World Cup 2026 Standings: Who’s Qualified, Who’s Out, and Paths to the Round of 32

The group stage of the 2026 World Cup is nearing its final matches, and the knockout round lineup is becoming clearer. Thirty-two teams will move on, including the top two from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers.

Some teams like the U.S. men’s national team and Mexico have already secured their spots in the knockout phase. Others have been eliminated after just two games, while the rest are figuring out what they need to qualify for the Round of 32.

Group A

Mexico topped Group A with nine points, setting up a Round of 32 clash at Mexico City Stadium against one of the top third-place teams from Groups C, E, F, H, or I. South Africa secured second place and will face Canada in Los Angeles. South Korea claimed third place and advanced as one of the best third-place teams. Czechia finished last and is out.

Group B

Switzerland claimed first place after beating Canada 2-0. Canada also advances as runner-up. The Swiss stay in Vancouver; Canada travels to Los Angeles to meet South Africa. Bosnia and Herzegovina moved on by finishing third, setting up a Round of 32 match against the United States. Qatar is eliminated.

Group C

Brazil won Group C and will play the Group F runner-up in Houston. Morocco takes second place and will face the Group F winner in Guadalajara. Scotland sits third with three points and hopes to qualify as one of the best third-place teams. Haiti is out.

Group D

USA secured first place and faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara on July 1. Australia grabbed the second automatic spot with a draw versus Paraguay. Paraguay is almost certain to advance as a third-place qualifier. Türkiye is eliminated.

Remaining matches: Türkiye vs. USA and Paraguay vs. Australia (Thursday, 10 p.m. ET)

Group E

Germany had already sealed first place and will face a top third-place team. Ivory Coast claimed second with a 2-0 win over Curaçao and will meet the Group G runner-up. Ecuador upset Germany 2-1 but settled for third place and is advancing as one of the best third-place teams. Curaçao was eliminated.

Group F

Netherlands clinched Group F and will face a Group C third-place team. Japan took second place after a draw with Sweden. Sweden finished third and qualifies as one of the best third-place teams. Tunisia is out.

Group G

Final Group G matches are Egypt vs. Iran and New Zealand vs. Belgium (Friday, 11 p.m. ET). Egypt can clinch the group and a knockout spot with a win over Iran. Belgium needs to beat New Zealand and hope Egypt wins. Iran requires a win plus help. New Zealand must defeat Belgium to keep hopes alive.

Group H

Spain can secure first place with a win over Uruguay or likely a draw. Cape Verde and Uruguay compete for the second automatic spot. Saudi Arabia still has a chance but probably needs a win and favorable outcomes. Matches: Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia and Uruguay vs. Spain (Friday, 8 p.m. ET).

Group I

France and Norway have qualified. Their upcoming match decides who tops the group. Senegal and Iraq battle for third place and survival in the tournament. Matchday: Norway vs. France and Senegal vs. Iraq (Friday, 3 p.m. ET).

Group J

Argentina leads Group J and will play the runner-up on July 3 in Miami. Austria and Algeria meet to decide second place; a draw may leave both waiting on other results. Jordan is out.

Group K

Colombia leads Group K and will clinch first place with a point against Portugal. Portugal can secure advancement with a draw. Congo DR and Uzbekistan need a win in their match and possibly help elsewhere to continue.

Group L

England, Ghana, and Croatia all remain in contention for the top two spots. England can claim the group with a win over Panama. Ghana and Croatia face off for a knockout place and possibly first. Panama is eliminated but might disrupt England’s plans.

How Ties Are Broken in Group Stage

If teams share points, FIFA ranks them based on head-to-head results: points earned, goal difference, goals scored. If still tied, overall group performance is considered: goal difference, goals scored, fair play (yellow/red cards), then FIFA rankings.