The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout picture is beginning to emerge, with six nations already through to the Round of 32 and four sides eliminated after the completion of the second round of group-stage fixtures.
By Tuesday morning, June 23, tournament co-hosts Mexico and the United States had secured places in the next round, joining Germany, Argentina, France and Norway.
Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout phase after recording successive victories over South Africa and Korea Republic in Group A.
Having sealed top spot in the group, El Tri will take on one of the best third-placed teams from Groups C, E, F, H or I in Mexico City on June 30.
The United States also confirmed qualification from Group D following wins against Paraguay and Australia.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men finished first in their group and are scheduled to face a third-placed side from Groups B, E, F, I or J in the San Francisco Bay Area on July 1.
Germany were the first European nation to advance, thanks to consecutive victories over Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire in Group E.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side later wrapped up first place in the group and will meet a third-placed qualifier from Groups A, B, C, D or F in Boston on June 29.
Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the Round of 32 after defeating Algeria and Austria in Group J, with Lionel Messi scoring five goals across the two matches.
The South Americans finished atop the standings and will face the runners-up from Group H in Miami on July 3.
France also progressed from Group I after overcoming Senegal and Iraq, with Kylian Mbappé netting two goals in each encounter.
Norway joined Les Bleus in the knockout stage after victories against Iraq and Senegal guaranteed their qualification from the same group.
Meanwhile, Haiti, Tunisia, Türkiye and Jordan have all been knocked out of the competition after failing to collect enough points to stay in contention.
Haiti’s exit was confirmed following defeats to Scotland and Brazil, while Tunisia were eliminated after losses against Sweden and Japan.
Türkiye’s hopes ended after back-to-back defeats to Australia and Paraguay, while Jordan bowed out following losses to Austria and Algeria.
