The 2026 World Cup is now formally in its second week, and a few groups are beginning to play their second matches of group play.
Which suggests some groups are already clinching spots within the knockout spherical.
With the World Cup increasing to 48 groups for the 2026 version, the knockout spherical begins with the Spherical of 32, as a substitute of the acquainted Spherical of 16. That implies that, past the highest two groups in every group advancing to the knockout portion of the event, the eight greatest third-place groups are additionally advancing. We’re monitoring the third-place standings right here if you’re trying to see what groups are nonetheless within the operating regardless of sitting in third place.
So far as groups which have clinched, learn on.
Mexico grew to become the primary workforce to e book a spot within the Spherical of 32, because of Thursday night time’s 1-0 win over South Korea. Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa, and when South Africa and Czechia performed to a 1-1 draw earlier within the day, it opened the door for the winner of Thursday night time’s match to win Group A.
After a scoreless first half, Luis Romo took benefit of a miscue from South Korea keeper Kim Seung-gyu, who collided with a teammate within the field and misplaced the ball, giving Romo an opportunity to present Mexico the lead.
Then the hero was Raúl Rangel, as Mexico’s keeper made a pair of good saves within the closing levels to disclaim South Korea the equalizer:
El Tri should not solely the winners of Group A and set to play a third-place workforce from Group C/E/F/H/I, however they can even keep in Mexico for the Spherical of 32, as that match might be held in Mexico Metropolis.
One host workforce grew to become the primary nation to e book a spot within the Spherical of 32 on Thursday night time, when Mexico’s win over South Korea secured Group A.
Friday, the USA joined them because the second workforce by way of to the Spherical of 32.
The two-0 win over Australia ensures that the USA will end as one of many high two groups in Group D. And by the top of the night time, the USA could be the winners of Group D, relying on how the late match between Paraguay and Türkiye finishes. If Türkiye lose or draw towards Paraguay, then the USA will win Group D, and be locked right into a match towards a third-place workforce within the Spherical of 32.
The two-0 win was additionally the USMNT’s first shutout since a 2-0 win in a pleasant towards Japan final September.
Replace: With Paraguay successful on Friday night time, the USA clinched Group D.
Germany’s 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast on Saturday clinched a spot within the knockout spherical as one of many high two groups out of Group E. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador lose or tie towards the Ivory Coast in a while Saturday.
