2026 World Cup: 3 disappointments and glorious eliminations... Our ranking of African teams

Tunisia was the only African team eliminated in the group stage, losing all three matches including 5-1 to Sweden. Senegal led Belgium 2-0 in the round of 32 before collapsing and losing in extra time, sparking a deep crisis. Algeria, back after twelve years, disappointed with internal controversies and elimination by Switzerland. South Africa reached the knockout stage for the first time but were eliminated thereafter. Nine of the ten African representatives advanced to the knockout rounds.