The 2026 FIFA World Cup is approaching the knockout stage of the top 32, and as the qualifying rounds progress, the list of qualifying teams continues to expand. The competition has lasted 15 days, and 12 teams have locked in the knockout spots.Let’s take a look at the contestants who made the cut.
Group A
MexicoMexico has played three games at this World Cup and won them all. They have beaten South Africa (2-0), South Korea (1-0) and the Czech Republic (3-0) and have not conceded a goal so far. They will play in the round of 32 on July 1.South AfricaSouth Africa’s campaign has been a mixed bag. The team won one of three games, but lost their first game to Mexico and drew with the Czech Republic. They defeated South Korea (1-0) in their final group match.
Group B
SwitzerlandThe Swiss team won two of the three games in the group stage, drawing 1-1 with Qatar in the first game. After the draw, they defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-1) and Canada (2-1) to secure a spot in the 32nd round.CanadaTeam Canada’s performance throughout the group stages continued to stand out. The team recorded one win (6-0), lost to Switzerland (1-2), and drew with Bosnia and Herzegovina. They finished second in Group B and secured a spot in the knockout rounds.
Group C
BrazilAs one of the favorites in this tournament, Brazil has secured a spot in the knockout rounds. After a draw with Morocco in their opening match, the team’s chances didn’t look promising. The absence of star forward Neymar also remains a concern. However, Brazil bounced back with convincing wins over Haiti (3-0) and Scotland (3-0).MoroccoMorocco ranked second behind Brazil and also advanced to the next round. After drawing with Brazil in their first game, the team defeated Scotland (1-0) and Haiti (4-2).
Group D
USAThe United States remains the only team in Group D to advance to the round of 32 so far. The team has played two games and won both, defeating Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0). They will face the already eliminated Türkiye team in the final game of the group stage.
Group E
GermanySimilar to Team USA, Team Germany is the only team in this group to qualify. Julian Nagelsmann’s side impressed in both games, beating Curacao (7-1) and Ivory Coast (2-1). Germany will face Ecuador in the final group match on June 26.
first group
FranceFrance is another favorite and has lived up to expectations so far. The team recorded impressive wins in both games. Inspired by the outstanding performance of Kylian Mbappe, France defeated Senegal (3-1) and Iraq (3-0) and will face Norway in the final group match on June 26.NorwayNorway, second in the group, also performed well. Led by Erling Haaland, the Vikings easily advanced to the knockout rounds. They defeated Iraq (4-1) and Senegal (3-2) in their first two games.
Group J
ArgentinaDefending champion Argentina, one of the most famous teams in world football, has secured a spot in the knockout rounds. Messi played a key role in the team’s consecutive victories over Algeria (3-0) and Austria (2-0). Argentina will face Jordan in the final match of the group stage.ColombiaColombia have played two games so far and won both comfortably. Defeats against Jordan (2-0) and Uzbekistan (3-1) ensured advancement to the round of 32.
Teams that can advance to round 32 from today’s games
Cote d’IvoireAfter two games, Ivory Coast had one victory against Ecuador (1-0) and one victory against Germany (1-2). They aim to stay alive in today’s game in Curacao.NetherlandsThe Netherlands tops Group F. After defeating Sweden 5-1 and drawing 2-2 with Japan, they have a good chance of advancing if they defeat Tunisia.JapanThe second-placed Japanese team in Group F has similar chances of qualifying as the Dutch team. A win today will ensure their place in the last 32. They beat Tunisia 4-0 after an early 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.SwedenThe Swedish team is ranked third in Group F. It can not only cause trouble for the Japanese team, but also qualify directly with a victory. The team defeated Tunisia 5-1, but lost 1-5 to the Netherlands.AustraliaAfter playing two games, Australia has one victory against Turkey (2-0) and one victory against the United States (0-2). A win over Paraguay will ensure progression to the next round.ParaguayParaguay are still in contention behind Australia in Group D. They had one victory against Türkiye and one defeat against the United States. Today’s game will determine whether their journey to the 2026 World Cup continues.
Which team do you think has the best chance of winning the 2026 World Cup?
