The race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage is intensifying as the group phase enters its final round of matches, with several teams already securing their places in the Round of 32 while others have seen their dreams come to an early end.
For the first time, the expanded 48-team World Cup will send 32 nations into the knockout rounds. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups qualify automatically, while the eight best third-placed teams will also advance.
As a result, even teams that fail to finish in the top two still have hope of extending their stay in North America.
Mexico and South Africa advance from Group A
Co-hosts Mexico became one of the first teams to guarantee qualification, finishing top of Group A with a perfect nine points from three wins.
The Mexicans will return to Mexico City Stadium for their Round of 32 encounter against one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.
South Africa emerged as one of Africa's success stories, securing second place with four points to reach the knockout stage after beating South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday night. Bafana Bafana are set to face Canada in Los Angeles.
South Korea finished third with three points and must now wait anxiously to discover whether their tally will be enough to secure one of the eight best third-place spots.
Czechia, meanwhile, finished bottom of the group and became one of the latest nations to be eliminated.
Switzerland and Canada through in Group B
Switzerland confirmed their status as Group B winners after defeating Canada in their final group match.
The Swiss finished on seven points and will remain in Vancouver for their Round of 32 fixture.
Canada also advanced after finishing second, continuing a memorable tournament for the co-hosts. They will now face South Africa in one of the standout Round of 32 fixtures.
Bosnia and Herzegovina boosted their qualification hopes with a 3-1 victory over Qatar to finish third on four points. That total could prove enough to secure progression among the best third-placed teams.
Qatar's campaign is over after finishing bottom of the group.
Brazil and Morocco progress from Group C
Five-time world champions Brazil confirmed their place in the knockout rounds as Group C winners after defeating Scotland in their final group match.
The Samba Boys will now travel to Houston, where they are scheduled to face the runners-up from Group F.
Morocco also progressed after securing second place on goal difference, continuing an encouraging tournament for the North Africans.
The Atlas Lions will take on the winners of Group F in Guadalajara.
Scotland remain in contention despite finishing third with three points. Their qualification hopes now depend on how their points tally compares with other third-placed teams across the tournament.
Who is through and who is out?
Qualified for the Round of 32
Mexico
South Africa
Switzerland
Canada
Brazil
Morocco
United States
Germany
Colombia
Norway
France
Argentina
Eliminated
Czechia
Qatar
Haiti
Turkey
Panama
Uzbekistan
Waiting on third-place qualification
With several groups yet to be decided, the final matchday promises drama, tension and heartbreak as teams battle for the remaining places in the knockout rounds.
For some, the dream of lifting football's biggest prize remains alive. For others, the journey is already over.