The 2026 FIFA World Cup is edging ever closer to the knockout rounds, and with six groups already completed, the picture is becoming much clearer. While several traditional football powerhouses have safely booked their places in the Round of 32, plenty of drama still awaits as the remaining groups battle for the final qualification spots.
Under the expanded tournament format, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups qualify automatically, joined by the eight best third-placed teams. That means every goal, every point and even disciplinary records could prove decisive over the coming days.
As things stand, 19 teams have already secured qualification, while eight nations have seen their World Cup dreams come to an end.
Who Has Qualified?
A number of tournament favourites have comfortably progressed to the knockout rounds.
Already through are:
Argentina, France, Germany, Mexico, Norway, USA, Colombia, Canada, Switzerland, Brazil, Morocco, South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Australia.
Among those, Mexico have been the standout performers, becoming the tournament’s only team to finish the group stage with a flawless nine points after winning all three of their matches.
Who Has Been Eliminated?
For others, the journey has come to an end.
Haiti, Jordan, Tunisia, Turkey, Panama, Qatar, Czechia and Curaçao have all been eliminated after failing to finish in either the automatic qualification places or within reach of the best third-placed rankings.
How Third-Place Qualification Works
The expanded 48-team format has ensured that finishing third no longer necessarily means elimination.
The eight highest-ranked third-placed teams across all 12 groups will also advance to the Round of 32.
Teams are ranked using the following criteria:
- Points earned
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Fair play (disciplinary record)
- FIFA ranking
Based on results so far, five points will definitely be enough to qualify, while four points may also prove sufficient depending on results elsewhere.
Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ecuador have already guaranteed progression despite finishing third in their respective groups. Paraguay, currently on four points, remain hopeful, while South Korea and Scotland, both with three points, face an anxious wait.
Group-by-Group Update
Group A
Mexico completed a perfect campaign to top the group with nine points and now prepare to face one of the qualified third-placed teams in the Round of 32.
South Africa finished runners-up on four points and will meet Canada in Los Angeles.
South Korea’s three-point tally leaves them relying on other results to determine whether they squeeze into the knockout rounds, while Czechia bowed out after finishing bottom.
Group B
Switzerland comfortably claimed top spot with seven points and now await one of the advancing third-placed sides.
Canada secured second place and a meeting with South Africa, while Bosnia and Herzegovina progressed as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams and will face the United States.
Qatar’s campaign ended with just a single point.
Group C
Brazil continued to underline their title credentials by winning the group ahead of Morocco, with both sides collecting seven points.
Brazil will now face Japan in one of the standout Round of 32 fixtures, while Morocco take on the Netherlands.
Scotland’s hopes remain alive despite finishing third with three points, but qualification now depends entirely on results elsewhere. Haiti exited without registering a point.
Group D
Despite suffering a late defeat to Turkey, the United States had already done enough to secure first place.
Australia finished second to book their knockout place, while Paraguay remain in contention after ending on four points.
Turkey, despite defeating the group winners in their final outing, were eliminated.
Group E
Germany topped the standings ahead of Côte d’Ivoire after both sides finished level on six points.
The Ivorians advanced automatically, while Ecuador successfully claimed one of the coveted third-place qualification spots.
Curaçao finished bottom and were eliminated.
Group F
The Netherlands won the group unbeaten and now face Morocco in the next round.
Japan secured second place to set up an exciting clash with Brazil, while Sweden’s four-point haul was enough to guarantee progression among the best third-placed teams.
Tunisia finished bottom without earning a point.
Groups Still Hanging in the Balance
While six groups have concluded, the remaining six still have everything to play for.
Group G
Egypt lead the standings with four points and will guarantee qualification with at least a draw against Iran.
Iran know victory would send them through automatically, while Belgium also control their own destiny if they beat New Zealand.
Group H
Spain sit top with four points and need only avoid defeat against Uruguay to qualify.
Uruguay must win to guarantee progress, while Cape Verde remain firmly in contention ahead of their decisive meeting with Saudi Arabia.
Group I
France and Norway have already qualified for the Round of 32 after winning their opening two matches.
Their meeting will determine group winners, while Senegal and Iraq require victories and favourable results elsewhere to keep slim qualification hopes alive through the third-place rankings.
Group J
Argentina have already secured top spot and await the runners-up from Group H.
Austria need only avoid defeat against Algeria to qualify, while Algeria know victory would send them into the knockout rounds.
Because this group finishes last, both teams may have the advantage of knowing exactly what result they need.
Group K
Colombia have already booked their place and will finish first if they avoid defeat against Portugal.
Portugal are also in an excellent position to progress, while DR Congo must defeat Uzbekistan to keep their campaign alive.
Uzbekistan require a convincing victory and plenty of help elsewhere to avoid elimination.
Group L
England and Ghana both sit on four points heading into the final round of matches.
England need only to avoid defeat against already-eliminated Panama to qualify, while Ghana can also progress with at least a draw against Croatia.
Croatia, meanwhile, know victory would send them through automatically, although even a draw could leave them well placed among the best third-placed teams.
The Race to the Knockout Stage
With the group phase entering its final stretch, the World Cup is perfectly poised for a thrilling conclusion.
Established giants such as Argentina, Brazil, Germany, France, and the Netherlands have all safely navigated the opening hurdle, while several emerging nations—including Morocco, South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Canada—have impressed by reaching the Round of 32.
Yet plenty remains unresolved. Thirteen knockout places are still available, and several teams know that one final victory could transform their tournament.
There is plenty of drama still thanks to qualification calculations changing almost every hour and the expanded format rewarding consistency across all groups. The closing round of group-stage fixtures promises plenty of thrills before attention turns to what is certain to be a captivating Round of 32.