Morocco has emerged as the only African nation left in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Egypt suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16.
Egypt appeared to be heading for a famous victory after taking a 2-0 lead through Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico.
However, Argentina staged a remarkable comeback with late goals from Lionel Messi, Cristian Romero and Enzo Fernandez to book a place in the quarter-finals.
The result ended Egypt’s impressive World Cup campaign and left Morocco as Africa’s sole representative in the last eight.
Africa had a record 10 teams at the expanded 48-team tournament—Tunisia, DR Congo, South Africa, Ghana, Cape Verde, Senegal, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Egypt and Morocco.
Nine of them reached the Round of 32, while only Morocco and Egypt advanced to the Round of 16.
Morocco secured a convincing 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada to reach the quarter-finals, where they will face France. Argentina, meanwhile, will take on Switzerland.
Reacting to Africa’s performance, Lagos-based sports journalist Femi Fabunmi praised the continent’s representatives but admitted Morocco faces a difficult task against France.
He noted that while France appear stronger on paper, football has produced many surprises, and Morocco still has a chance of causing an upset.
Tags:
2026 FIFA World Cup, Morocco, Egypt, Argentina, Africa Football
