Africa’s World Cup Dream Alive: Bafana Bafana and Morocco Lead the Charge into the Round of 32
Morocco and Bafana Bafana are Round of 32 Qualifiers
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already shaping up to be a landmark tournament for African football.
With the expanded 48-team format creating more opportunities than ever before, Africa arrived in North America with a record ten representatives: South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, Tunisia and DR Congo.
As the group stage reaches its dramatic conclusion, two African nations have already secured their places in the Round of 32. Morocco and, in one of the biggest stories of the tournament, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
For football fans across the continent, the dream is very much alive.
Bafana Bafana Make History
South African football supporters have waited a long time for this moment.
After suffering a disappointing 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in their opening match, many feared Bafana Bafana could be heading for another early World Cup exit. Instead, Hugo Broos’ side showed character, resilience and belief.
A hard-fought victory over South Korea, secured through a second-half goal from Thapelo Maseko after excellent work from Tshepang Moremi, sealed South Africa’s place in the knockout stages for the first time in the nation’s history.
It’s a massive achievement for a team that continues to exceed expectations on the world stage.
For many supporters, this run already ranks among the greatest moments in South African football since hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Now comes an even bigger challenge.
Canada vs South Africa: Can Bafana Keep The Dream Alive?
Bafana Bafana will face Canada in the Round of 32 on Sunday, 28 June, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Canada have impressed throughout the tournament with their pace, pressing game and attacking threat. However, South Africa have become one of the hardest teams to break down and will travel into the knockout round full of confidence.
The pressure will be firmly on the Canadians, while Bafana can embrace their underdog status.
Betting Odds:
- Canada Win: 1.70
- Draw: 2.30
- South Africa Win: 4.00
Canada possess more depth and experience at this level, but Bafana Bafana have already shown they thrive when written off. Expect a tight contest with very few chances.
Prediction: Canada 2-1 South Africa
Morocco Continue To Fly The African Flag
Morocco remain Africa’s strongest contender for a deep run in the tournament.
The Atlas Lions followed up their impressive group-stage performances with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Haiti to secure qualification for the Round of 32. Achraf Hakimi once again led from the front, while Ismael Saibari, Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine all found the back of the net.
Ever since their historic semi-final run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Morocco have carried themselves like genuine contenders rather than outsiders. Their organisation, defensive discipline and attacking quality make them dangerous opponents for any nation left in the competition.
Morocco’s Round of 32 Prospects
Morocco are expected to face one of Europe’s traditional heavyweights in the knockout stages.
While bookmakers may make their opponents slight favourites, the Atlas Lions have repeatedly proven they can upset football’s biggest nations. Morocco have all the tools required to reach the last 16 and potentially beyond.
Prediction: Morocco to qualify after a closely fought encounter.
The Rest Of Africa’s World Cup Hopes
Several African nations remain firmly in contention heading into the final round of group-stage fixtures.
Still Fighting For Qualification:
- Egypt
- Algeria
- Ghana
- Senegal
- Ivory Coast
- Cape Verde
- DR Congo
Tunisia’s campaign has already come to an end after suffering defeats against Sweden and Japan.
Egypt, inspired by Mohamed Salah, remain well-positioned to progress, while Cape Verde have captured the imagination of neutral fans after earning valuable results against some of world football’s biggest names.
Senegal and Ivory Coast also remain dangerous contenders despite facing difficult groups.
A Tournament Africa Won’t Forget
Regardless of what happens next, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already a historic tournament for African football. South Africa have achieved a breakthrough that generations of supporters have dreamed about, while Morocco continue to demonstrate that African nations belong among football’s elite.
If several more African teams join them in the Round of 32, this could become the continent’s most successful World Cup campaign ever.
For South African football fans, though, all eyes are now on Los Angeles.
The next chapter of Bafana Bafana’s World Cup story is about to be written.
Read more about Bafana’s historic win over South Korea
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Sibusiso loves all things sport and has been writing and living the game for the last ten years. Sibo can be found at his local when Liverpool or Pirates plays a match. He brings deep insights into upcoming football or rugby matches.