With one round of group-stage matches remaining at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Africa's hopes of securing a record number of teams in the knockout stage remain firmly alive. While Tunisia and Senegal have already been eliminated, eight of the continent's 10 representatives still have a chance of reaching the Round of 32.
The question now is: how many African teams can make it through?
Front-runners for qualification
Morocco, Egypt and Ghana currently appear to be Africa's strongest contenders.
The Atlas Lions sit on four points after drawing 1-1 with Brazil before edging Scotland 1-0. Morocco have once again demonstrated the defensive solidity and composure that carried them to a historic World Cup semi-final in Qatar four years ago.
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Egypt are also well placed with four points. After opening with a draw against Belgium, the Mohamed Salah-inspired Pharaohs secured their first-ever World Cup victory with an impressive 3-1 win over New Zealand, putting qualification within reach.
Ghana find themselves in a similarly promising position. The Black Stars followed a 1-0 victory over Panama with a hard-fought goalless draw against England, leaving them on four points and in control of their destiny heading into a decisive clash with Croatia.
Cape Verde closing in on history
Cape Verde have emerged as one of the stories of the tournament.
Making their World Cup debut, the Blue Sharks have impressed with a goalless draw against European champions Spain before earning a 2-2 result against two-time world champions Uruguay.
Unbeaten after two matches and sitting on two points, Cape Verde remain firmly in contention. A positive result against Saudi Arabia could secure what would be a historic qualification to the knockout stage.
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Côte d'Ivoire still in the race
Côte d'Ivoire also remain in contention despite a narrow 2-1 defeat to Germany after opening their campaign with a victory over Ecuador courtesy of an Amad Diallo goal.
The Elephants still control much of their own fate and will be confident of keeping their Round of 32 hopes alive in their final group match.
Tougher paths for Algeria, South Africa and DR Congo
Algeria, South Africa and DR Congo face more complicated scenarios but remain mathematically alive.
Algeria bounced back from an opening defeat to Argentina with a crucial win over Jordan, while South Africa recovered from a loss to Mexico by earning a valuable draw against the Czech Republic.
DR Congo, meanwhile, suffered a setback after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia following their encouraging opening draw with Portugal.
Under the expanded 48-team format, all three nations can still advance either by finishing in the top two of their groups or by claiming one of the places reserved for the best third-placed teams. However, they may need favourable results elsewhere in addition to positive outcomes in their own matches.
Senegal and Tunisia already out
Senegal and Tunisia have already seen their World Cup campaigns come to an end.
Despite Ibrahim Mbaye becoming the youngest African goalscorer in World Cup history during Senegal's defeat to France, the Lions of Teranga followed that result with another loss to Norway, ending their hopes of progression.
Tunisia became the first African side to be eliminated after losing their opening two matches. The disappointing campaign also led to the departure of head coach Sabri Lamouchi, who was replaced by Hervé Renard as the federation begins planning for the future.
Everything still to play for
As the final round of group-stage matches approaches, Africa's qualification hopes remain very much alive.
With Morocco, Egypt and Ghana in strong positions, Cape Verde chasing history, Côte d'Ivoire still in contention and Algeria, South Africa and DR Congo fighting to stay alive, the continent could yet enjoy one of its most successful World Cup group-stage campaigns.