2026 World Cup: Round Of 32 Takes Shape As 19 Teams Qualify

2026 World Cup: Round Of 32 Takes Shape As 19 Teams Qualify, Four Fixtures Confirmed
Nineteen teams have secured qualification for the tournament’s knockout stage.
Ten countries have already been eliminated from the expanded competition.

The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is beginning to take shape, with four Round of 32 fixtures now confirmed as the group stage approaches its conclusion.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Netherlands secured top spot in Group F with a 3-1 victory over Tunisia and will face Morocco in the Round of 32 after the North Africans sealed qualification with a 4-2 win over Haiti.

Brazil also advanced as group winners and will take on Japan in the next round. Japan booked their place in the knockout stage after holding Sweden to a 1-1 draw, a result that was enough to send both teams through.

Co-hosts the United States will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in another confirmed Round of 32 fixture, while South Africa have been drawn against Canada.

The remaining knockout fixtures will be confirmed on Saturday after the final round of group stage matches.

So far, 19 nations have secured qualification for the Round of 32. The latest teams to advance are Australia, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Colombia.

Australia finished second in Group D following a goalless draw against Paraguay, while Ivory Coast progressed with a comfortable 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Curaçao.

Ecuador produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by coming from behind to defeat Germany 2-1, while Japan’s draw against Sweden ensured both countries advanced to the knockout stage.

The newly qualified teams join Mexico, South Africa, Canada, Switzerland, the United States, Brazil, Morocco, Germany, France, Norway, and Argentina in the race for the world title.

Meanwhile, at least 10 countries have been eliminated from the competition. Curaçao became the latest team to exit after Nicolas Pépé scored twice to inspire Ivory Coast to a 2-0 victory.

Panama and Haiti have also been eliminated from the CONCACAF region, while Scotland, Türkiye and the Czech Republic have exited for Europe. Qatar, Uzbekistan and Jordan have also seen their World Cup campaigns come to an end.

Tunisia remain the only African nation confirmed to have been eliminated, with six more teams expected to leave the tournament before the Round of 32 lineup is completed.