After an impressive group-stage campaign that saw nine African nations qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, attention now shifts to the knockout stage as Ghana, Algeria, Egypt and Cape Verde prepare for defining moments in their historic journeys. Each team arrives with a different story, but all share one ambition—to keep Africa's World Cup dream alive on football's biggest stage. ALSO READ: Kane's late double saves England from World Cup upset against DR Congo Ghana vs Colombia Ghana will face Colombia for the first time in World Cup history when the two sides meet in Kansas City in the final Round of 32 fixture. The Black Stars advanced from Group L after defeating Panama 1-0, holding England to a goalless draw and narrowly losing 2-1 to Croatia. It marks Ghana's first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage since their memorable quarterfinal run in 2010—one of Africa's greatest World Cup achievements alongside Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Morocco (2022). ALSO READ: Morocco fight back to dump Netherlands out of World Cup Having progressed as one of the best third-placed teams, Ghana are hoping to recreate the magic of South Africa 2010. We want to bring smiles back to the faces of Ghanaians. We know what this team is capable of, and we'll give everything on the pitch, captain Jordan Ayew said. Adding extra intrigue to the contest is Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz, who previously managed Colombia. Colombia topped a difficult group without defeat and enter the match as favourites, but Ghana have built a reputation for rising to the occasion as underdogs. Algeria vs Switzerland Algeria continue their campaign against Switzerland in Vancouver, Canada. The Desert Foxes bounced back from an opening defeat to Argentina by beating Jordan before securing qualification with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria, advancing as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams. Algeria are now chasing their first-ever World Cup knockout victory after previous group-stage exits in 1982, 1986, 2010 and 2014. Head coach Vladimir Petkovic urged his players to remain fully focused despite facing his country of birth. There is no room for sentiment. This is Algeria against Switzerland, not me against my past. We have to be at our best—maybe even beyond 90 minutes—if we want to beat them, he said. Switzerland are renowned for their disciplined defensive football and consistent performances at major tournaments, while Algeria will rely on their attacking quality and passionate support to spring an upset. The two nations have never met in a competitive match. Their only previous encounters came in two friendlies during the 1980s, both won by Switzerland. The winner will remain in Vancouver to face either Ghana or Colombia in the Round of 16 on July 7. Egypt vs Australia Egypt head into the knockout stage brimming with confidence after an impressive Group G campaign. The Pharaohs claimed their first-ever World Cup victory with a 3-1 win over New Zealand, held Belgium to a draw and secured qualification after avoiding defeat against Iran to finish second in the group. Led by captain Mohamed Salah, Hossam Hassan's side now have the opportunity to reach the last 16 of a World Cup for the first time in the country's history. Victory over Australia would set up a Round of 16 clash against either Argentina or Cape Verde in Atlanta on July 7. Cape Verde vs Argentina No African team has captured global attention quite like Cape Verde. Making their FIFA World Cup debut, the Blue Sharks reached the knockout stage unbeaten after earning draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Their reward is a blockbuster showdown with defending champions Argentina. Although Cape Verde enter the match as clear underdogs, their disciplined defence and fearless approach have already shown they can frustrate some of world football's biggest names. With Morocco already through to the Round of 16, while Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, South Africa and DR Congo have exited the tournament, the spotlight now falls on Ghana, Algeria, Egypt and Cape Verde as they look to extend Africa's remarkable World Cup campaign and further underline the continent's growing influence on the global game. African teams’ Round of 32 fixtures Friday, July 3 Switzerland vs Algeria — 05:00 AM at BC Place Vancouver Australia vs Egypt — 20:00 PM at Dallas Stadium Saturday, July 4 Argentina vs Cabo Verde — 00:00 AM at Miami Stadium Colombia vs Ghana — 3:30 AM at Kansas City Stadium
