Global soccer tournament latest: Half dozen sides advance to knockout stage, quartet eliminated

The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is slowly unfolding, with six teams having already secured their spots in the round of 32, while four teams have been ousted from the tournament after the second round of group matches, as of the morning of Tuesday, June 23.

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Mexico and the United States, the co-hosts, have joined Germany, Argentina, France, and Norway in booking their places in the knockout stage, marking a significant milestone in the competition.

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Mexico was the first team to qualify, emerging as the leader of Group A after notching victories over South Africa and Korea Republic, and will now face a third-placed team from Groups C, E, F, H, or I in the Round of 32, scheduled to take place in Mexico City on June 30.

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The United States secured its progression in Group D, thanks to wins over Paraguay and Australia, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side finishing 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.

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Germany became the first European side to advance, following back-to-back wins over Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire in Group E, with Julian Nagelsmann’s team later confirmed as group winners, set to meet a third-placed team from Groups A, B, C, D, or F in Boston on June 29.

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Argentina, fueled by Lionel Messi’s impressive five goals in two matches, secured qualification from Group J, with wins over Algeria and Austria, topping the group, and will face the Group H runners-up in Miami on July 3.

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France progressed from Group I, courtesy of victories over Senegal and Iraq, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice in both matches, while Norway also joined them from the same group, after beating Iraq and Senegal to seal qualification.

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On the other hand, Haiti, Tunisia, Türkiye, and Jordan have been eliminated from the tournament, having failed to accumulate sufficient points in their respective groups, bringing an end to their campaigns.

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Haiti’s exit was precipitated by defeats to Scotland and Brazil, while Tunisia suffered losses to Sweden and Japan, ultimately leading to their elimination.

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Türkiye were eliminated following defeats to Australia and Paraguay, and Jordan crashed out after losing to Austria and Algeria, marking the end of their participation in the tournament.