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| United States of America soccer players after their 3-2 defeat to Turkey in their last 2026 World Cup group stage game. |
The race for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is taking shape, with 19 countries securing Round of 32 places and four fixtures already confirmed as the group stage nears its conclusion.
The Netherlands finished top of Group F after a 3-1 victory over Tunisia and will face Morocco, who sealed qualification with a 4-2 win over Haiti.
Brazil also advanced as Group winners and will take on Japan in the Round of 32 after the Asian side earned a 1-1 draw against Sweden. Co-hosts the United States will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina, while South Africa are set to face Canada.
The remaining Round of 32 fixtures will be decided on Saturday when the group stage concludes.
The latest teams to book knockout places are Australia, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Colombia.
Australia progressed as Group D runners-up following a goalless draw with Paraguay, while Ivory Coast defeated tournament debutants Curaçao 2-0 to advance.
Ecuador produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far, coming from behind to beat Germany 2-1. Japan's draw with Sweden ensured both teams progressed to the knockout stage.
They join Mexico, South Africa, Canada, Switzerland, the United States, Brazil, Morocco, Germany, France, Norway and Argentina in the last 32.
Meanwhile, at least 10 countries have been eliminated from the tournament. Curaçao became the latest side to exit after a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast, with Nicolas Pépé scoring both goals to send the Elephants through.
Panama and Haiti have also been eliminated from the CONCACAF contingent, while Scotland, Turkey and the Czech Republic are out for Europe. Qatar, Uzbekistan and Jordan have exited from Asia, and Tunisia remain the only African nation confirmed to have been knocked out.
Six more teams will be eliminated before the Round of 32 line-up is completed.