finishing third in Group J with four points.

This marks an unprecedented achievement for Africa, with nine out of its ten participating nations advancing. Tunisia was the only African side eliminated, finishing bottom of Group F without a point. With 90 percent of its representatives still in contention, Africa enters the knockout rounds with renewed confidence.