After a historic Round of 32 that ended the campaigns of seven African nations, Morocco and Egypt remain in contention as they seek to book places in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.
The FIFA World Cup enters the Round of 16 on Saturday, July 4, following the conclusion of the inaugural Round of 32, with Morocco and Egypt emerging as Africa’s last remaining representatives in the race for the title.
The expanded 48-team tournament has now been whittled down to 16 nations after four days of knockout action. While seven African teams bowed out in the Round of 32, Morocco and Egypt secured hard-fought victories to keep the continent’s hopes of another deep World Cup run alive.
Morocco became the first African nation to reach the Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw. Egypt joined them after overcoming Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the sides finished 1-1 following extra time.
The Round of 32 proved to be the end of the road for the continent’s other representatives. South Africa lost 1-0 to co-hosts Canada, Senegal were beaten 3-2 by Belgium after extra time, Algeria fell 2-0 to Switzerland, Ghana suffered a 1-0 defeat to Colombia, DR Congo were edged 2-1 by England, Ivory Coast lost 2-1 to Norway, while Cape Verde’s historic debut ended in a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending champions Argentina.
Round of 16 fixtures involving African teams
Morocco will open Africa’s Round of 16 challenge against co-hosts Canada on Saturday, July 4, at Houston Stadium, while Egypt face defending champions Argentina on Tuesday, July 7, at Atlanta Stadium. The winners will advance to the quarter-finals.
Morocco will be looking to build on the resilience that saw them eliminate the Netherlands, while Egypt hope to carry the momentum from their shootout victory over Australia into one of the tournament’s marquee fixtures. A win for either nation would keep Africa represented in the last eight.
Africa’s Round of 32 results
- Canada 1-0 South Africa
- Morocco 1-1 Netherlands (Morocco won 3-2 on penalties)
- Norway 2-1 Ivory Coast
- England 2-1 DR Congo
- Belgium 3-2 Senegal (after extra time)
- Switzerland 2-0 Algeria
- Egypt 1-1 Australia (Egypt won 4-2 on penalties)
- Colombia 1-0 Ghana
- Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (after extra time)
With the Round of 16 commencing today, Morocco and Egypt now carry Africa’s hopes as they seek to reach the quarter-finals and extend the continent’s presence at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
