The historic euphoria of having 9 out of 10 teams qualify for the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup quickly gave way to immense regret. As the first assessment of the knockout matches comes in, the conclusion is stark: several African representatives saw their dreams crumble in the dying moments, highlighting a recurring weakness in managing the end of matches.

Of the first five African nations competing in the round of 32, only Morocco survived , eliminating the Netherlands on penalties (1-1, penalties). For South Africa, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Senegal, the adventure ends here.

A film of disillusionment: fatal match endings

The common thread in these eliminations? A chronic inability to maintain a score or result until the final whistle.

1. South Africa – Canada (0-1): Bafana Bafana resisted heroically before cruelly breaking in added time.
2. Ivory Coast – Norway (1-2): For their first World Cup finals, the Elephants held their own against the Norwegians before conceding the fatal goal in the final minutes.
3. DR Congo – England (1-2): The Leopards made the English doubt themselves, before finally giving way in the last quarter of an hour.
4. Senegal – Belgium (2-3, aet): The most traumatic scenario. Comfortably leading 2-0, the Lions of Teranga saw the Belgians come back to level the score before conceding the penalty that sealed their defeat at the end of extra time.

The tactical debate has been reignited.

For Belgium's coach, Rudi Garcia, this comeback against Senegal was no accident. According to him, the Senegalese team's decision to sit back and defend their two-goal lead completely revitalized his side.

"We know these teams, they lose their tactical structure towards the end of the match," he said after the game.

Beyond this pointed statement, the overall observation highlights the same shortcomings: a lack of control during weak moments, a failing emotional management under pressure and a breakdown of collective organization at the end of the game.

This debate on tactical discipline was also reignited by former German international Bastian Schweinsteiger. Although he was heavily criticized for describing African football as "sometimes unorthodox" and "a bit wild," his comments—which he later justified as simply a game analysis—highlight areas for improvement for the continent's national teams.

A historic outcome nonetheless

Despite the frustration of these early eliminations, African football has achieved an unprecedented feat. Having so many representatives reach the second round of a World Cup demonstrates the continent's overall progress and its ability to compete with the world's elite.

All hopes now rest on Morocco , already qualified for the round of 16, as well as on Algeria , Egypt , Ghana , and Cape Verde , who still have to play their round of 32 matches. Their respective journeys will determine whether this 2026 World Cup will remain a mere record for participation or a lasting breakthrough towards the pinnacle of world football.