Full Fixtures as Nine African Nations Make FIFA World Cup Round of 32
Full Fixtures as Nine African Nations Make FIFA World Cup Round of 32
Africa has reached a historic milestone at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with a record nine nations advancing to the Round of 32, underlining the continent’s growing influence on football’s biggest stage.
Newera News gathered that the expanded 48-team tournament has opened the door to more African participation, but the continent’s representatives have done far more than merely fill the numbers.
Through disciplined defending, fearless attacking football and memorable upsets, nine teams have earned their place in the knockout rounds, surpassing every previous African record at the World Cup.
South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Senegal, DR Congo, Cape Verde and Ivory Coast will all carry Africa’s hopes into the first-ever 32-team knockout phase, giving the continent an unprecedented presence as the race for the World Cup trophy intensifies.
The Round of 32 presents a series of daunting but enticing challenges. South Africa will launch Africa’s knockout campaign against Canada, while Morocco will face European heavyweights the Netherlands after an impressive, unbeaten group-stage run. Senegal takes on Belgium, Egypt meet Australia, and Ghana clash with Colombia,
Algeria will face Switzerland, DR Congo battle England, Ivory Coast square off against Norway, and Cape Verde’s remarkable tournament continues with a blockbuster encounter against defending champions Argentina.
The expanded knockout bracket has ensured that Africa’s path to the latter stages will not be straightforward. Several of the continent’s teams are on a collision course with traditional football powers, yet recent performances suggest they are more than capable of producing further surprises.
Morocco continues to build on the momentum generated by their historic run to the semi-finals four years ago. And Senegal and Egypt have once again demonstrated why they remain among Africa’s most consistent performers on the global stage. South Africa’s qualification has energised home supporters, and Cape Verde’s debut appearance in the knockout rounds has become one of the tournament’s most inspiring stories.
For DR Congo, Ghana, Algeria and Ivory Coast, progression beyond the group stage reflects years of investment in player development and the increasing competitiveness of African football. Their qualification reinforces the belief that the gap between Africa and football’s traditional powerhouses continues to narrow.
Beyond the individual stories, the collective achievement sends a powerful message.
This is the first time an African will enter the knockout rounds with such numerical strength, providing the continent with multiple opportunities to break new ground in the latter stages of the tournament.
With every match now a winner-takes-all affair, Africa’s representatives have an opportunity to redefine the continent’s World Cup legacy. A place in the quarter-finals is no longer viewed as an extraordinary achievement but as a realistic target for several teams, and dreams of producing the first African world champion remain alive.
Below are the Round of 32 fixtures for Sunday, June 28
South Africa vs Canada, kick-off 8 pm – Los Angeles, USA
Monday June 29
Brazil vs Japan, kick-off 6 pm – Houston, USA
Germany vs Paraguay, kick-off 9.30 pm – Foxborough, USA
Tuesday June 30
Netherlands vs Morocco, kick-off 2 am – Guadalupe, Mexico
Ivory Coast vs Norway, kick-off 6 pm – Arlington, USA
France vs Sweden, kick-off 10 pm – New Jersey, USA
Wednesday July 1
Mexico vs Ecuador, kick-off 2 am – Mexico City, Mexico
England vs DR Congo, kick-off 5 pm – Atlanta, USA
Belgium vs Senegal, kick-off 9pm – Seattle, USA
Thursday July 2
USA vs Bosnia-Herzegovina, kick-off 1am – Santa Clara, USA
Spain vs Austria, kick-off 8pm – Los Angeles, USA
Friday July 3
Portugal vs Croatia, kick-off 12am – Toronto, Canada
Switzerland vs Algeria, kick-off 4am – Vancouver, Canada
Australia vs Egypt, kick-off 7pm – Arlington, USA
Argentina vs Cape Verde, kick-off 11pm – Miami, USA
Saturday July 4
Colombia vs Ghana, kick-off 2.30am – Kansas City, USA
