Six teams are already assured of places in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the race for the knockout stage heats up, while four others have suffered early elimination after just two group matches.
Qualification for the 2023 World Cup has started with co-hosts Mexico and the United States among the first to secure their tickets alongside Germany, Argentina, France and Norway. Mexico became the first team to book their place in the knockout rounds following consecutive victories over South Africa and Korea Republic in Group A.
The North Americans finished top of the group and will play a third-placed team from Group C, E, F, H or I in Mexico City on June 30.
The United States also progressed quickly in Group D after defeating Paraguay and Australia. Mauricio Pochettino’s side also finished first and will meet a third-placed team from Groups B, E, F, I or J in the San Francisco Bay Area on July 1.
Germany were the first European team to qualify for the World Cup after following up back-to-back wins over Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire in Group E. Julian Nagelsmann’s side later sealed their status as group winners and will face a third-placed team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in Boston on June 29.
Defending champions Argentina also qualified with a game to spare as captain Lionel Messi scored five goals in wins over Algeria and Austria. Argentina topped Group J and will face the runners-up of Group H in Miami on July 3.
France secured their spot in the last 16 with wins over Senegal and Iraq, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice in each game. Norway also joined them in the knockout stage after beating Iraq and Senegal.
Haiti, Tunisia, Türkiye and Jordan have all been eliminated after defeat in their opening two matches, at the other end of the standings. Haiti was defeated by Scotland and Brazil, Tunisia lost to Sweden and Japan, while Türkiye was beaten by Australia and Paraguay. Jordan’s hopes ended after losses to Austria and Algeria.
