Morocco became the first African team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup‘s round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands on penalties earlier today, Soccernet.ng reports.
South Africa came close against Canada, but a 95th-minute strike from Stephen Eustaquio sent Jesse Marsch's men into the next round, bringing Hugo Broos' time as Bafana Bafana head coach to an end. Despite their loss, former Super Eagles defender, Godwin Okpara, has been pleased with the way African Nations have conducted themselves at the Copa Mundial.
However, all's not done. Ivory Coast will play against Norway this evening, while tomorrow will see England take on DR Congo, and Belgium lock horns against Senegal.
Switzerland vs Algeria, Australia vs Egypt, and Argentina vs Cabo Verde will be played on Friday before Colombia and Ghana complete the round of 32 in the early hours of Saturday.
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2026 FIFA World Cup: Okpara reacts to the display of African teams
Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock for the Netherlands in the 72nd minute after a brilliant cut-back from Crysencio Summerville.
However, the Liverpool winger cut an emotional figure in his celebrations, largely because he lost his unborn child a few days ago, and had to be consoled by teammates. Fulham defender Issa Diop equalised in the 91st minute to take the game to extra time.
Gakpo's night got worse when he was injured seven minutes before the penalty shoot-out, and he came off for Justin Kluivert, who missed from twelve yards alongside Quentin Timber and Summerville.
Godwin Okpara, weighing in on the performance of the African teams, was pleased with how Morocco played and hopes Senegal can follow the same path.
“It is a very good thing to see African countries making it to the Round of 32,” the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder said in an interview with Footy Africa.
“This success is largely because the tournament expanded to 48 teams, allowing more countries to participate. It is a highly positive development for African football nations.
“Historically, the World Cup has not been fair from the very beginning. European and South American nations have always been granted a high number of slots, while Africa had only one, two or at most three places before the allocation gradually increased.
“With such limited representation, how could our teams ever get a fair chance or the opportunity to go far?”
“Now the organisers have realised this disparity and are trying to balance things out. Europe still has more slots than everyone else, but this is a step in the right direction.
“Having more African countries in the tournament gives the continent a genuine opportunity to progress.
“African football has come a long way. We are no longer simply trying to catch up with Europe—we are competing on the same level.
“Look at Morocco and Senegal. We consistently match the world’s best teams, and this format gives Africa a massive opportunity to go deep into the competition,” the 53-year-old concluded.
After predicting the Atlas Lions to go past the Netherlands, Okpara also made some bold statements involving the remaining African teams.
“Senegal against Belgium is another massive game. Senegal are physically dominant and have experienced players such as Sadio Mané. It will be very tough, but I expect Senegal to pull through.
“Egypt should realistically qualify against Australia. This is a golden opportunity for them to reach the next round. I fully expect Egypt to advance.
“Cape Verde fear nobody. You could see it during qualification—they are prepared to give everything for their country. I think they will make life extremely difficult for Argentina and could even produce a major upset,” the 28-cap Super Eagles star concluded.
9/32. Seems fair. 😉
Here we are. The #FIFAWorldCup knockouts. 🌍 pic.twitter.com/Sd3z3oO2qd
— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 28, 2026
Brazil, Paraguay, Canada and Morocco are the four teams to have sealed a round of 16 spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
