The stage is set for an Africa-dominated World Cup knockout phase as nine out of ten teams from the continent have stormed into the next round with a flourish. It's been a transformative year for African football, and this remarkable showing has vindicated FIFA President Gianni Infantino's decision to expand the World Cup format. Just eight years ago, none of the five African representatives in the 2018 tournament managed to escape their groups – now, only Tunisia is being left behind as its peers bask in the glow of success.
Cape Verde, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Morocco, and South Africa have punched their tickets to the knockout rounds as runners-up, while Algeria, DR Congo, Ghana, and Senegal secured their spots with third-place finishes. This collective triumph paints a picture of seismic progress within African football over the past eight years – a period that saw initial doubts about the continent's increased World Cup allocation dissipate in favour of an unmistakable upward trend.
But while Africa is basking in its own glory, the Asian teams are reeling from their early exit. Only two out of nine countries representing the AFC managed to emerge from their groups unscathed – a stark contrast to the widespread success being enjoyed by their African counterparts. The new World Cup structure, which now features 32 teams in the first knockout round and allows for third-placed teams to progress from certain groups, has undoubtedly played a role in the increased number of qualifiers.
The secret to Africa's recent ascendancy lies in its long-term strategic commitment – particularly inspired by Morocco's groundbreaking run to the semi-finals in the 2022 World Cup. That tournament saw two African nations reach the knockout stage for the first time, with Morocco making history by beating Belgium, Spain, and Portugal before their journey was ended by France. Former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong highlighted Morocco's approach, stating that their success was a result of "years and years of investing in grassroots football and academies," providing a "blueprint" for others.