The FIFA World Cup 2026 is inching closer to its Round of 32 knockout stage, and as the tournament progresses, the list of qualified teams continues to expand. Fifteen days into the competition, 12 teams have already secured their places in the knockout rounds.Let’s have a look at the qualified contenders.
Group A
MexicoMexico have played three matches in the tournament and emerged victorious in all of them. They defeated South Africa (2-0), South Korea (1-0), and Czechia (3-0), without conceding a single goal so far. They will play their Round of 32 match on July 1.South AfricaSouth Africa’s campaign has been a mixed one. The side have won one of their three fixtures, while losing their opener against Mexico and drawing against Czechia. They won their final group stage against South Korea (1-0).
Group B
SwitzerlandSwitzerland won two of their three group-stage fixtures, with the first match ending in a draw against Qatar (1-1). After the draw they defeated Bosnia & Herzegovina (4-1) and Canada (2-1) to secure a berth in round 32.CanadaCanada’s campaign remained dramatic throughout the group stage. The team recorded one victory (6-0), suffered a defeat against Switzerland (1-2), and played out a draw against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Finishing second in Group B, they have booked their place in the knockouts.
Group C
BrazilOne of the tournament favourites, Brazil secured their spot in the knockout rounds. The side’s chances did not appear promising after a draw against Morocco in their opening fixture. The absence of star striker Neymar also remained a concern. However, Brazil bounced back with convincing victories over Haiti (3-0) and Scotland (3-0).MoroccoOccupying second place behind Brazil, Morocco also progressed to the next round. The team defeated Scotland (1-0) and Haiti (4-2) after drawing with Brazil in their opening match.
Group D
USAThe USA remain the only Group D team to have qualified for the Round of 32 so far. The side have played two matches and won both, defeating Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0). They will take on Turkey in their final group-stage fixture who are already eliminated from the tournament.
Group E
GermanySimilar to the USA, Germany are the only team from their group to have secured qualification. Julian Nagelsmann’s squad impressed in both of their matches, recording victories over Curacao (7-1) and Ivory Coast (2-1). Germany will play Ecuador in their final group-stage match on June 26.
Group I
FranceFrance are another tournament favourite that have lived up to expectations so far. The side secured impressive victories in both of their matches. Inspired by Kylian Mbappe’s brilliant performances, France defeated Senegal (3-1) and Iraq (3-0), and will face Norway in their final group-stage match on June 26.NorwaySecond in the group, Norway have been equally impressive. With Erling Haaland leading the attack, the Vikings have comfortably progressed to the knockout stage. They defeated Iraq (4-1) and Senegal (3-2) in their opening two fixtures.
Group J
ArgentinaOne of the most celebrated teams in world football and the defending champions, Argentina, have secured their place in the knockout stage. The Lionel Messi-led side registered back-to-back victories over Algeria (3-0) and Austria (2-0), with Messi playing a key role. Argentina will face Jordan in their final group-stage fixture.ColombiaColombia have played two matches so far and won both comfortably. Victories over Jordan (2-0) and Uzbekistan (3-1) secured their qualification for the Round of 32.
Teams that can make their way into the round 32 from today’s fixture
Ivory CoastAfter two matches, Ivory Coast have recorded one victory against Ecuador (1-0) and one defeat against Germany (1-2). They will be aiming to keep their campaign alive in today’s fixture Curacao.NetherlandsThe Netherlands sit atop Group F. Following a 5-1 victory over Sweden and a 2-2 draw against Japan, they have a strong chance of qualification if they defeat Tunisia.JapanSecond in Group F, Japan hold a similar chance of qualification as the Netherlands. A victory today would secure their place in the Round of 32. They defeated Tunisia (4-0) after opening their campaign with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.SwedenOccupying third place in Group F, Sweden can not only trouble Japan but also secure direct qualification with a victory. The side defeated Tunisia (5-1) but suffered a heavy 1-5 defeat against the Netherlands.AustraliaHaving played two matches, the Socceroos have registered one win against Turkey (2-0) and one defeat against the USA (0-2). A victory over Paraguay would secure their progression to the next round.ParaguayPlaced just behind Australia in Group D, Paraguay remain in contention as well. They have recorded one victory over Turkey and one defeat against the USA. Today’s fixture will determine whether their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey continues.
Which team do you think has the highest chances of winning the FIFA World Cup 2026?