The race for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is intensifying, with six countries already through to the Round of 32 after only two group matches, while four others have seen their campaigns end early.
Qualified Teams
Co‑hosts Mexico and the United States are among the first to book their places. Mexico won consecutive matches against South Africa and Korea Republic in Group A, finishing top and setting up a June 30 clash in Mexico City against a third‑placed team from Groups C, E, F, H or I.
The United States followed suit in Group D, defeating Paraguay and Australia to guarantee progression. They also topped the group and will face a third‑placed side from Groups B, E, F, I or J in the San Francisco Bay Area on July 1.
Germany became the first European nation to qualify, recording back‑to‑back victories over Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire in Group E. Julian Nagelsmann’s side confirmed group‑winner status and will meet a third‑placed team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in Boston on June 29.
Defending champions Argentina progressed with a game to spare, inspired by five goals from captain Lionel Messi in victories over Algeria and Austria. Argentina finished top of Group J and will take on the runners‑up from Group H in Miami on July 3.
France secured qualification from Group I after defeating Senegal and Iraq, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice in each match. Norway joined them in the knockout stage after victories over Iraq and Senegal.
Eliminated Teams
At the other end of the standings, Haiti, Tunisia, Türkiye and Jordan have all been eliminated after losses in their opening two matches. Haiti fell to Scotland and Brazil, Tunisia lost to Sweden and Japan, Türkiye was beaten by Australia and Paraguay, and Jordan’s hopes ended after defeats to Austria and Algeria.
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