The first three matchdays in Groups A, B, and C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been completed, providing a clearer picture of which teams are advancing to the knockout stage and which sides are facing elimination.
From Group A, Mexico and South Africa have secured places in the Round of 32. Group B has produced Switzerland and Canada as qualifiers, while Brazil and Morocco have progressed from Group C.
Several teams remain in contention for qualification through the best third-placed ranking. South Korea finished with three points in Group A, Bosnia collected four points in Group B, and Scotland earned three points in Group C, keeping their hopes alive for now.
Confirmed and Potential Round of 32 Matchups
South Africa, who finished second in Group A and reached the knockout stage for the first time, will face Group B runners-up Canada. The match is scheduled for June 28 at Los Angeles Stadium.
Morocco, the second-placed team from Group C, will meet the winner of Group F. The battle for top spot in that group remains open, with the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden all still capable of finishing first. The fixture will be played on June 29 in Monterrey.
Group C winners Brazil will take on the runners-up from Group F. Depending on the final standings, Brazil could face the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden, although Japan and Sweden currently appear the most likely opponents. The match is set for June 29 in Houston.
Mexico, who topped Group A, will face one of the best third-placed teams emerging from Groups C, E, F, H, or I. Possible opponents include Scotland, Ecuador, Sweden, Cape Verde, or another qualifying third-place side. That match is scheduled for June 30 in Mexico City.
Group B winners Switzerland will be paired against a third-placed team from Groups E, F, G, I, or J. Potential opponents include Ecuador, Sweden, Iran, Senegal, or Algeria. The match will take place in Vancouver on July 2.
Qualification Picture Still Uncertain
Although several knockout-stage matchups are becoming clearer, the race for the best third-placed spots remains highly competitive. With group-stage matches still to be played elsewhere, the standings could change significantly. In some groups, teams currently leading the table could still drop to third place depending on the results of their final matches.
