Qualified: World Cup 2026 teams already through to the knockout stage

The World Cup 2026 is in full swing across the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

Most of the big teams have lived up to the hype, while there have also been a few surprises. 

Here are the seven national teams that have secured their place in the knockout stage.

Mexico 

Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to book their ticket to the knockout stage after sealing maximum points in their opening two group matches.

Javier Aguirre’s side began their campaign with a 2-0 triumph over South Africa before outclassing South Korea 1-0 to ensure qualification.   

United States

The United States kicked off their campaign with an emphatic 4-1 success against Paraguay. They followed that up with a 2-0 victory over Australia to book their place in the round of 32. 

Germany 

Germany failed to advance beyond the group stage in 2018 and 2022.

However, they banished ghosts of the past by winning their opening two matches against Curacao and Ivory Coast to confirm their place in the next stage of the competition. 

Argentina 

Lionel Messi continues to defy age with sensational World Cup performances for Argentina.

Thanks to the Inter Miami star’s five goals, the Albiceleste have comfortably won their group matches against Algeria and Austria to seal their ticket to the next round. 

France 

Boasting an embarrassment of riches in attack, France are heavily fancied to lift the trophy.

With Kylian Mbappe in the form of his life, Les Bleus have won their opening two games to qualify for the last 32. 

Norway 

Norway are back at the World Cup after 28 years, but they have demonstrated their desire to go deep in the tournament.

Stale Solbakken’s side battered Iraq 4-1 before edging Senegal 3-2 to seal their place in the knockout stage. 

Colombia 

Colombia became the latest team to join the party after their 1-0 win over DR Congo on Tuesday.

The South Americans beat tournament minnows Uzbekistan 3-1 in their first group game last week.