World Cup 2026: 32 Teams Set for Knockout Stage
Manasi Pathak
The Round of 32 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set, featuring 32 teams after the group stage ended on June 27. The new format advances the top two from each of 12 groups plus eight best third-placed teams. FIFA has introduced head-to-head records as the primary tiebreaker for level-point teams.
The knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 has its full list of 32 teams. The Round of 32 will run from June 28 to July 3, kicking off the elimination matches after the group stage concludes on June 27.
Under the new format, the 12 groups of four teams each will advance the top two sides from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams.
For the first time at a World Cup, FIFA is using a head-to-head tiebreaker as the primary criterion for teams level on points, ahead of goal difference. The tiebreaking steps are: points earned in matches between the tied teams, head-to-head goal difference, head-to-head goals scored, overall goal difference, total goals scored, fair-play points, and finally the FIFA world ranking.
Below is the list of teams advancing from the group stage:
Group A: Mexico (first), South Africa (second). Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure a knockout berth with a 1-0 win over South Korea on June 18. South Africa reached the knockout stage for the first time.
Group B: Switzerland (first), Canada (second), Bosnia and Herzegovina (third – one of the eight best third-placed teams). Switzerland went unbeaten with 7 points.
Group C: Brazil (first), Morocco (second). Brazil won all three matches with 7 points; Morocco also finished with 7 points.
Group D: United States (first), Australia (second), Paraguay (third – best). The US beat Australia 2-0 to secure an early berth.
Group E: Germany (first), Ivory Coast (second), Ecuador (third – best). Germany beat Ivory Coast 2-1, while Ecuador defeated Germany 2-1 in the final round to advance.
Group F: Netherlands (first), Japan (second), Sweden (third – best). The Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 in their final match.
Group G: Belgium (first), Egypt (second). Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1; Egypt reached the knockout stage for the first time.
Group H: Spain (first), Cape Verde (second). Cape Verde, tournament debutants, caused a shock by advancing.
Group I: France (first), Norway (second), Senegal (third – best). France beat Iraq 3-0; Norway returned to the World Cup after 28 years.
Group J: Argentina (first), Austria (second), Algeria (third – best). Defending champions Argentina won all three matches, with Lionel Messi setting a goal-scoring record.
Group K: Colombia (first), Portugal (second), DR Congo (third – best). DR Congo advanced for the first time.
Group L: England (first), Croatia (second), Ghana (third – best).
Eliminated teams include: Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia, Jordan, Panama, Qatar, Czech Republic, Curacao, New Zealand, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Scotland, Uzbekistan, South Korea.
