Morocco Remains as Africa's Last Hope in World Cup 2026

Morocco stands as the sole African representative in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following Egypt's exit after a 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 on Tuesday. Egypt initially led the match with goals from Yasser Ibrahim in the 15th minute and Mostafa Zico, but Argentina rallied back with three late goals from Lionel Messi, Cristian Romero, and Enzo Fernandez, securing their place in the quarter-finals.

This outcome means that Egypt, along with nine other African teams, including Tunisia, DR Congo, South Africa, Ghana, Cape Verde, Senegal, Algeria, Ivory Coast, and Morocco, has been eliminated from the tournament. Morocco previously defeated co-host Canada 3-0 to advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face France.

Femi Fabunmi, a journalist, expressed skepticism about Morocco's chances against France, suggesting that the quarter-final stage may mark the end of the road for African teams in this competition.