World Cup 2026 Round of 32: Qualified Teams and Fixtures

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered its decisive phase as the group stage draws to a close across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

With the expanded 48-team format making its tournament debut, the competition now introduces a Round of 32, allowing more nations than ever before to dream of lifting football's biggest prize.

Twenty-eight countries have already secured qualification for the knockout stage, while the remaining places will be decided during the final round of group matches.

How teams qualify

Unlike previous World Cups, the expanded format allows 32 teams to progress.

Qualification is determined by:

• The top two teams from each of the 12 groups.
• The eight best third-placed teams across all groups.

Third-placed teams are ranked using:

• Points
• Goal difference
• Goals scored
• Fair play record
• FIFA World Ranking (if required)

This system has created dramatic qualification races across several groups, with multiple nations still capable of reaching the knockout rounds.

Teams already through

The following nations have officially qualified for the Round of 32:

• Argentina
• Australia
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Canada
• Cape Verde
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• England
• France
• Germany
• Ghana
• Ivory Coast
• Japan
• Mexico
• Morocco
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Paraguay
• Portugal
• Senegal
• South Africa
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United States

Several remaining qualification spots will be confirmed after the final round of group fixtures.

Africa has enjoyed one of its strongest World Cup campaigns in recent history.

Already qualified are:

• Morocco
• South Africa
• Egypt
• Ghana
• Ivory Coast
• Senegal

Cabo Verde have produced one of the tournament's biggest stories, reaching the knockout stage in their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance after finishing second in Group H.

The Blue Sharks became only the third African nation to remain unbeaten during the group stage on their World Cup debut.

Confirmed Round of 32 Fixtures

Several knockout ties have already been confirmed:

Sunday, June 28

• South Africa vs Canada

Monday, June 29

• Brazil vs Japan
• Germany vs Paraguay
• Netherlands vs Morocco

Tuesday, June 30

• Ivory Coast vs Norway
• France vs Sweden
• Mexico vs Best Third-Placed Team

Wednesday, July 1

• United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Additional fixtures involving group winners and the remaining best third-placed teams will be confirmed once all groups conclude.

Expanded format delivers greater drama

The introduction of 48 teams has significantly increased competition throughout the group stage. Rather than being eliminated after finishing third, several countries remain alive thanks to the best third-placed qualification route, making almost every final group fixture meaningful.

The expanded structure has also produced several historic milestones, including Cabo Verde's first qualification for the knockout rounds and Bosnia and Herzegovina's first progression beyond the group stage.

Eyes turn to the knockout stage

With only a handful of qualification places still available, attention is rapidly shifting toward the Round of 32.

Traditional heavyweights such as Argentina, Brazil, France, England, Spain and Portugal remain among the favourites, but the performances of emerging nations throughout the group stage have demonstrated that surprises remain possible.

The knockout phase begins on June 28 and concludes with the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

SportsLigue