Former France international Thierry Henry says he is delighted to see African teams excel at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico after nine of the 10 qualified teams from the continent progressed to the Round of 32.
Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, Congo and Algeria all booked places in the knockout stage in a record-breaking performance for Africa.
Previously, the continent’s highest representation in the knockout rounds of a single World Cup was two teams, achieved during the 32-team tournament era.
At the expanded tournament, Africa now boasts the highest qualification rate to the knockout stage, with 90 per cent of its teams advancing, according to Opta.
CONMEBOL ranks second with five of its six representatives progressing, representing an 83 per cent success rate, while UEFA had 13 of its 16 teams reach the Round of 32 for an 81 per cent qualification rate. Related News Ghana coach slams expansion despite African record World Cup: Canada eliminate South Africa with narrow victory South Korea president apologises after World Cup group-stage exit
