Several nations have already secured their places in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the group stage nearing its conclusion. For the first time in tournament history, 48 nations are competing, with 12 groups of four teams. The top two from each group automatically advance to the round of 32, joined by the eight best third-placed teams.
Teams Qualified for the Round of 32
Thirteen teams have already booked their spots in the knockout phase. Defending champions Argentina were among the earliest to qualify, following a 3-0 victory over Algeria and a win against Austria. Brazil recovered from an opening draw with Morocco to defeat Haiti and Scotland, marking their 15th consecutive World Cup group stage advancement, a tournament record.
France, powered by Kylian Mbappe's goals, have looked dominant, defeating Senegal and Iraq. Germany required late heroics, including a brace from substitute Deniz Undav to overcome Ivory Coast after a 7-1 demolition of Curaçao. The United States, despite the absence of Christian Pulisic, advanced after wins over Paraguay and Australia.
Mexico became the first nation to officially qualify, with a narrow victory over South Korea and a win against Czechia. Morocco, the 2022 semi-finalists, extended their unbeaten group-stage run after drawing with Brazil and defeating Scotland and Haiti. Norway, inspired by Erling Haaland, qualified after wins over Iraq and Senegal.
Colombia secured their place with a disciplined victory over DR Congo, while Switzerland continued their reputation as reliable tournament performers, qualifying for the fourth consecutive time. Canada reached the knockout rounds for the first time in modern history, becoming the first host to progress with as few as four points since 1994, according to Opta.
South Africa is one of the biggest stories, qualifying for their first-ever knockout stage after losing their opening match against Mexico, then drawing with Czechia and stunning South Korea. Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified as one of the eight best third-placed teams after defeating Qatar 3-1, finishing third in Group B with four points.
Teams Already Eliminated
Several teams have been eliminated despite high expectations. Haiti scored their first World Cup goals in decades but could not avoid defeats to Scotland and Brazil. Jordan's debut campaign ended after consecutive losses. Turkey exited without scoring despite numerous shots. Tunisia's campaign unravelled after a heavy defeat to Sweden and a loss to Japan. Panama failed to collect a point after defeats to Ghana and Croatia. Qatar, the 2022 hosts, finished bottom of Group B after a draw with Switzerland. The Czech Republic started brightly but draws and defeats to South Africa, South Korea, and Mexico confirmed their elimination.
Knockout Race Remains Wide Open
With 13 nations qualified, the majority of places remain undecided. Several heavyweight teams still have work to do, while African nations remain in contention. The expanded format has increased opportunities for surprises, and the battle for the best third-placed positions promises more drama before the round of 32 begins.
In related news, Morocco broke Africa's World Cup goal record, surpassing Nigeria after scoring four goals against Haiti, reaching 26 total goals. Cameroon holds third place with 22 goals.
