DR Congo, Senegal exit World Cup after July 1 matches

Africa's representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been reduced after Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) were eliminated in the Round of 32 on July 1, leaving four nations still battling for places in the last 16.

The latest exits mean Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Cape Verde and Ghana remain the continent's final hopes of extending Africa's impressive campaign at the global tournament.

DR Congo's inspiring World Cup journey came to an end after a hard-fought 2-1 defeat to England in Atlanta.

The Congolese side stunned England by taking an early lead and looked capable of producing one of the tournament's biggest upsets.

However, England captain Harry Kane delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice in the second half to complete the comeback and send the Three Lions into the Round of 16.

Despite the defeat, DR Congo earned widespread praise for a spirited performance that showcased the nation's growing strength on the international stage.

Later on Tuesday, Senegal also exited the competition following an entertaining 3-2 defeat to Belgium in Seattle.

The Teranga Lions fought bravely throughout the encounter but were unable to overcome the European side, bringing their World Cup campaign to an end.

Senegal's elimination marks another disappointment for one of Africa's traditional football powerhouses, which had entered the tournament with hopes of making a deep run.

Senegal and DR Congo joined South Africa and Ivory Coast, who were knocked out earlier in the Round of 32.

South Africa suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Canada, while Ivory Coast fell 2-1 to Norway, ending both nations' participation in the tournament.

Morocco remain Africa's standout performers after becoming the continent's first team to secure a place in the Round of 16.

The Atlas Lions eliminated the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout after the match finished 1-1 following extra time, continuing their impressive record at recent FIFA World Cups.

Their qualification has boosted hopes that another African nation can make a significant impact on football's biggest stage.

Attention now turns to the remaining African nations, who will be aiming to join Morocco in the Round of 16.

The upcoming Round of 32 fixtures are:

• Algeria vs Switzerland – July 2
• Egypt vs Australia – July 2
• Cape Verde vs Argentina – July 3
• Ghana vs Colombia – July 3

Victories for any of the four teams would see them progress to the knockout stage and strengthen Africa's representation in the tournament.

For Ghana, the clash against Colombia presents another opportunity to continue the Black Stars' impressive World Cup journey and keep alive hopes of lifting Africa's profile on the global stage.

With Morocco already through and four more teams still in action, African football fans will be hoping the continent can produce more memorable performances as the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its decisive knockout phase.