Sports

Full List: African Teams Eliminated From 2026 World Cup So Far

Published July 2, 2026 at 11:43 AM

Dr Congoplayers celebrating goal against Portugal in 2026 FIFA World Cup match

Africa’s hopes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered another major setback on Wednesday as Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were eliminated from the tournament.

Naija News reports that Senegal became the fifth African team to bow out after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium in their Round of 32 encounter.

The result also made Senegal the fourth African side to be eliminated in the second round of the competition.

Belgium Stun Senegal

Belgium vs Senegal — Ex-Liverpool player, Sadio Mane controls the ball against Timothy Castagne of Belgium during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal at Seattle Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. | Credit: Alex Grimm/Getty Images

Senegal appeared to be heading into the Round of 16 after taking a 2-0 lead, but Belgium produced a stunning late comeback to keep their World Cup campaign alive.

Romelu Lukaku pulled one back for Belgium in the 86th minute before Charles De Ketelaere equalised in stoppage time.

Youri Tielemans then converted a penalty in the fifth minute of extra time to complete Belgium’s comeback and send Senegal out of the tournament.

England Edge DR Congo

In another Round of 32 fixture, DR Congo were knocked out after a 2-1 defeat to England.

The Leopards had threatened an upset when Brian Cipenga beat England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at his near post in the 13th minute.

England, however, responded through captain Harry Kane, who scored twice after earlier being denied a controversial penalty. Kane struck in the 41st and 75th minutes to complete the comeback for the Three Lions.

England will now face co-hosts Mexico for a place in the quarter-finals.

African Teams Eliminated

Senegal and DR Congo have now joined Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa on the list of African teams eliminated from the tournament.

Senegal – Lost 3-2 to Belgium after surrendering a two-goal lead.
Democratic Republic of the Congo – Lost 2-1 to England after taking an early lead through Brian Cipenga.
Tunisia – Finished fourth in Group F behind the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden.
Côte d’Ivoire – Lost 2-1 to Norway, ending their hopes of reaching the Round of 16.
South Africa – Suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Canada in the Round of 32.

Despite the exits, five African countries remain in contention as the continent continues its search for a first-ever FIFA World Cup title.