Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe has praised the performance of African teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after nine nations qualified for the knockout stage.

He said that for the first time in World Cup history, 90% of Africa’s representatives progressed from the group stage, describing it as a major milestone for the continent and evidence of its growing strength in global football.

The nine African teams that reached the Round of 32 are Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and South Africa.

Motsepe commended the players, technical teams and football leadership across Africa, describing the achievement as well-earned.

“On behalf of the CAF Member Associations that represent 54 African countries, I would like to express our heartfelt congratulations to the national team players and technical teams of Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and South Africa for their hard-earned and well-deserved qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32,” he said.

He said the performances highlighted the quality, competitiveness and development of football across the continent.

“The players and technical teams have made each of their countries proud and have also made the 1.6 billion people on the African continent and in the diaspora proud. The global competitiveness and world-class quality of African football is being recognised and highlighted by the victories and qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 by each of the nine African national teams,” he added.

Motsepe said the progress reflected long-term investment in youth development, coaching, infrastructure and professional leagues across CAF member associations.

“The hard work and investments in youth football development, coaching, professional football leagues and football infrastructure in each of CAF’s 54 Member Associations and in CAF competitions is bearing fruit. The governance, transparency, management, financial and auditing best practices that have been introduced have attracted new sponsors and partners, and these financial partnerships have contributed to the development and growth of African football,” he said.

He also congratulated the presidents and executive committees of the qualifying associations and thanked African governments for their support.