Record-breaking African representation at the 2026 World Cup is turning into a historic statement, with more teams reaching the knockout stage and proving the continent’s rise is only getting stronger.

Follow live updates and coverage on the 2026 World Cup as Canada and South Africa compete in the tournament’s first knockout match.

This World Cup is already a landmark for South Africa, which had never advanced from group play in its three previous trips to the sport's biggest stage.

An African side has never reached the World Cup final, but the continent has more representatives than ever at this expanded tournament

A late second-half goal from Stephen Eustáquio allowed Canada to inch past South Africa in the opening game of the World Cup’s Round of 32, sending Les Rouges through to the next round.

"African players are the pride of their nations, often carrying the weight of proving what the continent is capable of,” writes Jeremy Ebobisse.

Co-hosts Canada take on South Africa today in the first round-of-32 match in the 96-year history of the World Cup. Defeat to Switzerland in their final group game saw Canada qualify as runners-up of Group B,

For the first time in its history, Canada reached the World Cup knockout rounds. Now, after a tight 1-0 win over South Africa, Canada has reached the Round of 16 for the first ever time.

The World Cup knockout stage begins when Canada faces South Africa on Sunday, June 28.

Africa's World Cup hopes suffered a major setback after seven teams were eliminated in the last 32, leaving only Egypt and Morocco and setting an unwanted record.