African football has reached a new milestone on the global stage. For the first time in a World Cup history, nine of Africa's 10 representatives have advanced to the Round of 32, underlining the continent's growing strength under the tournament's expanded 48-team format. Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Cape Verde, Senegal, DR Congo and Algeria will all feature in the knockout stage, leaving Tunisia as the only African nation to exit during the group phase. The unprecedented achievement comes after weeks of memorable performances against some of world football's biggest nations, suggesting African teams are no longer content with merely participating—they are competing to win. ALSO READ: Ecuador and Ivory Coast seal historic places in World Cup knockout .. Cape Verde fairytale inspires the continent No African team has captured the imagination more than Cape Verde. Making their FIFA World Cup debut, the Blue Sharks stunned the football world by reaching the knockout stage without losing, nor winning, a single group-stage match. A goalless draw against European champions Spain, a thrilling 2-2 draw with two-time world champions Uruguay, and another 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia secured a historic qualification and a blockbuster Round of 32 meeting with defending world champions Argentina. For a nation of just over half a million people, it represents one of the greatest achievements in African football history. ALSO READ: Dembele hat-trick fires France to Group I summit as Senegal keep Morocco, Egypt and Ghana lead the way Africa’s traditional contenders also delivered. Morocco, Africa's 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, topped their group after drawing 1-1 with Brazil before defeating Scotland 1-0 and Haiti 4-2. Egypt continued their resurgence by claiming first-ever FIFA World Cup victory with a 3-1 win over New Zealand after opening their campaign with a draw against Belgium. The Pharaohs finished second in Group G to reach the knockout stage. Ghana once again demonstrated why they remain one of Africa’s most consistent World Cup performers. The Black Stars defeated Panama 1-0, held England to a goalless draw before losing 2-1 at the hands of Croatia in their final match to finish second in Group L to extend their campaign. ALSO READ: RDB extends business operating hours during FIFA World Cup South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire return South Africa recovered impressively from an opening defeat to Mexico to finish second in Group A, securing qualification with a crucial victory over South Korea. Côte d'Ivoire also returned to the knockout stage after victories over Ecuador and Australia, with their only setback coming in a narrow defeat to Germany. Both teams showed resilience when qualification was on the line. Algeria, DR Congo and Senegal complete Africa historic achievement The final round of group stage matches brought even more celebrations for the continent. Algeria earned a dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria, a result that secured one of the tournament’s best third placed spots in Group J. DR Congo, after suffering a disappointing defeat to Colombia, responded when it mattered most with an impressive 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan to finish among the best third-placed teams behind Colombia and Portugal in Group K. Senegal completed Africa’s remarkable campaign in dramatic fashion. The Teranga Lions kept their hopes alive with a record breaking 5-0 victory over Iraq on Friday. It was the biggest winning margin ever recorded by an African nation at a FIFA World Cup. They eventually secured one of the tournament's best third placed places after Egypt draw with Iran, together with other favourable results, went their way. More than numbers While the expanded 48-team World Cup has undoubtedly created more opportunities, Africa has fully earned its record representation. Cape Verde held Spain and Uruguay on their tournament debut and Egypt recorded the nation first-ever World Cup victory. Ghana once again demonstrated its pedigree on football elite stage. South Africa and Côte d'Ivoire showed resilience to progress, while Senegal produced a record breaking performance. Collectively, the performances reflect not only greater opportunity but also the growing quality, tactical maturity and confidence of African football. A statement to the world With nine nations reaching the Round of 32, Africa has sent its strong message yet on football’s biggest stage. The continent enters the knockout rounds not simply with record representation, but with genuine belief that several of its teams can challenge the world traditional powers. Attention now turns to the Round of 32, where Africa historic nine representatives will attempt to turn an outstanding group stage campaign into deep runs in the tournament.
