All group stage fixtures of the FIFA World Cup have concluded, and African national teams have emerged as one of the biggest highlights of the tournament’s group phase. Ten African nations took part in this World Cup, and nine of them successfully qualified for the Round of 32, with Tunisia the sole side eliminated after the group stage.
Among the qualified teams, Morocco, South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt and Cabo Verde secured knockout stage spots by finishing second in their respective groups. Senegal, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and Algeria advanced to the Round of 32 as top eight third-placed finishers. The only eliminated African team is Tunisia, who failed to progress out of Group F.
Cabo Verde delivered an especially eye-catching performance. Making its maiden World Cup appearance, the side went unbeaten throughout the group stage and qualified as group runners-up, writing one of the most inspirational underdog stories of this tournament. The Democratic Republic of the Congo also produced a major upset, staging a 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan in their final Group K match to seal third place and a Round of 32 tie against England.
Now into the knockout phase, the nine African teams will push to progress deeper into the competition. This World Cup is poised to mark a landmark breakthrough moment for African football as a whole.
