Africa will have two representatives in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Egypt joined Morocco in the knockout stage, while the continent's other teams have exited the tournament.
Egypt secured their place after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties on Friday following a 1-1 draw after extra time in their Round of 32 clash.
Emam Ashour put the Pharaohs ahead in the first half, but Mohamed Hany's own goal brought Australia level in the 55th minute. Neither side found a winner after 120 minutes, and Egypt prevailed in the shootout to record their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout victory.
The win sets up a Round of 16 meeting with defending champions Argentina, who defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time.
Morocco had earlier become Africa's first team to reach the Round of 16 after beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw. The Atlas Lions will face co-hosts Canada for a place in the quarter-finals.
Africa's campaign has otherwise ended in disappointment, with eight teams eliminated.
Côte d’Ivoire lost 2-1 to Norway, South Africa were beaten 1-0 by Canada, Algeria lost 2-0 to Switzerland, DR Congo fell 2-1 to England, Senegal suffered a 3-2 defeat to Belgium, Ghana lost 1-0 to Colombia, while Cape Verde exited after their extra-time defeat to Argentina.
Algeria's campaign ended in the group stage after they failed to qualify for the Round of 32.
With only Egypt and Morocco remaining, Africa's hopes of reaching the quarter-finals now rest on the two sides' Round of 16 fixtures.
