Africa's last chance? World Cup 2026 quarterfinals feature four big stories

The 2026 World Cup is heating up as it enters the quarterfinals, with eight of the world's strongest national teams vying for the ultimate prize. For millions of African fans, however, the tournament carries an extra layer of anticipation centered on Morocco's potential to continue its historic journey. Morocco remains the sole African representative in the competition after Senegal, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Algeria, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were all eliminated. The nation's progress has captured the imagination of fans across the continent, who are keenly watching to see if they can defy expectations and advance further in the prestigious global football event. As the tournament progresses towards its conclusion, the stakes are higher than ever for all competing nations, but the hopes of an entire continent rest on the shoulders of the Moroccan team.