Three African teams saw their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns end in heartbreak after surrendering winning positions in the knockout stage. They are Egypt, Senegal and DR Congo
The trio looked on course for memorable victories against higher-ranked opponents before late comebacks by Argentina, Belgium and England, respectively, ended their hopes of progressing.
Egypt throw away two-goal lead against Argentina
Egypt suffered the most dramatic and latest collapse in the Round of 16 after squandering a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to defending champions Argentina on Tuesday. Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico put the Pharaohs in control, leaving them 11 minutes away from a famous victory at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
However, Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute before Lionel Messi equalised four minutes later.
Enzo Fernandez then headed home the winner in stoppage time to send Argentina into the quarter-finals. The defeat was compounded by controversy after Egypt had a second-half goal ruled out following a VAR review, while Messi had earlier missed a penalty.
Senegal collapse against Belgium
Senegal also exited after surrendering a two-goal advantage in their Round of 32 clash against Belgium. Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr gave the Lions of Teranga a 2-0 lead before Belgium staged a late fightback.
Romelu Lukaku reduced the deficit in the 86th minute before Youri Tielemans equalised three minutes later to force extra time. Belgium completed the comeback when Tielemans converted a penalty in the closing moments of extra time, sealing a 3-2 victory and eliminating Senegal.
England end DR Congo’s dream
DR Congo also fell after failing to protect an early lead against England in the Round of 32. Brian Cipenga fired the Leopards ahead in the opening stages, and they held the advantage until the closing stages of the match. England captain Harry Kane scored twice late on to complete a 2-1 comeback victory and book the Three Lions’ place in the last 16.
England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his side’s resilience after avoiding what would have been a shock elimination.
Pattern of late collapses
The exits of Egypt, Senegal and DR Congo highlighted a recurring theme for African teams at the tournament. Despite producing impressive attacking displays and competing strongly against established football powers, all three sides were unable to protect their leads in the closing stages of their matches.
Their eliminations have renewed discussions about game management, tactical discipline and maintaining concentration under pressure, even as their performances demonstrated the growing competitiveness of African teams on the World Cup stage.