The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage has begun to take shape, with six teams securing qualification for the round of 32 while four teams have been eliminated after the second round of group matches
As of Tuesday, June 23 morning, co-hosts Mexico and United States have all booked their places in the knockout stage alongside Germany, Argentina, France and Norway.
Mexico became the first team to qualify, topping Group A after victories over South Africa and Korea Republic.
The El Tri will face a third-placed team from Groups C, E, F, H or I in the Round of 32 in Mexico City on June 30.
The United States followed shortly after, securing progression in Group D with wins over Paraguay and Australia.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side also finished as group winners and will play a third-placed team from Groups B, E, F, I or J in the San Francisco Bay Area on July 1.
Germany became the first European side to advance after back-to-back wins over Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire in Group E.
Julian Nagelsmann’s team were later confirmed as group winners and will meet a third-placed team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in Boston on June 29.
Argentina, influenced by Lionel Messi’s five goals in two matches, secured qualification from Group J with wins over Algeria and Austria.
The defending champions topped the group and will face the Group H runners-up in Miami on July 3.
France also progressed from Group I after victories over Senegal and Iraq, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice in both matches.
Norway joined them from the same group after beating Iraq and Senegal to seal qualification.
On the other hand, Haiti, Tunisia, Türkiye and Jordan have been eliminated from the tournament after failing to pick up enough points in their respective groups.
Haiti exited after defeats to Scotland and Brazil, while Tunisia suffered losses to Sweden and Japan.
Türkiye were eliminated following defeats to Australia and Paraguay, and Jordan crashed out after losing to Austria and Algeria.
