Society
2026 World Cup: Round Of 32 Takes Shape As 19 Teams Qualify, Four Fixtures Confirmed
The knockout picture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is becoming clearer, with at least four Round of 32 fixtures now confirmed as the group stage heads towards its end.
The Netherlands secured top spot in Group F after beating Tunisia 3-1 and will now face Morocco, who booked their place with a 4-2 win over Haiti.
Brazil also progressed as group winners and will meet Japan in the next round after the Asian side held Sweden to a 1-1 draw. Co-hosts the United States are set to take on Bosnia and Herzegovina, while South Africa will face Canada. The remaining Round of 32 fixtures will be confirmed on Saturday when the group stage comes to an end.
A total of 19 countries have already sealed places in the knockout stage. The latest teams to qualify are Australia, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Colombia.
Australia finished second in Group D after a goalless draw with Paraguay, while Ivory Coast advanced with a 2-0 win over tournament debutants Curacao.
Ecuador produced one of the surprises of the round by coming from behind to beat Germany 2-1, and Japan’s draw with Sweden was enough to send both nations through.
They join Mexico, South Africa, Canada, Switzerland, the United States, Brazil, Morocco, Germany, France, Norway and Argentina in the last 32 as the race for the world title gathers pace.
Meanwhile, at least 10 teams have been eliminated from the competition. Curaçao became the latest side to exit after a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast, with Nicolas Pepe scoring both goals to send the Elephants into the knockout stage.
Panama and Haiti have also been knocked out of the North and Central American region. Scotland, Turkey and the Czech Republic are out for Europe, while Qatar, Uzbekistan and Jordan have exited from Asia.
Tunisia remain the only African nation confirmed to have been eliminated so far, with six more teams set to leave the tournament before the Round of 32 line-up is completed.
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