Today, the 28th of Hearts, all matches of the group stage of the World Championship 2026 ended, including all the participants in the playoffs.

For the first time in the history of the world championship, only nine African teams reached the playoff stage.

Algeria, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Morocco, Senegal and PAR qualified for the 1/16 finals.

Additionally, the only African country that could not make it through the playoffs of the Emergency 2026 is Tunisia, which will remain in the group's place, having lost no points after three matches.

It is also important to note that for DR Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, PAR, Egypt and Cape Verde this will be their debut playoff in the history of the World Cup.

It was previously reported that Messi was approaching the Pernambucano record for goals from free kicks.