The 2026 FIFA World Cup witnessed another heartbreaking chapter for African football on Wednesday as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Senegal both suffered dramatic late defeats in the Round of 32, bringing the number of African teams eliminated from the stage to four.

The two join South Africa and Côte d'Ivoire, who were eliminated by Canada and Norway respectively.

In all four instances, the African sides conceded late in their games to block their paths into the Round of 16.

Kane breaks Congolese hearts

DR Congo came within minutes of producing one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history after taking a seventh-minute lead against England through Brian Cipenga at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Congolese side defended resolutely for more than an hour, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi producing a string of outstanding saves.

However, England captain Harry Kane rescued his side with goals in the 75th and 86th minutes, sealing a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory and ending the Leopards' historic tournament run. The defeat denied the Central African nation a first-ever appearance in the World Cup Round of 16.

Despite the elimination, DR Congo leaves the tournament with considerable pride after advancing to the knockout rounds for the first time and recording its first World Cup victory since competing as Zaire in 1974.

Belgium's extraordinary comeback against Senegal

In Seattle, Senegal suffered an even more painful exit after surrendering a two-goal advantage against Belgium. Goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had placed the African side firmly in control with only minutes remaining.

But Belgium mounted a remarkable comeback, with Romelu Lukaku scoring in the 86th minute before Youri Tielemans equalized shortly afterward to force extra time. 

Tielemans then completed the turnaround with a penalty deep into stoppage time of extra time, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory and one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup knockout history.

Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw described football as a "cruel game" after his side's late collapse and eventual defeat by Belgium following extra time.

"We're out – it hurts. We must congratulate the team, who gave it their all, but unfortunately we weren't able to hold on to our two-goal lead. Congratulations to the Belgian team, who have gone through. We have to accept this – that's football," he said.

Four African teams eliminated, five still alive

The exits of South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, DR Congo and Senegal mean that four of Africa's nine representatives in the Round of 32 have now been eliminated from the tournament.

Morocco is the only African side that has made it into the Round of 16.

More sides are yet to play their Round of 32 games, including Egypt who will go up against Australia, Ghana who have a clash against Colombia, Algeria who face Switzerland, and Cape Verde who have to outwit Lionel Messi's Argentina for a chance to qualify for the next stage.