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2026 World Cup Bracket: Updated Standings, Schedule, and Round of 32 Matchups

The 2026 World Cup features an expanded format with 48 teams, which makes the final group stage full of twists. After the group phase, the field narrows to 32 teams for the knockout rounds. This includes the top two teams from each of the 12 groups plus the eight best third-place finishers.

Figuring out where these third-placed teams fit in the bracket depends heavily on how other matches unfold, creating a complex web of possibilities. We’re keeping track of every change and result as the group stage wraps up.

Projected Round of 32 Matches

Here’s the current schedule for the Round of 32, based on information from BBC Sport. Confirmed teams appear in bold; teams that might shift positions are shown in italics. Updates will come after each match day from June 24 through June 27, the end of the group stage.

  • Sun., June 28: South Africa (A2) vs. Canada (B2)
  • Mon., June 29: Germany (E1) vs. Paraguay (third place from A/B/C/D/F), Netherlands (F1) vs. Morocco (C2), Brazil (C1) vs. Japan (F2)
  • Tues., June 30: France (I1) vs. Sweden (third place from C/D/F/H/I), Ivory Coast (E2) vs. Norway (I2), Mexico (A1) vs. Scotland (third place from C/E/F/H/I)
  • Wed., July 1: England (L1) vs. Cape Verde (third place from E/H/I/J/K), USA (D1) vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (third place from B/E/F/I/J), Egypt (G1) vs. Czechia (third place from A/E/H/I/J)
  • Thurs., July 2: Portugal (K2) vs. Ghana (L2), Spain (H1) vs. Austria (J2), Switzerland (B1) vs. Belgium (third place from E/F/G/I/J)
  • Fri., July 3: Argentina (J1) vs. Uruguay (H2), Colombia (K1) vs. Croatia (third place from D/E/I/J/L), Australia (D2) vs. Iran (G2)

Group-by-Group Standings and Scenarios

Group A

Mexico has secured the top spot with three wins. South Africa joined the knockout round by finishing second after beating South Korea. South Korea’s hopes now depend on qualifying as one of the best third-place teams. Czechia is out after losing 3-0 to Mexico.

Group B

Switzerland took first place after beating Canada 3-1 in Vancouver. Canada holds second but must travel to Los Angeles for their Round of 32 game. Bosnia may advance as one of the best third-placed teams after their win over Qatar. Qatar's World Cup journey ends after earning just one point across two tournaments.

Group C

Brazil leads Group C, having secured qualification. Morocco joins them in the knockout stage. Scotland still holds a slim chance as a third-place team, while Haiti is out with no points.

Group D

The United States tops Group D and will advance after wins over Australia and Turkey. Australia and Paraguay both remain in contention for second place and a knockout berth depending on their final match results. Turkey is out after two losses.

Group E

Germany clinched Group E with wins over Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Ivory Coast can qualify with a win or draw against Curacao. Ecuador and Curacao face elimination unless Ivory Coast drops points.

Group F

Sweden will move on if they defeat Japan in the last match. Netherlands can secure a knockout spot with a win over Tunisia. Japan must win against Tunisia and/or Sweden to progress. Tunisia faces elimination if Japan and Netherlands win their matches.

Group G

Egypt could finish first with a win over Iran. Iran might top the group if they beat Egypt and Belgium drops points. Belgium and New Zealand have outside chances to rise in the standings depending on their final matches.

Group H

Spain can secure first place by beating Uruguay. Uruguay can claim the top spot by defeating Spain and relying on other results. Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia have chances to climb into qualification spots if results favor them.

Group I

France and Norway both have locked in their places. The final match between them will decide who takes the group lead. Senegal and Iraq are out of the tournament.

Group J

Argentina leads the group after winning their matches. Austria or Algeria can qualify depending on the outcome of their final game. Jordan has been eliminated.

Group K

Colombia has qualified and can secure the group top spot with a draw or win against Portugal. Portugal can take first place with a victory. DR Congo and Uzbekistan still have slim chances to advance depending on the final results.

Group L

England will move on with a win against Panama. Ghana qualifies with a victory over Croatia. Croatia can also qualify by beating Ghana. Panama has been knocked out.

World Cup Group Stage Tiebreakers

If teams are level on points, these rules decide rankings:

  • Overall goal difference
  • Total goals scored
  • Head-to-head points among tied teams
  • Head-to-head goal difference
  • Head-to-head goals scored
  • Highest team conduct score (fewer cards means better score)
  • Higher FIFA Men’s World Ranking

These criteria could be decisive as the tournament progresses and multiple teams fight for those last knockout spots.

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