World Cup 2026: Knockout line-up takes shape as early exits confirmed

KATHMANDU: The joint-hosted FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada is reaching the decisive stage of the group phase, with the race to the knockout rounds becoming increasingly intense.

For the first time in history, the tournament features 48 teams, introducing a new Round of 32 stage that will run from June 28 to July 3.

How teams qualify for the Round of 32

A total of 32 teams will advance:

• The top two teams from each of the 12 groups qualify automatically
• Additionally, the best eight third-placed teams across all groups also progress

The knockout phase begins with the Round of 32, followed by:

• Round of 16 (July 4–7)
• Quarter-finals (July 9–11)
• Semi-finals (July 14–15)
• Third-place match (July 18)
• Final (July 19)

New tiebreak rules introduced

FIFA has introduced a major change in ranking criteria:

• Head-to-head record is now the primary tiebreaker
• Followed by:
  • Points in matches between tied teams
  • Goal difference in those matches
  • Goals scored in those matches
• Then overall goal difference
• Overall goals scored
• Fair play points (cards)
• FIFA ranking, if still unresolved

Teams confirmed in Round of 32

Mexico (Group A)

Host nation Mexico became the first team to qualify after a 1–0 win over South Korea, securing top position in Group A.

United States (Group D)

The USA advanced after a 2–0 win over Australia, following an earlier dominant 4–1 victory over Paraguay.

Germany (Group E)

Germany sealed qualification with a 2–1 win over Ivory Coast, after a strong 7–1 opening win against Curaçao.

Argentina (Group J)

Defending champions Argentina progressed after a 2–0 win over Austria, powered by a brace from captain Lionel Messi.

Messi also reached a historic milestone, taking his World Cup tally to 18 goals, strengthening his all-time top scorer record.

France (Group I)

France advanced with a 3–0 win over Iraq, led by a double from Kylian Mbappé, after an earlier 3–1 win over Senegal.

Norway (Group I)

Norway returned to the World Cup after 28 years and secured knockout qualification with a thrilling 3–2 win over Senegal, following a 4–1 victory over Iraq.

Teams eliminated so far

Haiti (Group C)

Haiti became the first eliminated team after:

• 3–0 loss to Brazil
• 1–0 loss to Scotland

Turkey (Group D)

Turkey exited after:

• 2–0 loss to Australia
• 1–0 defeat against Paraguay (while playing with 10 men)

Tunisia (Group F)

Tunisia was eliminated following heavy defeats:

• 4–0 vs Japan
• 5–1 vs Sweden

With the group stage nearing completion, several teams have already secured knockout places, while many others are still battling for the remaining slots in the Round of 32.