Algerian players celebrate their progression to the Round of 32 at the Fifa World Cup.
Image: IANS
The group stages of the 2026 World Cup have drawn to a close, leaving a historic trail of celebration across the African continent as nine African teams qualified for the last 32.
Leading the charge are Morocco and Ghana, two heavyweights who held the African flag exceptionally high and have done over the years.
While both nations faced grueling groups, they were always expected to put up a fierce fight.
The Atlas Lions dominantly secured seven points, including a statement draw against Brazil to finish second in Group C, while a resilient Ghana navigated a taxing Group L to advance with four points.
Yet, while the powerhouses did what was expected, the real magic of this tournament belongs to the underdogs.
For teams like South Africa, DR Congo, and the Ivory Coast, the ultimate World Cup dream unexpectedly continues, courtesy of some of the most stunning surprise performances in recent football history.
South Africa's Bafana Bafana shocked the world by qualifying for the knockout rounds for the first time ever, courtesy of a clutch, historic 1-0 victory over South Korea.
Not to be outdone, DR Congo clinched an unforgettable first-ever World Cup win and knockout berth by defeating Uzbekistan 3-1, defying all pre-tournament oddsmakers.
Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast bounced back from a narrow defeat against Germany to secure dominant wins over Ecuador and Curaçao, proving their tactical mettle on the grandest stage.
And in a more controversial fashion, Egypt qualified for the last 32 after a 1-1 draw with Iran, which many believed they lost because a goal was deemed offside.
Arguably the most emotional storyline out of Africa has been attached to Cape Verde. From their 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozhina stealing the show against Spain, to an emphatic group stage performance, Cape Verde have proven their worth.
The eighth team to complete the last 32 will be Algeria, after a 3-3 draw with Austria on Sunday morning. After being a part of a highly controversial African Cup of Nations final against Morocco, Senegal complete the nine African teams in the last 32.
Now, the safety nets are gone, and the Last 32 brings mouth-watering matchups for Africa's finest.
Morocco will face the high-flying Netherlands in a highly anticipated, culturally loaded tactical battle in Monterrey.
Ghana is slated to take on Colombia, the formidable winners of Group K that Portugal couldn't trump.
South Africa will go head-to-head with co-hosts Canada at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, looking to keep their fairytale alive.
Ivory Coast draws an aggressive Norway side in an intriguing clash in Arlington. England take on Congo, Senegal play Belgium, Switzerland play Algeria, Australia take on Egypt while Argentina play Cape Verde.
With the group stages now done and dusted, nine African nations march into the Round of 32, no doubt, with the hopes of a continent resting on their shoulders.
Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch