Germany, France and Argentina among six nations through as World Cup knockout picture takes shape

Six nations have qualified for the 2026 World Cup knockout stages after winning their first two group-stage matches, while four teams have been sent home with two defeats apiece — leaving the remainder of the group phase to decide the final spots in a historic first round of 32.

Who is through?

Mexico (Group A) and the United States (Group D) have both advanced as co-hosts, joined by Germany (Group E), France and Norway (Group I), and Argentina (Group J). All six secured back-to-back wins in the opening two rounds of fixtures.

Who has been eliminated?

Haiti (Group C), Turkey (Group D), Tunisia (Group F) and Jordan (Group J) have all been knocked out after losing both of their matches. In total, 16 nations will exit at the group stage.

How the format works

For the first time in the tournament’s history, 48 nations are competing, split across 12 groups of four. The 12 group winners and 12 runners-up qualify automatically for the round of 32, and they are joined by the eight best third-placed finishers, ranked by points and goal difference across all groups.

Co-hosts USA, Mexico and Canada were all given top-seed status in the draw. Mexico and Canada are each hosting 13 matches, while the United States is staging 78. From the quarter-finals onwards, all remaining games will be played in the US, with the final scheduled at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The tournament opened at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium — the venue for Diego Maradona’s two most iconic moments against England at the 1986 World Cup, as well as two celebrated finals: Brazil’s 4-1 defeat of Italy in 1970, capped by Carlos Alberto’s team goal, and Argentina’s 3-2 victory over West Germany in 1986, settled by Jorge Burruchaga’s 84th-minute winner.