- By Samannay Sen
- Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:37 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Haiti, Türkiye, Tunisia, Jordan, Uzbekistan and Panama are the six nations officially eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Mexico have already secured qualification and first place in the group.
- With one matchday remaining, the race for the Round of 32 is set for a dramatic finish.
With Colombia’s win against DR Congo, the lines have been drawn for FIFA World Cup 2026 Matchday 2. All 48 teams have played their two matches in their respective groups. The interest among football fans rises as the 23rd edition of the marquee event draws closer to the phenomenal knockout rounds.
While many teams have qualified for the knockout stages, some have already been eliminated from the competition. However, the focus now shifts to the sides who are yet to secure qualification and remain within touching distance of the Round of 32.
Adding more excitement to the qualification race is the possibility of one showdown between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on the grandest stage of them all.
Teams That Have Been Knocked Out
Haiti, Türkiye, Tunisia, Jordan, Uzbekistan and Panama are the six nations officially eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Due to FIFA's new group-stage tiebreaker rules prioritising head-to-head records over overall goal difference, these nations are mathematically out of contention for a knockout-round berth.
Teams That Have Already Qualified
As of June 24, seven nations have officially punched their ticket to the Round of 32.
The teams that have already qualified are:
- Mexico
- USA
- Germany
- Argentina
- France
- Norway
- Colombia
With one group-stage match remaining, several other heavyweight nations are expected to join them in the knockout rounds.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi? Here's How It Can Happen
With every football fan wondering whether Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal can face Lionel Messi's Argentina, the dream match up remains very much possible.
Yes, Portugal can face Argentina in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, it entirely depends on Portugal finishing as Group K winners.
For the clash to happen at Kansas City Stadium on July 11, the following sequence must take place:
1. Portugal Must Win Group K
Portugal needs to beat Colombia on the final match day and secure top spot in Group K.
2. Round of 32 Qualification
Argentina, as Group J winners, must win their Round of 32 fixture. Portugal, as Group K winners, must also progress from their Round of 32 encounter.
3. Round of 16 Progression
Both teams would then need to win their respective Round of 16 matches. If those results fall into place, football fans across the globe could witness one final World Cup battle between the two greatest players of their generation.
What If Portugal Finish Second?
If Portugal fails to finish above Colombia and end the group stage as runners-up, they will move to the opposite side of the knockout bracket.
In that scenario, a quarter-final clash against Argentina becomes impossible.
The only stage where Ronaldo and Messi could then meet would be the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final on July 19.
Qualification Scenarios Explained Group-Wise
Group A
Mexico have already secured qualification and first place in the group.
South Korea requires only a draw against South Africa to book their place in the Round of 32.
Czechia and South Africa both need victories along with favourable results elsewhere to qualify.
Group B
Canada and Switzerland enter the final matchday level on four points.
A win or draw will guarantee qualification for either side, while first place will also be up for grabs when they face each other.
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar remain mathematically alive but require a massive turnaround.
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Group C
Brazil and Morocco occupy the top two positions heading into the final round of fixtures.
Scotland remain firmly in contention and can secure qualification with a win against Brazil.
Haiti have already been eliminated.
Group D
USA have already won the group and qualified for the knockout rounds.
Australia and Paraguay will fight for the remaining automatic qualification spot.
Türkiye have been knocked out.
Group E
Germany have already secured first place and qualification.
Ivory Coast hold the advantage in the race for second place, while Ecuador and Curaçao still possess outside hopes.
Group F
The Netherlands, Japan and Sweden remain separated by just one point.
Japan can qualify with a draw, while Sweden require a win.
The Netherlands remain favourites to finish top of the group.
Group G
Egypt can seal both qualification and first place with a victory over Iran.
Belgium and Iran both require wins to strengthen their qualification chances, while New Zealand must defeat Belgium to remain alive.
Group H
Spain are on the verge of sealing first place.
Cape Verde and Uruguay are battling for the second automatic qualification berth, while Saudi Arabia remain outsiders.
Group I
France and Norway have already qualified for the Round of 32.
Their final group-stage fixture will decide who finishes top and earns a potentially favourable knockout route.
Group J
Argentina have secured qualification and first place.
Austria and Algeria will effectively contest a direct qualification playoff for second spot.
Jordan have already been eliminated.
Group K
Colombia have already secured qualification.
Portugal need a draw to guarantee progression and a win to challenge for first place.
DR Congo remain alive and could still advance either through the top two or as one of the best third-placed teams.
Group L
England, Ghana and Croatia all remain in contention for qualification.
England can secure first place with a win over Panama, while Ghana and Croatia meet in a crucial clash that could determine the final standings.
Panama have already been eliminated.
How Are FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Ties Broken?
If two or more teams finish level on points, FIFA applies the following tiebreakers:
1. Head-to-head record among tied teams
- Points earned
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
2. Overall group-stage performance
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Team conduct score (yellow and red cards)
3. FIFA Men's World Ranking
The introduction of head-to-head records as the primary tiebreaker has already played a major role in shaping qualification and elimination scenarios across several groups.
ALSO READ: England vs Ghana Match Result: Tuchel's Men Held to Shocking Goalless Draw
With one matchday remaining, the race for the Round of 32 is set for a dramatic finish, while football fans continue to dream of one last Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi showdown on the World Cup stage.