The race for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is gathering pace, with several nations already securing their places in the Round of 32, while others have seen their campaigns come to an early end after two group matches.
With one round of group-stage fixtures still to be played for many teams, only a handful of nations have mathematically qualified or been eliminated. Several heavyweight sides remain on course to progress, while qualification battles in most groups are still wide open.
Countries That Have Qualified For The Round Of 32
Three teams have officially booked their places in the knockout stage after winning their opening two group matches.
Mexico
Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to qualify for the Round of 32 after recording victories over South Africa and South Korea. Their six-point haul guarantees a top-two finish in Group A and also secures top spot in the group before the final matchday.
United States
The United States followed Mexico into the knockout rounds after defeating Paraguay and Australia. The Americans lead Group D with six points and cannot be overtaken by enough teams to lose their qualification place. Their final group fixture against Türkiye will have no bearing on their progression.
Germany
Germany also sealed qualification after back-to-back victories over Curaçao and Ivory Coast. Their 2-1 win over the Ivorians, combined with Ecuador’s draw against Curaçao, confirmed the Germans as Group E winners with one game to spare.
Countries Eliminated From The Tournament
Three teams have already been knocked out after suffering two defeats in their opening group matches.
Tunisia
Tunisia became the latest nation to be eliminated after a 4-0 defeat to Japan. Having previously lost 5-1 to Sweden, the Carthage Eagles remain without a point and can no longer finish in the qualification places in Group F.
Haiti
Haiti’s hopes ended following a 3-0 defeat to Brazil after opening their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Scotland. The Caribbean side are rooted to the bottom of Group C with no points and cannot recover despite having one match remaining.
Türkiye
Türkiye also exited the competition after consecutive defeats to Australia and Paraguay. The European side have failed to collect a point in Group D, leaving them unable to qualify for the knockout phase.
Heavyweights Close To Qualification
A number of football heavyweights are in strong positions heading into the final round of group matches.
Brazil and Morocco lead Group C with four points each, while the Netherlands and Japan occupy the top two spots in Group F.
Spain sit atop Group H with four points, while Uruguay and Cape Verde remain in contention behind them. Canada and Switzerland also share the lead in Group B on four points apiece.
Elsewhere, Egypt top Group G with four points, while France, Argentina, England, Colombia and Norway have all made positive starts and remain firmly in contention to reach the Round of 32.
Qualification Race Remains Open
Although only three teams have officially progressed and three have been eliminated, the majority of groups remain finely balanced.
Under the expanded 48-team format, the top two teams in each of the 12 groups qualify automatically for the Round of 32, alongside the eight best third-placed teams. As a result, many countries still have realistic hopes of advancing, with the final round of group-stage fixtures set to determine most of the remaining knockout places.
