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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…