Home
FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage is rapidly approaching its conclusion, with several nations already booking their place in the knockout rounds while others have seen their tournament dreams come to an end. With the expanded 48-team format making its debut, the race for a spot in the Round of 32 has been more intense than ever.
ADVERTISEMENT
A total of 32 teams will progress beyond the group stage, with the top two sides from each of the 12 groups qualifying automatically alongside the eight best third-placed teams. While many nations are still battling for survival, a number of teams have already secured their passage to the next phase.
Also Read: Who stands where after Vinicius Jr's brace shakes up FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race
Which teams have qualified for the Round of 32?
So far, 13 teams have officially punched their tickets to the knockout stage after strong performances during the opening rounds of the tournament.
Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to qualify after victories over South Africa and Korea Republic in Group A. They were later joined by South Africa, who secured a historic first-ever World Cup knockout qualification.
Group B has produced three qualifiers, with Switzerland and Canada advancing as the top two teams while Bosnia & Herzegovina secured progression through the best third-placed teams route. In Group C, Brazil and Morocco successfully booked their places in the next round.
The United States emerged as Group D winners, while Germany confirmed qualification from Group E. Group I has seen both France and Norway advance, although the battle for top spot remains unresolved.
Reigning world champions Argentina have progressed from Group J, while Colombia became the first team from Group K to seal a knockout berth.
Qualified teams so far:
Group A: Mexico, South Africa
Group B: Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Group C: Brazil, Morocco
Group D: USA
Group E: Germany
Group I: France, Norway
Group J: Argentina
Group K: Colombia
Which teams have been eliminated?
While several teams continue to fight for survival, seven nations have already been officially knocked out of the competition.
Czechia became the first casualty from Group A after failing to secure enough points to remain in contention. Hosts Qatar also suffered an early exit from Group B despite entering the tournament with hopes of a deep run.
Haiti's defeat in Group C ended their chances of progression, while Turkey's elimination from Group D has been regarded as one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far. Tunisia, Jordan and Panama have also been sent packing following disappointing group-stage campaigns.
Eliminated teams so far:
Group A: Czechia
Group B: Qatar
Group C: Haiti
Group D: Turkey
Group F: Tunisia
Group J: Jordan
Group L: Panama
With several groups still undecided and numerous knockout spots up for grabs, the final round of group-stage fixtures promises plenty of drama as nations look to extend their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey.
ADVERTISEMENT
