10 African Nations Qualify for 2026 World Cup, Historic Achievement

Agency. 10 nations have historically qualified from Africa for the 2026 World Cup. After Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday night and Algeria drew a thrilling 3-3 with Austria, nine African teams have succeeded in entering the knockout stage. After 17 days of group stage competition, Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, Congo, and Algeria have secured their place in the final 32. Previously, when the rule was for group stage matches to be played among 32 teams, the maximum number of African teams to reach the knockout stage in a single edition was only two. This time, only Tunisia from the African teams returned home from the group stage.

Four years ago in the Qatar World Cup, Morocco became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals. This time too, it has held Brazil to a 1-1 draw and has shown the potential to go much further again. Morocco is also a co-host of the upcoming 2030 World Cup.

In World Cup history, only six African nations had previously managed to reach the knockout stage, with some teams achieving this feat more than once. The most African teams to reach the knockout stage in a single edition was two, which happened in 2014 and 2022. In 2014, Nigeria and Algeria, and in 2022, Morocco and Senegal reached the knockout stage.

This year's competition has highlighted the strong power of African football. Especially Cape Verde and Congo reaching the final 32 has become an unexpected achievement for many. Now Congo faces the difficult challenge of facing England in the final 32. But for now, the team is celebrating its historic success.

After the match, forward Fiston Mayele said, 'This is truly a historic moment for our country Congo. This is our first World Cup win and our first time reaching the knockout stage. Today I can be proud, and people across my country are also very happy with our achievement. We are proud to be Congolese, and I believe our journey will continue.'

Mayele scored in the 78th minute of the match. Before his goal, Yoane Wissa had scored from a penalty in the 68th minute. In injury time, Mayele added another goal.

Algeria, on the other hand, secured its place in the final 32 through the most dramatic match of this year's World Cup. Until injury time, Algeria was tied 2-2 with Austria and seemed likely to end the match in a draw. But captain Riyad Mahrez suddenly scored the go-ahead goal. Two minutes later, in the final attack of the game, Austria scored the equalizer. However, despite the 3-3 draw, both teams reached the knockout stage, even though Algeria did not become group runner-up.

After receiving the 'Player of the Match' trophy following the victory over Uzbekistan, Congo's Yoane Wissa recalled the long journey his country had taken to get here.

Wissa said, 'This is our second World Cup after 52 years. We started our World Cup qualifying campaign with this same team four years ago.' He also stated that this World Cup success sends a message that the future of African football is bright. He believes that young talents are leading a new era.

Wissa said, 'Now every African team can dream big. Morocco reached the semi-finals in the last World Cup. This has also given our football confederation a basis to dream big.'