Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe 2026 World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 nations, organised into 12 groups of four teams. The knockout stages will comprise the 12 group winners, 12 runners-up, and the eight best third-placed teams. Seven teams had already secured their spot in the knockout rounds by winning both of their initial matches - and now more have qualified following the third round of games in several of the groups.Conversely, several teams have been eliminated from the tournament after suffering defeats in both of their opening fixtures. Teams that have qualified for the knockout stages are as follows: Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Morocco, USA, Australia, Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, France, Norway, Argentina, and Colombia. In fullWho has qualified for the knockout stages and which teams have been eliminated from the World Cup?Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Eight of the 12 teams which finish third in the group stage will still qualify for the knockouts.

With the group stage hurtling towards its end we look at who needs what to make the knockout phase

Which teams will reach the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup and who is heading home early?

The knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup are about to get into full swing in North America

The knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup will begin with a first ever round of 32

Co-hosts among teams through to Round of 32