The battle for places in the knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up as the group stage approaches its final round, with six countries already through to the next stage and five others officially eliminated.
The expanded competition, featuring 48 teams for the first time in World Cup history, is being contested across 12 groups of four nations. Tournament co-hosts Mexico, the United States and Canada were all seeded in the draw.
Under the competition format, the 12 group winners and 12 runners-up will automatically qualify for the Round of 32. They will be joined by the eight best third-placed teams, determined by points and goal difference, while the remaining 16 teams will be eliminated at the end of the group stage.
Teams Through to the Round of 32
Mexico became the first nation from Group A to confirm qualification for the knockout rounds.
In Group D, co-hosts United States also secured progression after recording back-to-back victories.
Germany booked their place from Group E after maintaining a flawless start to the tournament.
Group I has already produced two qualifiers, with France and Norway earning enough points to guarantee advancement.
Defending champions Argentina have also progressed from Group J.
Colombia became the latest team to secure a place in the knockout stage after qualifying from Group K.
Teams Eliminated
At the other end of the table, several nations have seen their World Cup campaigns come to an early end following defeats in their opening two matches.
Haiti were the first team eliminated from Group C.
Turkey exited the tournament from Group D, while Tunisia were knocked out from Group F.
Jordan have also been eliminated from Group J after failing to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Panama bowed out of the competition from Group L.
With one round of group matches still remaining, several teams are still battling for the remaining spots in the Round of 32 as the race for World Cup glory continues.