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FIFA World Cup 2026: Record Nine African Nations Reach Round of 32 New York, June 28 (ANI): African football has achieved a historic milestone at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with a record nine of the continent’s 10 participating teams advancing to the Round of 32, eclipsing the previous best of two African teams reaching the knockout stage in a single tournament. The nine teams to progress are Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Egypt, Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cape Verde, while Tunisia became the only African side to exit at the group stage. The achievement marks a dramatic leap from the previous record set at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, when Algeria and Nigeria were the only African teams to qualify for the knockout rounds. Before this edition, only six African nations had ever reached the World Cup knockout stage. Algeria secured qualification in dramatic fashion after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Austria. With the score tied 2-2 deep into stoppage time, captain Riyad Mahrez appeared to have sealed victory with a late goal before Austria equalised with virtually the final kick of the match. The draw proved sufficient for both sides to progress. The Democratic Republic of Congo created history by recording its first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, rallying from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1. The win secured the nation’s maiden appearance in the knockout stage, where it will face England in the Round of 32. Cape Verde continued its remarkable debut World Cup campaign by advancing despite not winning a single group-stage match. A goalless draw against Saudi Arabia, following earlier stalemates against Spain and Uruguay, ensured qualification. The Blue Sharks became the first team since Chile in the 1998 World Cup to progress from the group stage without registering a victory. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha also entered the record books. At 40 years of age, he became only the third goalkeeper in FIFA World Cup history, after Peter Shilton of England and Italy’s Dino Zoff, to record multiple clean sheets after turning 40. Morocco, which became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal at Qatar 2022, has once again impressed by emerging as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders, including a notable 1-1 draw against Brazil during the group stage. Africa’s record-breaking success stands in contrast to Asia’s representation in the Round of 32, where only Japan and Australia progressed. Australia qualified through the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifying campaign.

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Record Nine African Nations Reach Round of 32 New York, June 28 (ANI): African football has achieved a historic milestone at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with a record nine of the continent's 10 participating teams advancing to the Round of 32, eclipsing the previous best of two African teams reaching the knockout stage in a single tournament. The nine teams to progress are Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Egypt, Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cape Verde, while Tunisia became the only African side to exit at the group stage. The achievement marks a dramatic leap from the previous record set at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, when Algeria and Nigeria were the only African teams to qualify for the knockout rounds. Before this edition, only six African nations had ever reached the World Cup knockout stage. Algeria secured qualification in dramatic fashion after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Austria. With the score tied 2-2 deep into stoppage time, captain Riyad Mahrez appeared to have sealed victory with a late goal before Austria equalised with virtually the final kick of the match. The draw proved sufficient for both sides to progress. The Democratic Republic of Congo created history by recording its first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, rallying from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1. The win secured the nation's maiden appearance in the knockout stage, where it will face England in the Round of 32. Cape Verde continued its remarkable debut World Cup campaign by advancing despite not winning a single group-stage match. A goalless draw against Saudi Arabia, following earlier stalemates against Spain and Uruguay, ensured qualification. The Blue Sharks became the first team since Chile in the 1998 World Cup to progress from the group stage without registering a victory. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha also entered the record books. At 40 years of age, he became only the third goalkeeper in FIFA World Cup history, after Peter Shilton of England and Italy's Dino Zoff, to record multiple clean sheets after turning 40. Morocco, which became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal at Qatar 2022, has once again impressed by emerging as one of the tournament's strongest contenders, including a notable 1-1 draw against Brazil during the group stage. Africa's record-breaking success stands in contrast to Asia's representation in the Round of 32, where only Japan and Australia progressed. Australia qualified through the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifying campaign.
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FIFA World Cup 2026: Record Nine African Nations Reach Round of 32 New York, June 28 (ANI): African football has achieved a historic milestone at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with a record nine of the continent’s 10 participating teams advancing to the Round of 32, eclipsing the previous best of two African teams reaching the knockout stage in a single tournament. The nine teams to progress are Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Egypt, Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cape Verde, while Tunisia became the only African side to exit at the group stage. The achievement marks a dramatic leap from the previous record set at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, when Algeria and Nigeria were the only African teams to qualify for the knockout rounds. Before this edition, only six African nations had ever reached the World Cup knockout stage. Algeria secured qualification in dramatic fashion after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Austria. With the score tied 2-2 deep into stoppage time, captain Riyad Mahrez appeared to have sealed victory with a late goal before Austria equalised with virtually the final kick of the match. The draw proved sufficient for both sides to progress. The Democratic Republic of Congo created history by recording its first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, rallying from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1. The win secured the nation’s maiden appearance in the knockout stage, where it will face England in the Round of 32. Cape Verde continued its remarkable debut World Cup campaign by advancing despite not winning a single group-stage match. A goalless draw against Saudi Arabia, following earlier stalemates against Spain and Uruguay, ensured qualification. The Blue Sharks became the first team since Chile in the 1998 World Cup to progress from the group stage without registering a victory. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha also entered the record books. At 40 years of age, he became only the third goalkeeper in FIFA World Cup history, after Peter Shilton of England and Italy’s Dino Zoff, to record multiple clean sheets after turning 40. Morocco, which became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal at Qatar 2022, has once again impressed by emerging as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders, including a notable 1-1 draw against Brazil during the group stage. Africa’s record-breaking success stands in contrast to Asia’s representation in the Round of 32, where only Japan and Australia progressed. Australia qualified through the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifying campaign. – Times of Oman

FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi shares training glimpse ahead of Argentina’s Cabo Verde R32 clash

SportsFriday 03/July/2026 07:51 AM
By: ANI

Florida: Argentina captain Lionel Messi shared glimpses of his side’s preparations ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against Cabo Verde, posting training snippets on Instagram on Thursday (local time)

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner uploaded photographs on Instagram from Argentina’s training session, offering fans a look at the defending champions’ final preparations before their knockout fixture at Miami Stadium

The defending champions will face Cabo Verde in the Round of 32 on July 3 , with a place in the Round of 16 at stake. Lionel Scaloni’s side enters the knockout phase aiming to continue its title defence after progressing through the group stage

Messi has been central to Argentina’s campaign, leading the team as they seek to retain the FIFA World Cup crown won in Qatar in 2022

The 39-year-old has enjoyed another impressive tournament, combining experience and leadership with his trademark creativity in attack. Argentina will be looking to build on that momentum against Cabo Verde as the knockout stages begin

Messi has enjoyed an outstanding campaign in the ongoing 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup. The Argentine captain is currently joint-top of the Golden Boot standings with six goals, level with France captain and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe

The winner of the encounter will advance to the Round of 16 and move one step closer to lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy. 

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