The 2026 World Cup began with 48 teams. After the group stage, we are down to 32 teams for the knockout stage with the first match in Los Angeles between Canada and South Africa today.

Yesterday, Ghana, Congo DR and Algeria made it 9 African teams in the Round of 32. It is almost a perfect record for CAF seeing that there were 9 qualifying groups. There were 10 African teams in the 2026 World Cup. Congo DR made it 10 via the playoff route. Tunisia is the only African team that has been eliminated from the World Cup. This is progress for Africa who used to have 5 teams in the 32-team World Cup.

❌ Teams eliminated in group stage by confederation:

7⃣ 🌏 AFC 🇰🇷🇶🇦🇮🇶🇯🇴🇮🇷🇺🇿🇸🇦
3⃣ 🌎 CONCACAF 🇭🇹🇨🇼🇵🇦
3⃣ 🌍 UEFA 🇨🇿🇹🇷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
1⃣ 🌏 OFC 🇳🇿
1⃣ 🌎 CONMEBOL 🇺🇾
1⃣ 🌍 CAF 🇹🇳

In Group L, Harry Kane scored his 70th goal of the season, equalling Ronaldo’s record as England defeated Panama 2-0. Saka’s corner was turned in by Jude Bellingham for the opener. Ghana lost 2-1 to Croatia.

Group J had 3 set piece goals from Argentina as they defeated Jordan 3-1. Messi scored a free kick, becoming the only player to score in all 3 games in this World Cup and the first to score in 7 consecutive World Cup matches. Algeria & Austria gave us a 3-3 thriller.

In K, Portugal played out a goalless draw with Colombia who finished top of the group. Congo DR came from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1. Wissa got a brace and there is a goal of the tournament contender from Uzbekistan.

So the full Round of 32 fixtures are complete with the pathway to the final clear.

Germany could meet France in the last 16. So is Spain & Portugal, Morocco & South Africa, USA & Belgium. In the other bracket, Brazil could face Norway in the last 16 and England in the last 8. Argentina’s route looks easy. Can they reach the final again and win it?