Algeria has become the sixth African nation to exit the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 32, deepening the continent’s disappointing run in the knockout stage.
The North Africans were outclassed by a disciplined Swiss side, with Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye scoring to send Switzerland into the Round of 16 while ending Algeria’s impressive World Cup campaign.
Algeria’s elimination continues a worrying trend for Africa after a record-breaking group-stage performance that saw nine of the continent’s 10 representatives qualify for the knockout rounds.
However, the Round of 32 has proved disastrous for African teams.
Senegal were edged 3-2 by Belgium after extra time, Ivory Coast fell 2-1 to Norway, DR Congo lost 2-1 to England, while South Africa suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Canada.
Tunisia had already exited the competition during the group stage after finishing bottom of their group.
With six African nations now out of the tournament, hopes of a deep continental run rest on the remaining four teams.
Morocco have already secured their place in the Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout and remain Africa’s only confirmed representative in the next round.
Attention now turns to Egypt, Ghana and Cape Verde, who are yet to play their Round of 32 fixtures.
Egypt face Australia, Ghana take on Colombia, while Cape Verde have a daunting clash against defending champions Argentina.
Victories for any of the three nations would boost Africa’s presence in the Round of 16 and keep alive hopes of surpassing the continent’s previous best performances at the FIFA World Cup.
After an historic group-stage campaign, Africa will now be counting on Egypt, Ghana and Cape Verde to carry the continent’s ambitions forward as the Round of 32 stage will end this weekend .
