Africa Celebrates Nine Teams in World Cup Knockout Stage

Africa is celebrating a historic moment in football as nine out of 10 participating teams have advanced to the World Cup knockout stage. This remarkable 90% success rate marks a major breakthrough for the continent's soccer ambitions.

The achievement builds on Morocco's historic semi-final run in Qatar four years ago. It offers a hopeful glimpse into the future of the game on a continent known for its passion for soccer, even as progress is often hampered by administrative and logistical hurdles.

"It's a source of great pride that there are so many African teams qualified for the Round of 32," said Democratic Republic of Congo coach Sebastien Desabre. "For many years the African continent has been working hard and making progress. Sure, there is still room for improvement, and we must ensure we try and remain humble but we are happy to be part of this progression of African football."

“

It’s a source of great pride that there are so many African teams qualified for the Round of 32. For many years the African continent has been working hard and making progress. Sure, there is still room for improvement, and we must ensure we try and remain humble but we are happy to be part of this progression of African football.

Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe echoed this sentiment, stating, "The global competitiveness and world-class quality of African football is being recognised and highlighted by the victories and qualification to the World Cup Round of 32, by each of the nine African national teams." He attributed the success to "hard work and investments in youth football development, coaching, professional football leagues and football infrastructure."

With this trajectory, Africa aims to secure more representation in future tournaments, underscoring the growing global competitiveness of its national teams.

“

The global competitiveness and world-class quality of African football is being recognised and highlighted by the victories and qualification to the World Cup Round of 32, by each of the nine African national teams. The hard work and investments in youth football development, coaching, professional football leagues and football infrastructure in each of CAF’s 54 member associations and in the CAF competitions, is bearing fruit.