Africa’s representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was further reduced in the early hours of Saturday morning after both Cape Verde and Ghana were eliminated in their Round of 32 encounters, leaving only Egypt and Morocco carrying the continent’s hopes into the last 16.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (after extra time)
Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup journey came to a heartbreaking end after they pushed defending champions Argentina to the limit before eventually losing 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling contest at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Lionel Messi once again proved decisive for the world champions, opening the scoring in the 29th minute with a trademark left-footed finish after controlling a superb diagonal pass from Lisandro Martínez.
The Blue Sharks refused to be intimidated and produced one of the finest performances by an African nation at this year’s tournament. Their persistence was rewarded in the 59th minute when Deroy Duarte fired home the equaliser after Argentina failed to clear their lines.
With the match locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, extra time was needed to separate the sides.
Argentina restored their lead in the 92nd minute (extra time) when Lisandro Martínez smashed home from close range following sustained pressure.
Cape Verde, however, refused to surrender. Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a stunning equaliser in the 103rd minute, sending their supporters into celebration and setting up a dramatic finale.
Just when penalties appeared inevitable, Argentina found the decisive breakthrough in the 111th minute. A Lionel Messi corner created panic inside the Cape Verde penalty area, with defender Dailon Borges inadvertently turning the ball into his own net, handing Argentina a fortunate winner.
Despite the defeat, Cape Verde left the tournament with enormous credit after matching the reigning world champions stride for stride. Goalkeeper Vozinha produced several outstanding saves, while the Blue Sharks displayed courage, tactical discipline and attacking ambition throughout.
Argentina advance to the Round of 16 where they will face Egypt.
Colombia 1-0 Ghana
Ghana’s World Cup campaign also came to an end after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in Kansas City.
The Black Stars entered the match full of confidence following an impressive group-stage campaign but were undone by an early Colombian breakthrough.
Jhon Arias scored the only goal of the match in the 11th minute, finishing clinically after Colombia carved open the Ghanaian defense with a swift attacking move.
Ghana gradually grew into the contest and enjoyed long spells of possession, with Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo all threatening as they searched for an equaliser.
Colombia, however, defended resolutely and remained dangerous on the counterattack, forcing Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi into several important saves to keep his side in the game.
Despite relentless pressure in the closing stages, Ghana could not find the breakthrough as Colombia held firm to book their place in the Round of 16.
Although eliminated, the Black Stars can reflect on a campaign that restored belief in Ghanaian football after reaching the knockout stages and competing strongly against one of South America’s most organised teams.
The results mean Africa has now lost six of its eight representatives in the knockout stages. Only Egypt, who eliminated Australia on penalties, and Morocco, who earlier knocked out the Netherlands, remain in the tournament and will carry the continent’s hopes into the Round of 16.