2026 World Cup: Argentina, England, Netherlands... these big clashes awaiting the Africans

Although no African nation managed to seize first place in its group — forcing most of them to face heavyweight European or South American teams — this collective qualification demonstrates remarkable resilience. Five teams snatched second place in their groups while four others benefited from the expanded 48-team format to advance as some of the best third-placed sides, and will now have to battle for a spot in the round of 16.

The Bafana Bafana kick things off

South Africa is the first team from the continent to take the field this Sunday at 7pm (GMT), in Los Angeles, against Canada. It is a huge surprise for Hugo Broos' men who, after an initial defeat against Mexico, managed to bounce back by holding the Czech Republic and then defeating South Korea thanks to a goal from Thapelo Maseko. This qualification for the second round marks a historic first for the South African team.

A transition day on Monday, June 29

No African team will be on the pitch on Monday but two high-level clashes are on offer. At 5pm (GMT), Brazil will face Japan in Houston in a promising clash of styles. Later, at 8:30pm (GMT), Germany will take on Paraguay at the Boston stadium.

Morocco takes the lead and Ivory Coast tested on Tuesday, June 30

Tuesday’s matches will begin at 1am in Monterrey, featuring the Netherlands against Morocco. The Atlas Lions had the best group stage of all African representatives, collecting seven points, highlighted by a prestigious draw against Brazil. Under the guidance of Mohamed Ouahbi and carried by talents such as Ismael Saibari, Achraf Hakimi, and Bilal El Khannouss, the recent World Cup semi-finalists now embrace their status as an established powerhouse.

At 5pm in Dallas, Ivory Coast will take on Norway. The Elephants showed great strength of character by bouncing back from defeat to Germany to beat Ecuador and Curaçao. For their first appearance at this level, Emerse Faé’s players move forward with solid confidence. The day will end at 9pm in East Rutherford with a tightly-matched encounter between France and Sweden.

DR Congo’s ambitions and Senegal’s resurgence on Wednesday, July 1

The night kicks off at 1am in Mexico City with the match between Mexico and Ecuador. At 4pm, attention will turn to Atlanta where Sébastien Desabre’s DR Congo will face England. The Leopards caused a stir by drawing with Portugal and coming from behind against Uzbekistan to reach the knockout phase for the first time in their history.

At 8pm in Seattle, Senegal will give it their all against Belgium. The Lions have come back from the brink after narrowly escaping elimination following two consecutive defeats to France and Norway. Their big win over Iraq secured their qualification at the last moment. While their attack has found its footing again, Senegal's defense will need to recover its composure against the Red Devils.

A Thursday, July 2nd with an international flavor

Three major matches will be played Thursday, with no CAF zone teams involved. At midnight, the United States will play at home in San Francisco against Bosnia and Herzegovina. At 7pm, Spain faces Austria in Los Angeles, before the highly anticipated clash between Portugal and Croatia scheduled for 11pm in Toronto.

A marathon Friday, July 3rd for the continent

Friday’s schedule will be particularly packed for African supporters. Starting at 3am in Vancouver, Algeria will face Switzerland. The Fennecs are coming off a chaotic but spectacular group stage, finished with a fantastic draw against Austria where Riyad Mahrez thought he’d secured victory for his side at the last minute.

At 6pm in Dallas, Egypt will face Australia. The Pharaohs are quietly advancing, driven by a decisive Mohamed Salah and buoyed by a historic victory over New Zealand — their very first in the history of the competition.

At 10pm in Miami, Cape Verde will have a dream showdown against reigning world champions Argentina. For their first appearance at a World Cup, the Blue Sharks have had a heroic campaign with three draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. Goalkeeper Vozinha and his teammates are preparing for the greatest challenge of their modern history.

To round out the list of nine qualifiers, Ghana will play for qualification against Colombia. The Black Stars have shown great pragmatism throughout the group stage, relying on ironclad tactical discipline and a solid defense, including holding England to a draw.

The full round of 32 schedule for the 2026 World Cup

• Sunday, June 28

7pm: South Africa - Canada (Los Angeles)

• Monday, June 29

5pm: Brazil - Japan (Houston)

8:30pm: Germany - Paraguay (Boston)

• Tuesday, June 30

1am: Netherlands - Morocco (Monterrey)

5pm: Ivory Coast - Norway (Dallas)

9pm: France - Sweden (East Rutherford)

• Wednesday, July 1

1am: Mexico - Ecuador (Mexico City)

4pm: England - DR Congo (Atlanta)

8pm: Belgium - Senegal (Seattle)

• Thursday, July 2

12am: United States - Bosnia and Herzegovina (San Francisco)

7pm: Spain - Austria (Los Angeles)

11pm: Portugal - Croatia (Toronto)

• Friday, July 3

3am: Switzerland - Algeria (Vancouver)

6pm: Australia - Egypt (Dallas)

10pm: Argentina - Cape Verde (Miami)