World Cup 2026: Which Teams Are Through to the Knockout Stage?

World Cup 2026 Knockout Round: Teams Advancing

The 2026 World Cup has entered its second week, and several teams have already locked in their places in the knockout phase. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams, the knockout stage now starts with a Round of 32 rather than the usual Round of 16.

Advancement comes not just for the top two teams in each group but also includes the eight best third-place finishers. This broader inclusion means some third-placed teams still have a shot at progressing, depending on their ranking among other groups.

Mexico Leads the Way

Mexico was the first team to confirm its spot in the Round of 32 after a 1-0 victory over South Korea on Thursday night. Prior to that, they had begun the tournament strongly with a 2-0 win against South Africa. Earlier on the same day, South Africa and Czechia drew 1-1, setting the stage for Mexico to clinch Group A with their win.

The match remained goalless through the first half until Luis Romo capitalized on an error by South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, who collided with a teammate and lost control of the ball inside the box. Romo seized the chance to put Mexico ahead.

In the final moments, goalkeeper Raúl Rangel became the hero with two key saves that kept South Korea from leveling the score.

Mexico will finish as winners of Group A and face a third-place team from Group C, E, F, H, or I in the Round of 32. Their next match will remain in Mexico City, giving them home advantage for this knockout encounter.