7 Teams Qualify for World Cup Round of 32, 5 Eliminated

The battle for places in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is becoming more intense as the group stage approaches its final round, with seven countries already through to the Round of 32 and five teams knocked out of the tournament.

This year’s World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of four. Under the new format, the 12 group winners and 12 runners-up will qualify automatically for the Round of 32. They will be joined by the eight best third-placed teams, while 16 nations will exit after the group stage.

Several countries have already secured their places in the knockout rounds after strong starts to the tournament, while others have seen their hopes ended after losing their opening matches.

Teams Qualified for the Round of 32

Mexico became the first team from Group A to book a place in the knockout stage, continuing a strong campaign as one of the tournament’s co-hosts.

In Group D, the United States also secured qualification after winning their opening two matches, giving the co-hosts an early passage into the next round.

Germany, one of the tournament’s traditional powerhouses, advanced from Group E after maintaining a perfect start in the group stage.

Group I has produced two qualified teams, with France and Norway both doing enough to guarantee their places in the Round of 32 before the final group matches.

Defending champions Argentina have also progressed from Group J, keeping alive their hopes of retaining the title.

Colombia became the latest country to confirm qualification, advancing from Group K after collecting enough points to move beyond the group stage.

Full List of Qualified Teams So Far

Mexico

United States

Germany

France

Norway

Argentina

Colombia

Teams Eliminated from the 2026 World Cup

While some countries are already preparing for the knockout stage, others have been eliminated after poor starts to the tournament.

Haiti became the first team eliminated from Group C after failing to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Turkey were knocked out from Group D, while Tunisia also exited the competition from Group F.

In Group J, Jordan were unable to recover from their early defeats and have been eliminated from the tournament.

Panama also bowed out from Group L after losing to Croatia, ending their hopes of reaching the Round of 32.

Full List of Eliminated Teams So Far

Haiti

Turkey

Tunisia

Jordan

Panama

With the final round of group-stage fixtures still to come, several teams remain in contention for the remaining knockout places. The race for the Round of 32 is expected to become even tighter as countries fight for automatic qualification or a place among the best third-placed teams.