2026 FIFA World Cup sees African teams excel in opening round

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, expands to 48 nations and 104 matches, with the tournament’s second round beginning on 28 June. For the first time the competition is spread across three countries, and the knockout stage starts at the round of 16 rather than the quarter‑finals.

African nations have been the biggest beneficiaries of the new format. Nine of the ten qualifying African sides advanced past the group stage, doubling the continent’s representation compared with 2022. Improved player development, tactical coaching and stronger domestic academies are credited for the surge, highlighted by performances from players such as Sadio Mané, Thomas Partey and Amad Diallo.

The expanded tournament also features debutants like Uzbekistan, Jordan, Cabo Verde and Curaçao, while traditional powers such as Italy and Nigeria missed out.