The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered the knockout stage after the group phase concluded, with DR Congo and Algeria claiming the final African places in the Round of 32.
Their qualification capped an impressive campaign for African teams. Algeria, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal and South Africa all advanced, while Tunisia were the continent's only team eliminated after finishing bottom of their group.
The expanded 48-team tournament is the first FIFA World Cup to feature 32 teams in the knockout stage. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed finishers, progressed.
Africa will have nine representatives in the Round of 32, highlighting the continent's growing competitiveness on the global stage.
Algeria booked their place after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Austria in their final Group J match. The result sent both teams through and ended Iran's hopes of reaching the knockout stage. After losing their opening match, the Desert Foxes recovered to qualify as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.
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They will face Switzerland in the Round of 32 for a place in the last 16.
Earlier, DR Congo made history by reaching the knockout stage with a 3-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan.
The Leopards recovered from an early setback through a brace from Yoane Wissa and a goal by Fiston Mayele. The win was DR Congo's first-ever FIFA World Cup victory and set up a Round of 32 meeting with England.
For the Central African nation, reaching the knockout stage ranks among the country's greatest football achievements, coming in their first World Cup appearance in more than 50 years.
With the group stage complete, attention now shifts to the knockout rounds, where every match is win or go home.
Round of 32 fixtures involving African teams:
* South Africa vs Canada
* Netherlands vs Morocco
* Argentina vs Cape Verde
* Australia vs Egypt
* Switzerland vs Algeria
* England vs DR Congo
* Colombia vs Ghana
* Ivory Coast vs Norway
* Belgium vs Senegal