Africa’s record surge into the World Cup knockout rounds thinned sharply in KANSAS CITY, where Ghana became the latest team from the continent to exit with a 1-0 loss to Colombia.
The Black Stars were the last African side to play in the Round of 32, and their defeat left Morocco and Egypt as the continent’s remaining teams. Seven African teams were eliminated in the first knockout round.
Morocco, a semifinalist in Qatar, next faces Canada in Houston in the first Round of 16 matchup. Egypt reached the same stage after surviving a shootout against Australia, earning a meeting with Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina in Atlanta.
Argentina had to work deep into extra time against Cape Verde before advancing 3-2. The result ended a strong run by the island nation off Africa’s western coast and kept Albiceleste on course in one of the tournament’s most dramatic matches.
Congo coach Sébastien Desabre called the number of African teams in the Round of 32 “a source of great pride.” Africa has never placed three teams in the Round of 16; its previous best was two, with Senegal and Morocco in Qatar, and Algeria and Nigeria in Brazil in 2014.
Even with the exits, several African teams pushed established opponents. Congo led England for much of its match before Harry Kane scored twice late for the Three Lions. Belgium needed two late goals in regulation and then a winner near the end of extra time against Senegal.
Ivory Coast stayed level with Norway until Erling Haaland scored in the 86th minute for the Vikings. South Africa lost to Canada, Algeria fell to Switzerland, and Ghana could not find a goal against Colombia.
Ghana forward Brandon Thomas-Asante had said earlier that African nations had long been doubted at major competitions, and Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic noted that the tournament had shown stronger teams on paper could not assume safe passage.