World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage: France, Argentina, Norway Join USA, Mexico, Germany in Round of 32
As the second matchday unfolds, the lineup for the Round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup is beginning to emerge. Two co-hosts, United States and Mexico, have already secured their group victories and earned spots in the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, Canada has gathered four points from its first two games and faces a key Group B clash against Switzerland that will determine the group winner.
A total of 32 teams will advance beyond the group stage. This includes the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-place finishers.
FIFA's Tie-Breaking Rules
When teams are tied on points, FIFA resolves rankings using these steps:
- First, points gained in matches between the tied teams; goal difference and goals scored among those matches.
- If still unresolved, overall goal difference and total goals scored in all group matches, followed by team conduct scores based on yellow and red cards.
- If equality persists, FIFA uses the most recent FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking.
Teams Secured in the Round of 32
- United States
- Mexico
- Germany
- Argentina
- France
- Norway
The U.S. topped Group D with wins over Paraguay and Australia, wrapping qualification before their final group match versus Türkiye. Their next challenge is set for July 1 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, facing a third-place team from Groups B, E, F, I, or J.
Mexico dominated Group A with clean sheets against South Africa and South Korea. They will play a third-place qualifier from Groups C, E, F, H, or I on June 30 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Germany claimed Group E after consecutive wins against Curaçao and Ivory Coast. A draw between Ecuador and Curaçao sealed their top spot. Their knockout game on June 29 in Boston pits them against a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D, or F.
Argentina secured advancement with a win over Austria and will finish group play against Jordan before meeting the runner-up from Group H on July 3 in Miami.
France and Norway both qualified after victories over Iraq and Senegal. Their upcoming match in Boston will decide Group I’s leader, influencing seeding and the path through the knockout bracket.
Teams That Have Been Eliminated
- Haiti
- Türkiye
- Tunisia
- Jordan
Haiti, making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, remain without a win after losses to Scotland and Brazil, with a final group match against Morocco.
Expected to contend in Group D, Türkiye exited after defeats to Australia and Paraguay. Their previous World Cup run ended in third place in 2002. Türkiye will face group winners the U.S. on Thursday in Los Angeles.
Tunisia began with a heavy 5-1 loss to Sweden. The federation replaced their coach with Hervé Renard, but a 4-0 defeat to Japan ended their hopes.
Jordan lost to Austria and then Algeria, eliminating their chances before facing defending champions Argentina.
How the New Knockout Bracket Functions
This edition features changes designed to balance competition. Two separate paths lead to the semifinals, preventing the highest-ranked teams from clashing before the final if they top their groups. For instance, Spain (ranked first) and defending champion Argentina (second) were placed in opposite brackets. Similarly, France (third) and England (fourth) cannot meet until the semifinals if both win their groups.
