Avec neuf pays qualifiés en 16es, le football africain vit "un Mondial historique"

The World Cup 2026 has reached a pivotal stage as teams continue their quest for advancement into the knockout rounds. On Thursday, July 2nd, several African nations were still in contention, while others faced elimination. The Algerian team was notably eliminated after failing to secure a spot among the top eight third-place finishers, which would have granted them entry into the Round of 16. This marked a significant setback for Algeria, who had previously secured a draw against Austria, with goals from Rafik Belghali and a double from captain Ryad Mahrez helping them reach the final stages of the tournament. However, they ultimately fell short of progressing further.

On the other hand, Spain narrowly avoided elimination, showcasing resilience and determination in their efforts to advance. Their performance highlighted the unpredictable nature of this year's competition, where underdog teams have made surprising impacts. The Spanish squad’s ability to overcome challenges reflects the high stakes and intense competition present throughout the tournament.

As the World Cup progresses, attention turns toward Friday, July 3rd, when three more teams will qualify for the Round of 16. Cape Verde stands out as one of the most intriguing stories of the tournament, having qualified despite being ranked outside the top 60 in FIFA rankings. Their remarkable achievement has sparked joy in their capital city of Praia, where celebrations erupted following their unexpected success. Cape Verde now faces Argentina, the reigning champions, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

This year marks a historic moment for African football, with nine African teams qualifying for the Round of 16—surpassing the previous record set in 2010. This milestone underscores the growing influence and presence of African nations on the global football stage. Among these teams are South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Egypt, and Ghana, each poised to make their mark in the upcoming matches. However, none of these teams managed to finish first in their respective groups, highlighting both the competitiveness and the challenges faced by African sides in this expanded format of the World Cup.

Morocco and Senegal, two of the standout performers from the Africa Cup of Nations, are set to take on European powerhouses in the Round of 16. Morocco will face the Netherlands, while Senegal will confront Belgium. These matchups promise to be highly anticipated, given the strong performances of both teams in recent tournaments. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast will challenge Norway, and Egypt will meet Australia, adding to the diversity of fixtures featuring African teams.

The Democratic Republic of Congo makes history by participating in its second World Cup, 52 years after their debut in 1974. This return comes amid ongoing challenges, including the impact of the Ebola outbreak on their preparations. Despite these obstacles, the DR Congo team has shown determination and resilience, aiming to create memorable moments on the world stage. Their journey thus far has been marked by perseverance and hope, reflecting the spirit of the entire African contingent in this edition of the World Cup.

Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the upcoming matches, where each team will aim to showcase their skills and ambitions. With the expansion of the tournament to include 48 teams, the stage is set for unprecedented competition and excitement. As the World Cup continues, fans around the globe eagerly await the outcomes of these crucial encounters, hoping to witness history being made on the field.