The South African Football Association (SAFA) congratulates all the African teams that have qualified for the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A record-breaking nine African countries qualified for the knockout stage of the global tournament currently being held in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada. The qualified teams are Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cape Verde, DRC and Egypt.
“SAFA congratulates all the African teams and we recognize them as the representatives of the continent on the global stage. This year’s tournament has shown the strength of African soccer and we are proud of all of our representatives for making it to the knockout stages of the tournament,” said SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan.
Ten African teams qualified for the 2026 World Cup while nine proceeded to the Round of 32 in this tournament, which means 90% of the continent’s representatives are in the knockout stage. Asia had nine teams while two proceeded to Round of 32 (30%).
Concacaf had six teams and three moved to the Round of 32 (50%). Conmebol had six teams and five are in the Round of 32 (83%). Europe produced 16 teams and 13 progressed to the knockout stage (81%). Oceana had none.
“This is a massive boost for African football. SAFA also congratulates the Confederation of African Football and President Dr Patrice Motsepe because this is the first time that we have so many African teams going through to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
“We hope that what we have seen at this tournament generates a spirit of unity among all African teams as we support one another in ensuring that we bring glory to the continent. We support the African solidarity and unity that has been generated during this tournament.
The number of African teams that are performing and have advanced to the knockout stages indicates that the way forward for the continent is through solidarity.
“As SAFA, we are in total support of African unity and African solidarity.”
