‘Curse’ ends the dreams of three African teams of a place in the World Cup
Three African teams faced a sad fate in the 2026 World Cup, losing their games in the 86th minute, a phenomenon called the 'curse'. Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal were eliminated, while Morocco is the only African team to advance.
The clock showing 41 minutes of the second half has become synonymous with terror in this 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a coincidence — or a curse 😅 — three African teams saw their places in the round of 16 slip away in the 86th minute of their games.
So far, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal have been the victims of this surprising "curse" in the second round of the tournament being held in North America.
Ivory Coast 1 x 2 Norway The Ivorians fought valiantly and managed to equalize in the 74th minute with a goal from Amad Diallo. However, in the 86th minute, star Erling Haaland found the net, guaranteeing Norway's qualification for the round of 16, where they will face Brazil.
Democratic Republic of Congo 1 x 2 England With a heroic performance from goalkeeper Mpasi, the Congolese led the game from the seventh minute. The dream came crashing down when Harry Kane equalized in the 75th minute and, in the 86th minute, turned the game around with a powerful shot from the corner, surpassing Pelé and becoming the sixth highest scorer in the history of World Cups.
Senegal 2 x 3 Belgium (Extra Time) Senegal were calm with a comfortable 2-0 lead. However, in the 86th minute, Romelu Lukaku scored and started the Belgian reaction. Tielemans equalized shortly after, in the 89th minute, and sealed the comeback in extra time with a penalty goal.
Exceptions So far, only two African teams have managed to escape the 86th minute script in the second round (albeit with different results): South Africa: Eliminated by Canada, but Stephen Eustaquio's decisive goal was scored a little later, in the 91st minute. Morocco: The only African team to qualify so far. They beat the Netherlands on penalties (3-2) after equalizing in the 91st minute with a goal from Issa Diop.
This Friday (3), the continent has the chance to reverse the situation and exorcise the ghost. Cape Verde, Egypt, Algeria and Ghana will enter the field on the last day of the second round in search of a coveted place in the round of 16.
---
Related Articles
1. [World Cup 2026: Bàn thắng của Youri Tielemans giúp Bỉ vượt qua Senegal](https://banthangvn.com/vi/news/world-cup-2026-ban-thang-cua-youri-tielemans-giup-bi-vuot-qua-senegal) 2. [World Cup 2026](https://pitchpulsemedia.com/en/news/how-to-watch-the-netherlands-vs-tunisia-2026-world-cup-match-tv-channel-streaming-options)