Morocco and South Africa Make History at 2026 World Cup
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially celebrated Morocco and South Africa as the first two African nations to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both teams secured their spots in the Round of 32 after winning their final group-stage matches, finishing second in Groups C and A respectively.
Morocco defeated Haiti 4-2 in a thrilling encounter, coming from behind twice to secure victory. South Africa, meanwhile, edged out South Korea 1-0 to claim a historic progression. For Bafana Bafana, this marks their first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout stage, having failed to advance from the group stage in their previous three tournaments. The Atlas Lions, on the other hand, are no strangers to deep runs, having reached the semi-finals in 2022.
CAF's Official Message of Congratulations
CAF shared a congratulatory post on its Instagram page, celebrating the two nations for being the first African representatives to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 tournament. The post highlighted the continent's increased representation at the 48-team World Cup and expressed optimism that more African teams would follow.
While Tunisia has already been eliminated, seven other African nations remain in contention for knockout-stage berths. Among them, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, and debutants Cape Verde are well-positioned ahead of their final group matches. Senegal and DR Congo face tougher challenges but still have a chance to advance. CAF noted that having nine African teams progress from the group stage would be a massive achievement for the continent.
Coaches React to Knockout Qualification
Moroccan head coach Mohamed Ouahbi downplayed the idea of preferring a specific opponent in the Round of 32. Speaking via Morocco World News, Ouahbi stated: "I do not have a preferred opponent. Tomorrow we will know the team we will face, and we have three different possibilities ahead of us, each with its own style of play." He added: "We are at the World Cup, and we came here with great ambitions. We have the desire and the ambition, and we are ready for everyone. We have to prepare ourselves first, and then analyse the opponents. We have even already analysed the performances of the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden."
South Africa's coach Hugo Broos, who is set to retire from football management after the World Cup, expressed his joy at making history with Bafana Bafana. "I said it already in the past that probably it will be one of the last games of my career, and when you can end a career like I had in this way, I think everybody or every coach dreams of it," he told SuperSport.
South Africa's Next Opponent Confirmed
South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32, while Morocco awaits the winner of Group F, likely the Netherlands if they top the group. Morocco's potential opponents also include Sweden or Japan, depending on final group standings.
Ronwen Williams Hits Back at Critics
Legit.ng previously reported that South Africa captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams aimed a sly dig at critics and doubters after the team's historic qualification. Williams expressed his pride in leading a resilient squad that overcame external negativity to achieve the milestone.
