Record-breaking African representation at the 2026 World Cup is turning into a historic statement, with more teams reaching the knockout stage and proving the continent’s rise is only getting stronger.

This World Cup is already a landmark for South Africa, which had never advanced from group play in its three previous trips to the sport's biggest stage.

The biggest World Cup in history featuring 48 teams is shrinking fast. Which nations have been condemned to elimination?

Brazil, England, Spain — have been giving uneven performances out on the pitch during this World Cup. Meanwhile, teams from Africa have been relentless.

Follow live updates and coverage on the 2026 World Cup as Canada and South Africa compete in the tournament’s first knockout match.

Egyption and Moroccan fans across the North-West back each other to progress in the World Cup.

"African players are the pride of their nations, often carrying the weight of proving what the continent is capable of,” writes Jeremy Ebobisse.

Co-hosts Canada take on South Africa today in the first round-of-32 match in the 96-year history of the World Cup. Defeat to Switzerland in their final group game saw Canada qualify as runners-up of Group B,

A late second-half goal from Stephen Eustáquio allowed Canada to inch past South Africa in the opening game of the World Cup’s Round of 32, sending Les Rouges through to the next round.

The Canada and South Africa national soccer teams played for a spot in the World Cup round of 16. See who's advancing and who is going home.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Africa set a record by sending nine of its teams to the knockout rounds of the World Cup. Seven of them were KO'd in the first round. Ghana was the last African team to play in the Round of 32 on Friday night,