As the 2026 World Cup progresses through its second game week, six teams have already secured their places in the knockout rounds. With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, the round of 32 is a new addition, leaving 26 spots still available.
Group Stage Rules Change
This tournament features a change in how group tables are determined: head-to-head results take precedence over goal difference. This has allowed several teams to clinch group wins and know their knockout game dates.
Qualified Teams
Co-hosts Mexico advanced from Group A with a 2-0 win over South Africa and a narrow 1-0 victory against South Korea. As group winners, their round-of-32 match is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30 at the Azteca Stadium, where they will face one of the best third-placed teams from Groups C, E, F, H, or I.
Fellow co-hosts USA started strongly with a 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay, featuring a double from Folarin Balogun, followed by a 2-0 win over Australia. Managed by Mauricio Pochettino, they will play on Wednesday, July 1 in San Francisco against a best third-placed team from Groups B, E, F, I, or J.
Germany, under Julian Nagelsmann, recorded the biggest win of the first gameweek with a 7-1 victory over Curacao, then edged past Ivory Coast 2-1 thanks to a late Denis Undav goal. Their round-of-32 match is Monday, June 29 in Boston, against a best third-placed team from Groups A, B, C, D, or F.
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 opening win and a double in the 2-0 victory over Austria, moving him top of the World Cup scoring charts with 18 goals. Their first knockout game is Friday, July 3 in Miami against the Group H runners-up, currently Uruguay.
France opened with a 3-1 win over Senegal and a 3-0 defeat of Iraq, with Kylian Mbappe scoring braces in both matches, bringing his World Cup tally to 16 goals. Their place as Group I winners is not yet confirmed, as they face Norway in their final group game.
Norway, making their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, defeated Iraq 4-1 and Senegal 3-2, with Erling Haaland also scoring braces in each match. Their final group match against France will determine the group winner.
Remaining Slots
With 26 knockout-stage spots still open, the third round of group games will be crucial for teams seeking qualification.
