Nine African teams advance to World Cup knockout stage, a record for the continent
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Africa has achieved a record nine representatives in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 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.
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Troops from Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, killed two suspected Lakurawa terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition during an operation in the Sabarumawa area of Kebbi State on June 27. The operation followed intelligence indicating the group was planning an attack on the Sabarumawa community. Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, stated that troops from the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion 7 swiftly mobilized and set up a tactical ambush. As the terrorists approached, troops engaged them, neutralizing two while others fled. Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, AK-47 magazines, 143 rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle. Operation FANSAN YAMMA affirmed its commitment to ongoing offensive operations against terrorist and criminal groups in the North-West and urged public cooperation with timely information.
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