Egypt registered their first-ever win at the FIFA World Cup by beating New Zealand 3-1 on Monday, June 22, 2026. /FIFA
Ten African nations made historic appearances at the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Twelve days into the competition, Africa has already suffered two casualties following the elimination of reigning African champions Senegal and Tunisia.
The Lions of Teranga were given their marching orders after a 3-2 loss to Norway on Tuesday morning, amid claims that players are still waiting for their AFCON-winning and World Cup qualification bonuses.
Senegal lost their opening Group I match to France 3-1, with Ibrahim Mbaye scoring a stoppage-time consolation goal.
The Pape Thiaw squad failed to replicate their iconic 2002 World Cup opening victory, when the debutants stunned defending champions France 1-0.
The Carthage Eagles, on the other hand, were handed an early exit following a 5-1 thrashing by Sweden in their Group H opener on June 15 and a 4-0 whipping by Japan on June 21.
Tunisia, the 2004 continental champions, were among the African sides tipped to impress on the global stage.
The North Africans have made seven World Cup appearances and have also reached two other AFCON finals, finishing runners-up in 1965 and 1996.
Africa is now left with eight teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as of June 23.
South Africa, who lost 2-1 to co-hosts Mexico in their Group A opener on June 11, revived their campaign by forcing a 1-1 draw against Czech Republic on June 18 to keep their hopes alive.
Their next match against South Korea on June 25 is a must-win encounter if they are to remain in contention.
World Cup debutants Cape Verde have also exceeded expectations and remain firmly in the hunt after securing two draws against fancied opponents.
After delighting fans with a shock 0-0 draw against Spain in their Group H opener on June 15, Cape Verde continued their impressive debut campaign by holding two-time champions Uruguay to a thrilling 2-2 draw in Miami on Monday.
They are now level on points with Uruguay and two behind group leaders Spain ahead of their fixture against Saudi Arabia on June 27.
Other African teams still in contention include Morocco, who sit second in Group C on four points, level with leaders Brazil but behind on goal difference.
Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil in their opener on June 14 before edging Scotland 1-0 on June 20. They next face Haiti on June 25.
Ivory Coast won their Group E opener 1-0 against Ecuador but lost their second match 2-1 to Germany despite creating several promising scoring opportunities that they failed to convert.
The match appeared destined for a draw before substitute Deniz Undav struck a late winner to send Germany through to the Round of 32.
Coach Emerse Faé and his side next face Curacao on June 25.
DR Congo currently sit second in Group K behind leaders Colombia with one point after a 1-1 draw against Portugal in their opening match on June 17. They next take on Colombia on June 24.
Ghana, who secured a 1-0 victory against Panama in their Group L opener on June 18, are level on points with England ahead of their second group match on Tuesday night. They will also face Croatia on June 28.
Egypt boosted their qualification hopes with a 3-1 victory over New Zealand on Monday in Group G and will next face Iran on June 27.
It was the Pharaohs' first-ever win at the World Cup.
Algeria, who lost their Group J opener 3-0 to Argentina, are another African side fighting for survival after recovering to beat Jordan 2-1 on Tuesday.
They will conclude their group-stage campaign against Austria on June 28.
Under the current 48-team World Cup format, teams that finish first and second in each of the 12 groups automatically qualify for the Round of 32.
In addition, the eight best third-placed teams across all groups also advance. Where teams are tied on points, FIFA considers goal difference, goals scored and, if necessary, fair-play records before resorting to the FIFA World Ranking as a final tiebreaker.
Any African side that fails to finish among the top eight third-placed teams will be eliminated from the tournament.
