Africa’s Underdogs Aim for Knockout History in the Expanded 2026 World Cup

Before the 2026 World Cup, optimism surrounds the ten African teams heading to North America. The tournament’s expansion and the introduction of a Round of 32 mean that several squads could reach the knockout stage for the first time.

With the eight best third‑place teams now advancing, a single win could be enough to progress. While Morocco and Senegal are expected to reach the knockouts again, other underdogs may also achieve their best-ever World Cup finish.

South Africa

Bookmakers currently rate South Africa as the least likely nation to qualify from Group A, but fans can watch how those odds shift on Bettors, your daily source for South African football news and continental tournament updates. Still, Bafana Bafana feel they can upset the odds against Mexico, South Korea, and the Czech Republic.

Two draws against Nigeria in qualifying proved decisive, allowing South Africa to finish ahead of the Super Eagles in CAF Group C. That result gives Hugo Broos confidence that his team can manage similar results against their World Cup opponents—and perhaps even a shock win that could secure a third‑place spot.

To achieve this, the team must find greater consistency in front of goal. South Africa scored 15 times in qualifying, but nine of those came in three wins against Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. If they can score against the Czech Republic or South Korea and then adopt a more defensive structure, it will serve them well this summer.

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Tunisia

Tunisia is widely regarded as the weakest team in Group F, drawn alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden. Qualifying showed they can grind out results, winning nine of ten matches in CAF Group H with a 22‑goal tally and no conceded goals.

Although they will face tougher opposition, their defensive solidity will be key as they exploit counterattacks when opponents push forward. Players such as Elias Achouri and Hazem Mastouri will need to seize opportunities to punish defenses. If they can do so, Tunisia might secure a knockout berth in their seventh World Cup.

Côte d’Ivoire

Between 2006 and 2014, Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré could not help Côte d’Ivoire reach the knockouts, but Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo may change that. Returning after 12 years, the expansion of the tournament gives Les Éléphants a real chance to advance for the first time.

Like Tunisia, Emerse Faé’s team did not concede a goal in qualifying. Ousmane Diomande, Evan Ndicka, and others will aim to frustrate Germany, Ecuador, and Curaçao in Group E, though a win against Germany seems unlikely.

Ecuador, finished second in CONMEBOL standings to qualify, is no pushover. A draw against Ecuador and a victory over Curaçao could be enough for Côte d’Ivoire to secure a spot in the Round of 32.