World Cup update: Six teams qualified for round of 32, four knocked out

Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi (2nd R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup Group J football match between Argentina and Austria at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 22, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage has begun to take shape, with six teams securing qualification for the round of 32 while four teams have been eliminated after the second round of group matches As of Tuesday, June 23 morning, co-hosts Mexico and United States have all booked their places in the knockout stage alongside Germany, Argentina, France and Norway. Mexico became the first team to qualify, topping Group A after victories over South Africa and Korea Republic. The El Tri will face a third-placed team from Groups C, E, F, H or I in the Round of 32 in Mexico City on June 30. The United States followed shortly after, securing progression in Group D with wins over Paraguay and Australia. Mauricio Pochettino’s side also finished as group winners and will play a third-placed team from Groups B, E, F, I or J in the San Francisco Bay Area on July 1. Folarin Balogun of the United States wins two Man of the Match awards consecutively. He talks to the media during a World Cup 2026 training session at Great Park Sports Complex on June 22, 2026 in Irvine, California. Jamie Squire/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by JAMIE SQUIRE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) Germany became the first European side to advance after back-to-back wins over Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire in Group E. Julian Nagelsmann’s team were later confirmed as group winners and will meet a third-placed team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in Boston on June 29. Related News 2026 World Cup: England, Ghana eye last 32 as Portugal seek first victory Algeria beat Jordan 2-1 in World Cup group game Haaland scores twice as Norway beat Senegal to reach last 32 Argentina, influenced by Lionel Messi’s five goals in two matches, secured qualification from Group J with wins over Algeria and Austria. The defending champions topped the group and will face the Group H runners-up in Miami on July 3. France also progressed from Group I after victories over Senegal and Iraq, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice in both matches. France’s forward #10 Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the 2026 World Cup Group I football match between France and Iraq at the Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia on June 22, 2026. (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP) Norway joined them from the same group after beating Iraq and Sene