The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage is entering a decisive phase, with teams across 12 groups battling for places in the knockout rounds. Under the expanded 48-team format, the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 32.Six teams have already secured qualification for the next stage. Norway, France, Argentina, Germany, the United States and Mexico have all collected six points from their opening two matches and are guaranteed to finish in the top two of their respective groups.With several group-stage matches still to be played, a number of other nations are well positioned to join them in the knockout rounds.Teams that have qualified for the Round of 32Norway and France (Group I)Norway and France became the latest teams to secure qualification after winning their first two matches. Norway defeated Iraq and Senegal, while France registered victories over Senegal and Iraq.Both teams have six points, while Senegal and Iraq remain without a point. With only one match remaining, the bottom two teams can reach a maximum of three points, ensuring Norway and France will finish in the top two.Argentina (Group J)Argentina have looked comfortable in Group J, defeating Algeria 3-0 before beating Austria 2-0. The six-point haul guarantees the South Americans a place in the knockout rounds.Germany (Group E)Germany have been among the most impressive teams in the tournament. After hammering Curacao 7-1 in their opener, they followed it up with a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. The Germans have scored nine goals in two matches and are already through to the next round.United States (Group D)The United States have made the most of home advantage. The Americans defeated Paraguay 4-1 before overcoming Australia 2-0 to secure qualification with six points.Mexico (Group A)Mexico opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa and followed it with a 1-0 victory over South Korea. The results were enough to seal a Round of 32 berth.Teams in strong contentionCanada and Switzerland (Group B)Canada and Switzerland sit atop Group B with four points each. Both teams need only avoid defeat or secure favorable results on the final matchday to strengthen their qualification chances.Brazil and Morocco (Group C)Brazil and Morocco lead Group C on four points each. Scotland remain in the hunt with three points, making this one of the most competitive groups heading into the final round of fixtures.Netherlands and Japan (Group F)The Netherlands and Japan have four points apiece and currently occupy the automatic qualification spots. Sweden are close behind on three points and remain firmly in contention.Spain (Group H)Spain top Group H with four points and have yet to concede a goal. Uruguay and Cape Verde are tied on two points, while Saudi Arabia still have an outside chance of progressing.Egypt (Group G)Egypt lead Group G with four points after a draw against Belgium and a win over New Zealand. Iran and Belgium are level on two points, setting up a tense final round.Current second-placed teamsIf the group stage ended today, these teams would also progress automatically to the Round of 32:South KoreaSwitzerlandMoroccoAustraliaIvory CoastJapanIranUruguayAustriaDR CongoGhanaThird-placed teams still in the raceThe expanded format means finishing third does not necessarily end a team's World Cup hopes. Based on the current standings, the strongest third-placed teams include:ScotlandParaguaySwedenBelgiumCape VerdeEcuadorCzechiaBosnia and HerzegovinaThese teams would currently occupy the eight best third-place qualification spots.Teams facing an uphill battleSeveral nations are currently bottom of their groups and may need victories in their remaining matches to stay alive. These include Qatar, Haiti, Turkey, Curacao, Tunisia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Iraq, Algeria, Jordan, Panama, Croatia and Uzbekistan.With multiple groups still undecided, the race for the remaining Round of 32 places remains wide open. Canada, Switzerland, Brazil, Morocco, Netherlands, Japan, Spain and Egypt are among the teams best positioned to join the six nations that have already secured their passage to the knockout stage.