Africa’s World Cup Dream Shaken as Senegal and DR Congo Crash Out in Dramatic Knockouts

(Footballers. Photo by Nation News)

Africa’s hopes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered another major blow on Wednesday as Senegal became the fifth team from the continent to bow out of the tournament, and the fourth to be eliminated in the second round, following a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium in their Round of 32 encounter.

Belgium, who trailed 2-0 with just four minutes of regulation time remaining, staged a remarkable comeback to book a place in the Round of 16.

Goals from Romelu Lukaku in the 86th minute, Charles De Ketelaere in the 90+2 minute, and a Youri Tielemans penalty in the fifth minute of extra time sealed a stunning victory.

Also on Wednesday, the Democratic Republic of the Congo bowed out of the tournament following a 2-1 defeat to England in another Round of 32 encounter.

The Leopards threatened an upset when Brian Cipenga gave them an early lead, beating England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at his near post in the 13th minute.

England, however, responded through captain Harry Kane, who, after being denied a controversial penalty, struck twice in the 41st and 75th minutes to complete the comeback and send the Three Lions into the Round of 16.

England will now face co-hosts Mexico for a place in the quarter-finals, while Senegal and DR Congo join the list of African teams eliminated from the competition.

Below is the full list of African countries eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

Senegal Lost 3-2 to Belgium after surrendering a two-goal lead, with Belgium completing a dramatic comeback as Youri Tielemans converted a penalty in extra-time stoppage time to seal victory.

Democratic Republic of the Congo Defeated 2-1 by England. The Leopards took an early lead through Brian Cipenga before Harry Kane scored twice to send England through.

Tunisia Finished fourth in Group F behind the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden, failing to qualify for the knockout stage.

Côte d’Ivoire Lost 2-1 to Norway, ending the Elephants’ hopes of reaching the Round of 16.

South Africa Suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Canada in the Round of 32 to bow out of the tournament.

The battle for a historic first FIFA World Cup title by an African nation continues, with five countries still in contention at the 2026 tournament.