African teams remain firmly in the race for places in the Round of 32 as the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage heads into its final round of matches.
The expanded tournament format gives the top two teams in each group automatic qualification, while the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups will also advance to the knockout stage. This has kept several African nations alive, even those currently outside the top two positions in their respective groups.
Morocco are in a strong position in Group C after collecting four points from their opening two matches. The Atlas Lions drew 1-1 with Brazil before securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Scotland. They face Haiti in their final group match and a win would guarantee their place in the next round, while a draw could also be enough depending on the result between Brazil and Scotland.
In Group E, Côte d’Ivoire remain in control of their own destiny despite losing 2-1 to Germany in their second match. The Elephants opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador and are currently second in the group on three points. Their final match against Curaçao gives them an opportunity to secure a top-two finish, while a draw may keep them in contention through the third-place qualification route.
Egypt have placed themselves in a promising position in Group G after earning four points from two matches. The Pharaohs began with a 1-1 draw against Belgium before beating New Zealand 3-1. They will meet Iran in their final group fixture, knowing that victory would seal their progression, while a draw could still be enough to send them through.
Cape Verde are also still alive in Group H after two draws against Spain and Uruguay. The island nation has two points and will face Saudi Arabia in their final group match. A win would significantly improve their chances of reaching the knockout stage, either through a top-two finish or as one of the best third-placed sides.
Senegal face a difficult task in Group I after losing their first two matches against France and Norway. The Lions of Teranga are yet to collect a point and must beat Iraq in their final match to keep their hopes alive. Even then, they will need other results to work in their favour in the battle for the best third-placed positions.
Algeria remain in the race in Group J after bouncing back from their opening defeat to Argentina with a 2-1 victory over Jordan. The Desert Foxes are level on three points with Austria and will face the Europeans in a decisive final group match. A win would likely secure progression, while a draw could leave Algeria depending on other group outcomes.
DR Congo’s hopes are hanging by a thread in Group K following their narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia. The Congolese side have one point from two games after drawing with Portugal in their opener. They must now beat Uzbekistan in their final match to give themselves a realistic chance of progressing, possibly through the third-place route.
Ghana have emerged as one of Africa’s strongest contenders after collecting four points in Group L. The Black Stars beat Panama 1-0 before producing a disciplined performance to hold England to a goalless draw. Ghana will face Croatia in their final group match, with victory likely to guarantee a place in the Round of 32 and a draw potentially enough to keep them among the leading teams in the group.
South Africa are also still in contention in Group A, although Bafana Bafana face a difficult final assignment against South Korea. South Africa have one point from their opening two matches after a draw with Czechia, and will need a positive result to boost their chances of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
With the final group matches set to decide the remaining places, Africa could still have a strong representation in the Round of 32. Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt and Ghana are best placed, while Cape Verde, Algeria, DR Congo, Senegal and South Africa will be fighting to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
