2026 World Cup: Five African teams crash out as continental hopes fade

Just days after Africa celebrated a record-breaking FIFA 2026 World Cup campaign, the continent’s hopes of producing its first-ever world champion have suffered a major setback.

Nine of Africa’s ten representatives advanced beyond the group stage, the highest number in the continent’s history, but the knockout rounds have proved far less forgiving, with five nations already eliminated.

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The latest casualty was Senegal, who crashed out on Wednesday after surrendering a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Belgium after extra time in a dramatic Round of 32 clash.

Earlier in the day, the Democratic Republic of Congo also exited the tournament following a spirited 2-1 defeat to England despite pushing the Three Lions to the limit.

Their exits mean five African nations have now been eliminated from the Round of 32 of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, leaving only four teams still chasing a historic breakthrough for the continent.

African teams eliminated from the Round of 32 of the FIFA 2026 World Cup:

Senegal

The Teranga Lions suffered one of the most painful defeats of the tournament, throwing away a 2-0 lead before Belgium completed a remarkable 3-2 extra-time comeback in the Round of 32.

Democratic Republic of Congo

The Leopards bowed out after a brave display against England, with Harry Kane’s late brace sealing a 2-1 victory for the Three Lions in Atlanta.

Ivory Coast

The Elephants saw their historic first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage end in disappointment after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Norway, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive late winner.

South Africa

Bafana Bafana’s impressive tournament ended with a hard-fought 1-0 defeat to Canada in the Round of 32, bringing their memorable World Cup campaign to a close.

Tunisia

The Carthage Eagles endured a disappointing tournament, exiting during the group stage after failing to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

With the tournament entering its decisive phase, Africa’s remaining quartet will be aiming to keep alive hopes of an unprecedented World Cup triumph for the continent.