The group stage of World Cup 2026 is nearing a conclusion and the battle is on for a place in knockout stages.
For the first time in the World Cup’s history, 48 nations are competing in the tournament. They were divided into 12 groups of four, with co-hosts USA, Mexico and Canada all given top-seed status in the draw.
The 12 group winners and 12 runners-up will automatically go through to the round of 32, and they will be joined by the eight best third-placed finishers, based on points and goal difference at the end of the group stage.
In total, 16 nations will go home after the group stage.
Which teams are through to the knockout stages?
Group A: Mexico, South Africa
Group B: Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Group C: Brazil, Morocco
Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay
Group E: Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden
Group G: Belgium, Egypt
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde
Group I: France, Norway, Senegal
Group J: Argentina
Group K: Colombia, Portugal
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana
Who has been eliminated from the World Cup?
Group A: Czech Republic
Group B: Qatar
Group C: Haiti, Scotland
Group D: Turkey
Group E: Curacao
Group F: Tunisia
Group G: New Zealand
Group H: Uruguay, Saudi Arabia
Group I: Iraq
Group J: Jordan
Group K:
Group L: Panama
Here are how the knockout rounds are shaping up:
And here are the latest group stage standings:
The World Cup began in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, the site of Diego Maradona’s most famous and infamous goals against England at the 1986 World Cup.
It was also the venue for two classic World Cup finals: Brazil’s win over Italy in 1970 which included Carlos Alberto’s iconic team goal to cap a 4-1 win; and Argentina’s 3-2 win over West Germany in 1986, where Jorge Burruchaga grabbed an 84th-minute winner.
Mexico and Canada will host 13 games in each, and the United States will host 78. From the quarter-finals onwards, the US will host all of the remaining matches, with the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
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