As the 2026 World Cup moves through its third game week, teams are starting to secure their spot in the knockout rounds. 19 teams have made it to the round of 32 – a new round of games due to the 48-team expansion – leaving 13 spaces still up for grabs.
New Format: Head-to-Head Decides Groups
Another change this tournament is how group tables work: they are decided on head-to-head results rather than goal difference. This has allowed several teams to secure their place as group winners after only two games. Ahead of the final evening of group-stage action, here is every team that has qualified, and who are still waiting to confirm their spot.
Scotland's Slim Hopes
Scotland are, just about, still in the running, but need three results to go their way tonight to advance.
Biggest Surprises and Notable Exits
The biggest shock of the group stage so far has been Cape Verde finishing second in their group to make the knockout stage for the first time in their history. South Africa have also navigated out of a World Cup group for the first time. The most high-profile exit is, arguably, Uruguay. All three co-hosts – United States, Mexico and Canada – are all through as well.
Qualified Teams (19)
- Mexico
- United States
- Germany
- Argentina
- France
- Norway
- Colombia
- Switzerland
- Canada
- Brazil
- Morocco
- South Africa
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Ivory Coast
- Ecuador
- Netherlands
- Japan
- Sweden
- Australia
- Spain
- Cape Verde
- Paraguay
- Egypt
- Portugal
- England
- Ghana
- Belgium
Still to be Confirmed (9 teams vying for 13 spots)
- Algeria
- Austria
- DR Congo
- Uzbekistan
- Croatia
- South Korea
- Iran
- Senegal
- Scotland
