Nine African nations will return to action in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a series of eye-catching fixtures now confirmed after a dramatic group stage across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
South Africa will kick off the African involvement in the knockout phase with a testing encounter against hosts Canada in Los Angeles.
Bafana Bafana arrive with growing confidence after a strong group campaign, but face a stern challenge against a Canadian side buoyed by home support.
In one of the standout ties of the round, Morocco take on Netherlands in Monterrey. Morocco, one of Africa’s most consistent performers in recent tournaments, will need to produce another disciplined display against European opposition.
West African giants Ivory Coast face a physical test against Norway in Dallas, while North African side Egypt meet a resurgent Australia in what is expected to be a tightly contested tie.
Ghana will go head-to-head with Colombia in Kansas City, a match that promises pace and attacking intent from both sides, while Senegal face a difficult assignment against Belgium in Seattle.
One of the most intriguing fixtures sees Algeria take on Switzerland in Vancouver, with both teams known for their tactical discipline and ability to frustrate opponents.
Democratic Republic of the Congo meet tournament heavyweights England in Atlanta, a fixture that will test their defensive resilience against one of the competition’s most in-form attacking sides.
There is also a historic moment for Cape Verde, who face 2022 finalists Argentina in Miami. It is a glamour tie for the debutants, who have already exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stage.
Nine African teams will play in the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in history 🤯
If you like, sleep on us. pic.twitter.com/kz7N6kvUkC
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) June 28, 2026
Elsewhere, Brazil meet Japan, Germany face Paraguay, France play Sweden, and Portugal take on Croatia in a slate of heavyweight European clashes.
With nine African teams still in the competition, the continent is guaranteed strong representation in the last 16 if several sides can upset the odds in what promises to be one of the most open knockout stages in World Cup history.
