PHOTO: REUTERS

AGENCIES

DR Congo punched their ticket to the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds on Sunday, completing a seismic group stage that has fundamentally altered the balance of world football. The Leopards’ progression seals an unprecedented, record-breaking milestone.

Out of the 10 African countries that arrived at the 2026 tournament, nine have survived for the Round of 32. Joining DR Congo in this historic vanguard are continental powerhouses and fearless dark horses alike: Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, Senegal, Ghana, and Algeria.

Prior to this tournament, only six African nations in the entirety of football history had ever tasted a World Cup knockout match. In a single stroke, that reality has been completely rewritten.

Africa’s allocation of qualifiers was doubled from the last World Cup and other than a troubled Tunisia, who conceded 12 goals in three defeats, they have more than merited more representation on the global stage. It shows the growth and development of African football and how African players are increasingly able to compete at the highest level against the best teams in the world.

In this campaign, African teams have taken points off Brazil, England, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, and Belgium - all squads with history and pedigree that have struggled to cope with the quality of African teams.

“That shows the quality of African football,” said Algerian star Riyad Mahrez.

In contrast to Africa’s surge, Asian sides have failed to justify a similar increase to nine teams. Only Japan and Australia have progressed from the Asian Football Confederation region. Jordan and Uzbekistan ended their World Cup debuts without a point, while Iraq shipped 12 goals after being handed a nightmare draw up against France, Senegal, and Norway.

“I have been working on the African continent for 15 years now. I see federations becoming better organised, coaches improving and players getting better. Africa keeps progressing,” said DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre.

“I think and hope that an African team will win the World Cup this year or in the coming years. To me, it is just a matter of time.”

Morocco, the first African semi-finalists four years ago, have proved an inspiration for others on the continent.

“We need to believe in this objective, this target (to win the World Cup),” said Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

When Shakira sang “This Time for Africa” sixteen years ago, it was a celebratory anthem for a host nation. In 2026, it reads like a warning to the rest of the footballing world.