World Cup 2026 group stage nears finish as teams vie for knockout spots
With the final round of group matches underway, several nations have secured Round of 32 berths while others battle for the remaining slots, including the eight best third-place teams.
The last round of matches in the 2026 World Cup group stage is set to determine the final composition of the 32-team knockout field. The top two finishers in each of the 16 groups automatically advance, and the eight best third-place teams also move on.
In Group A, Mexico has already clinched first place and will face a third-place opponent. South Korea can advance as runner-up with a win or draw against South Africa, while Czechia and South Africa each need a victory and favorable results elsewhere.
Switzerland topped Group B, with Canada qualifying as runner-up. Bosnia and Herzegovina likely secured a third-place spot after defeating Qatar and may meet the United States in the next round.
Brazil won Group C and will travel to Houston for its Round of 32 match. Morocco advanced as runner-up on goal difference; Scotland remains in contention for a third-place berth.
The United States finished first in Group D and will play a third-place team in Santa Clara, California. Australia can claim the group’s second automatic spot with a win or draw over Paraguay, which must win to guarantee a top-two finish.
Germany secured the Group E lead and will meet a third-place side. Ivory Coast can reach second place with a win over Curaçao, while Ecuador and Curaçao still have mathematical chances.
Group F remains open, with the Netherlands leading on goal difference. Japan needs only a draw against Sweden to advance, and Sweden must win to ensure a top-two finish.
In Group G, Egypt can win the group with a victory over Iran. Belgium, Iran and New Zealand each require wins and favorable outcomes to stay in the knockout race.
Spain is poised to top Group H after a win over Uruguay, while Cape Verde and Uruguay contest the second automatic berth. Saudi Arabia stays alive but needs a win and help elsewhere.
France and Norway have already qualified from Group I, with their final match deciding the group winner. Senegal and Iraq play for a possible third-place spot.
Argentina secured first place in Group J and will face the group’s runner-up in Miami. Algeria and Austria battle for the second automatic spot.
Colombia leads Group K and has qualified; a draw with Portugal would secure first place. Portugal can also advance with a draw. DR Congo and Uzbekistan need wins to keep hopes alive.
Group L sees England atop the standings on goal difference, with Ghana and Croatia close behind. Panama has been eliminated but could affect the outcome of England’s final match.
FIFA’s tie-breaking criteria will be applied if teams finish level on points, determining rankings for both automatic and third-place qualifications.
