2026 World Cup: "Congratulations to the 9 African teams that reached the Round of 32" (P. Motsepe, CAF)

"On behalf of CAF’s Member Associations, representing 54 African countries, I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the players and technical staff of Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and South Africa for their hard-earned and well-deserved qualification for the 2026 World Cup Round of 32," Patrice Motsepe, president of Confederation of African Football, said on 28 June 2026.

Of the ten African teams competing at the tournament (up from five in 2022), only Tunisia failed to reach the Round of 32 after finishing bottom of Group F following defeats to Sweden (5-1), Japan (4-0) and the Netherlands (3-1).

"The governance, transparency, management, financial and auditing best practices that have been introduced have attracted new sponsors and partners whose financial support has contributed to the development and growth of African football," Patrice Motsepe added.

Two African teams have already played their Round of 32 matches:
• South Africa were eliminated by Canada (1-0) in Los Angeles (California…