Algeria loses 2-0 to Switzerland, leaving Morocco as Africa's last World Cup hope

Algeria lost 2-0 to Switzerland on Friday, July 2, 2026, with Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye scoring in each half. The defeat sent the Desert Foxes home and marked the sixth African exit from the 2026 World Cup, joining Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Tunisia, South Africa and DR Congo. Morocco remains the sole African side in the round of 16, awaiting the winner of the Ghana‑Colombia clash. Switzerland’s victory ends an 88‑year World Cup knockout hoodoo, giving the Alpine side its first knockout win since 1938. The result highlights the continued struggle of African teams at the expanded 48‑team format, where only one confederation representative has advanced past the first knockout round. For Nigerian fans watching from home, the outcome raises questions about continental preparation and what Morocco’s lone run could mean for Africa’s hopes of a deep tournament run. What does Morocco’s solitary advance suggest about the continent’s readiness, and should African football bodies reconsider their preparation strategies ahead of the next World Cup?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/03/2026-world-cup-six-african-teams-eliminated-from-tournament/