World Cup 2026: Patrice Motsepe hails historic success as nine African teams reach knockouts

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has hailed the "fruitful" investments in infrastructure and coaching after nine out of 10 African qualifiers advanced to the World Cup knockout stages. Photo: Backpagepix

Africa football boss Patrice Motsepe said on Sunday that hard work and investment in youth, coaching and infrastructure had paid off at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Nine of the 10 African qualifiers for the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico have reached the knockout phase. Algeria, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal and South Africa will feature in the Round of 32. Only Tunisia missed out, losing all three matches.

"Hard work and investments in youth football, coaching, professional leagues and infrastructure in each of the 54 CAF member associations is bearing fruit," said CAF president Motsepe.

"I congratulate the nine CAF member association presidents and their executive committees and thank the African governments for their co-operation and support. The governance, transparency, financial and auditing best practices that have been introduced attracted new sponsors and partners and (helped to) develop and grow African football.

"CAF wish the nine national teams everything of the best and we are confident they will continue to make their countries and Africa extremely proud."

Africa achieved 90% success in qualifying for the second round — the highest figure among the six FIFA continental regions. South America (83.33%) was second and Europe (81.25%) third.

In 2022, Morocco became the first World Cup semi-finalists from Africa. The Atlas Lions overcame Belgium, Spain and Portugal en route to the penultimate stage before losing to France.

Former Portuguese colony Cape Verde is a sparsely populated, 10-island archipelago off the west coast of Africa and the second-smallest country by size to compete at the global showpiece. After stunning eight-time World Cup participants Cameroon in African qualifying, the Blue Sharks drew against star-studded Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to finish Group H runners-up.

Africa benefited when Fifa expanded the World Cup from 32 teams at the last tournament. They were allocated nine automatic places, while DR Congo beat Jamaica in the final of an inter-continental play-off to secure an additional spot.  |  AFP