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Rabat – The 86th minute has become a painful pattern for African teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with four nations suffering late knockout-stage matches in the Round of 32.
South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and DR Congo all saw their World Cup campaigns end after conceding decisive goals in the final minutes of regulation time.
South Africa suffered late heartbreak after resisting Canada’s pressure for almost the entire match before Stephen Eustaquio struck a 92nd-minute winner to seal a 1-0 victory.
Senegal were similarly eliminated after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium, with Romelu Lukaku scoring the late winner to complete Belgium’s comeback against the Lions of Teranga.
Ivory Coast also suffered heartbreak against Norway, as Erling Haaland struck late to seal a 2-1 victory and send the Elephants out of the tournament.
DR Congo’s inspiring run ended in similar fashion, with Harry Kane scoring the decisive goal in England’s 2-1 win over the leopards.
The recurring pattern has sparked widespread discussion online, particularly after Belgium coach Rudi Garcia appeared to acknowledge the issue himself following his side’s victory over Senegal.
“Senegal? We know these teams well. They lose their tactical organization before the end of the match,” Garcia said after Belgium’s win.
His remarks quickly circulated across social media, where many fans linked the statement to the wave of late collapses suffered by African teams in the knockout stage.
As of today, Morocco remains the only African nation officially qualified for the Round of 16 after eliminating the Netherlands on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
The results come after a historic group-stage showing that saw nine African nations reach the newly expanded Round of 32, a record for the continent.
Yet as the tournament enters its decisive phase, the fine margins of knockout football continue to punish even the strongest performances.
