Africa’s hopes at the FIFA World Cup 2026 continue to dwindle after Algeria became the Sixth CAF nation to crash out of FIFA World Cup, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in a disciplined display by the European side.

The Desert Foxes join Tunisia, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo and Senegal among African teams eliminated in the first knockout round, leaving the continent with only a handful of nations still chasing a place in the Round of 16.

The latest setback means Africa’s hopes now rest with Egypt, Cape Verde and Ghana, while Morocco remains the only CAF representative to have already secured qualification for the Round of 16.

Switzerland made a bright start and punished Algeria’s first defensive lapse in the 11th minute. Johan Manzambi launched a swift counterattack before picking out Breel Embolo, who calmly finished from close range to hand the Swiss an early advantage.

Algeria attempted to respond through Houssem Aouar and Ibrahim Maza, but neither could find the target as Switzerland maintained their defensive discipline while remaining dangerous on the break.

The first half became increasingly physical, with frequent fouls disrupting the rhythm of the contest. Despite enjoying more possession in spells, Algeria struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Swiss defence and went into the halftime break trailing 1-0.

Any hopes of a comeback suffered a major blow immediately after the restart.

Just a minute into the second half, Dan Ndoye doubled Switzerland’s advantage with a composed low finish after finding space inside the penalty area, leaving Algeria with a mountain to climb.

From then on, Switzerland controlled the match with maturity, dominating possession and limiting Algeria’s attacking opportunities. Riyad Mahrez came close shortly after the second goal but dragged his effort wide, while the introduction of Amine Gouiri, Jaouen Hadjam, Anis Hadj Moussa and Adil Boulbina failed to change the course of the game.

The Swiss continued to threaten a third goal, with Nico Elvedi forcing a save from close range and Fabian Rieder narrowly missing the target as Algeria searched desperately for a route back into the contest.

After seven minutes of stoppage time, the final whistle confirmed Switzerland’s deserved 2-0 victory and their place in the Round of 16.

For Algeria, it marked another disappointing World Cup exit and extended a difficult tournament for African football.

Six CAF representatives – Tunisia, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Senegal and now Algeria have all seen their campaigns end in the Round of 32, several after heartbreaking late goals, while Algeria were outplayed by an efficient Swiss side.

Attention now shifts to Africa’s remaining contenders. Egypt, Cape Verde and Ghana still have the opportunity to keep the continent’s hopes alive in the knockout stage, while Morocco stands alone as the only African nation already through to the Round of 16.

With the competition entering its decisive phase, the pressure now falls on the remaining African representatives to ensure the continent maintains a strong presence in the latter stages of the FIFA World Cup.