2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32: 19 Teams Qualify, Four Knockout Fixtures Set
The knockout stage is taking shape as the group phase nears its conclusion, with four Round of 32 matches already confirmed.
The Netherlands clinched top spot in Group F after a 3‑1 victory over Tunisia and will now face Morocco, which secured its place with a 4‑2 win against Haiti.
Brazil also emerged as group winners and is set to meet Japan after the Asian side held Sweden to a 1‑1 draw.
Co‑hosts the United States are scheduled to play Bosnia and Herzegovina, while South Africa will take on Canada.
The remaining Round of 32 fixtures will be finalized on Saturday when the group stage concludes.
A total of 19 countries have already booked their places in the knockout round. The latest qualifiers are Australia, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Colombia.
Australia finished second in Group D after a goalless draw with Paraguay, while Ivory Coast advanced with a 2‑0 win over tournament debutants Curaçao.
Ecuador produced one of the surprises of the round by coming from behind to beat Germany 2‑1, and Japan’s draw with Sweden was enough to send both nations through.
They join Mexico, South Africa, Canada, Switzerland, the United States, Brazil, Morocco, Germany, France, Norway and Argentina in the last 32 as the race for the world title gathers pace.
Meanwhile, at least 10 teams have been eliminated from the competition. Curaçao became the latest side to exit after a 2‑0 defeat to Ivory Coast, with Nicolas Pepe scoring both goals to send the Elephants into the knockout stage.
Panama and Haiti have also been knocked out of the North and Central American region. Scotland, Turkey and the Czech Republic are out for Europe, while Qatar, Uzbekistan and Jordan have exited from Asia.
Tunisia remains the only African nation confirmed to have been eliminated so far, with six more teams set to leave the tournament before the Round of 32 line‑up is completed.
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