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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has passed its midpoint with 54 of 104 matches completed, and 13 teams have already secured their places in the Round of 32. The expanded tournament, featuring 48 teams for the first time, introduces a new knockout format with a round of 32, starting June 28.
The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, plus the eight best third-place finishers, advance. FIFA is using head-to-head records as the primary tiebreaker for the first time, replacing goal difference Source: Al Jazeera.
Confirmed Round of 32 teams include Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, France, Germany, Norway, Canada, Morocco, Colombia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United States Source: Japan Today. Eliminated nations: Czech Republic, Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia, Jordan, Qatar, and Panama Source: Japan Today.
Several decisive group games remain: Australia vs. Paraguay (winner advances), Japan vs. Sweden, Austria vs. Algeria, and Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia. Colombia and Portugal will decide Group K Source: Japan Today. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, "The best is yet to come" Source: Japan Today. South Africa coach Hugo Broos celebrated his team's first knockout berth, saying, "I'm very happy for the guys" Source: Japan Today.
“"The best is yet to come," FIFA President Gianni Infantino told SNTV earlier this week.”
“"I know how it feels, but it's very difficult to explain how it feels," South Africa coach Hugo Broos said after his team clinched its first-ever appearance in the knockout stage.”
“FIFA is using head-to-head records instead of goal difference as the primary tie-breaker for teams level on points for the first time at a World Cup.”
“Through Wednesday's games, 13 teams have clinched spots in the Round of 32.”
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