The race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 is beginning to take shape, with several nations already securing their places in the knockout stages while others have seen their hopes come to an end.

The expanded 48-team tournament sees the top two teams from each of the 12 groups qualify automatically for the Round of 32, alongside the eight best third-placed teams.

Hosts Mexico became the first nation to book their place in the knockout stages after recording consecutive victories over South Africa and South Korea in Group A. The results also secured top spot in the group for El Tri.

The United States followed shortly afterwards, guaranteeing qualification from Group D after defeating Australia 2-0. Germany also secured progression from Group E after beating Ivory Coast 2-1.

Teams qualified for the Round of 32 so far:

– Mexico
– United States
– Germany

Meanwhile, Haiti became the first nation to be eliminated from the tournament. Their 3-0 defeat to Brazil left them unable to finish among the top two teams in Group C or challenge for one of the best third-placed qualification spots.

Teams eliminated so far:

– Haiti
– Turkey
– Tunisia

The Round of 32 is scheduled to begin on 28 June, marking the start of the knockout phase in the first 48-team FIFA World Cup.