2026 FIFA World Cup Roundup, Group Stages
The group stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded, featuring exciting games, impressive individual displays, and surprising outcomes. Below is a recap of the groups.
Group A
The Czechia has been eliminated from the FIFA World Cup at the group stage after a 3-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico in the capital city. Mexico topped Group A with a perfect nine points and will go on to face Ecuador. South Africa defied expectations by securing their first-ever spot in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup, thanks to a 1-0 win over South Korea at Estadio Monterrey, finishing second in Group A. The jubilant South African team now looks forward to their debut in the Round of 32, where they will play against co-hosts Canada. South Korea, despite winning their opening match against the Czechia, failed to advance.
Group B
Switzerland finished first in Group B at the FIFA World Cup, advancing from the group stage for the fourth consecutive time for the first time, after a 2-1 victory over Canada in Vancouver. Despite the loss, Canada also progressed to the knockout stage for the first time in their history. Switzerland will play against Algeria in the next round. Meanwhile, a spectacular goal by Kerim Alajbegović helped Bosnia and Herzegovina secure a 3-1 win over Qatar. The European team finished third in Group B with four points, earning a spot in the knockout stages where they will face co-host USA.
Group C
Brazil have advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Scotland, who finished third in Group C, 3-0 in Miami. Vinícius Júnior scored the opening goal as part of a dominant first-half performance, becoming the fifth Brazilian player to score in all three group matches of a World Cup tournament. In the round of 32, Brazil will take on Japan, while Scotland has been eliminated from the competition. Meanwhile, Haiti matched an unfortunate record by playing the most FIFA World Cup matches without a win, following a late 4-2 loss to Morocco. Morocco secured second place in the group and will face the Netherlands in the next round.
Group D
Turkey concluded their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an exciting 3-2 win over co-hosts USA, ending Mauricio Pochettino’s rotated team’s unbeaten streak. This late victory in Inglewood allowed Turkey to finish their first World Cup since 2002 on a high note, following disappointing losses to Australia and Paraguay. Meanwhile, Australia and Paraguay played a lackluster 0-0 draw, a result influenced by the new World Cup format. This draw secured Australia a second straight knockout round appearance and advanced Paraguay to the next stage as one of the best third-placed teams. Australia will face Egypt, while Paraguay will take on Germany.
Group E
Ecuador secured their spot in the round of 32 as one of the top third-placed teams by delivering an impressive 2-1 win against Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, breaking a nine-game winless streak against European teams. Nicolas Pépé’s two goals propelled Ivory Coast into the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, as their 2-0 triumph over Curaçao in Philadelphia ensured they finished second in Group E and knocked out the World Cup newcomers. In the next round, Ivory Coast will compete against Norway.
Group F
The Netherlands secured first place in Group F at the FIFA World Cup by convincingly defeating Tunisia 3-1 in Kansas City, extending their unbeaten streak in World Cup matches to 15 games. Meanwhile, Hervé Renard’s team was eliminated without earning any points and having conceded 12 goals. Japan and Sweden both advanced to the knockout stage following a 1-1 draw in Dallas, a result that extends Japan’s winless streak against Sweden to five consecutive encounters. In the round of 32, Sweden will go up against France.
Group G
Belgium secured a convincing 5-1 victory against New Zealand in their last group match of the FIFA World Cup, ensuring their advancement to the Round of 32 and eliminating the All Whites, who are still seeking their first-ever World Cup win. In the next round, Belgium will compete against Senegal. Meanwhile, Iran was denied a possible historic win in a thrilling 1-1 draw with Egypt, who missed out on finishing first in Group G. Egypt will settle for second place, while Team Melli did not advance to the next stage.
Group H
Uruguay, who have won the World Cup twice, were eliminated in the group stage for the second consecutive tournament following a 1-0 loss to Group H leaders Spain in Guadalajara. Spain will go on to play Austria in the next round. Meanwhile, Cape Verde made history by reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in their debut appearance, securing second place in Group H with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia. Cape Verde will face Argentina in the upcoming round.
Group I
Senegal will advance to the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup after finishing third in Group I, following a 5-0 victory against Iraq, who have now been defeated in all six of their World Cup matches. France claimed first place in Group I with a strong 4-1 win over Norway, handing Norway only their second loss in their last 19 international games.
Group J
Defending champions Argentina advanced to the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 as one of three teams maintaining a perfect record, following a comfortable 3-1 victory over Jordan. Algeria and Austria engaged in an exciting 3-3 draw, with both teams scoring during stoppage time. This result allowed both countries to progress from Group J to the Round of 32, marking Algeria’s first qualification from the group stage since the 1954 World Cup finals.
Group K
Portugal missed the opportunity to top Group K, settling for an exciting 0-0 draw with Colombia. This result means the Seleção finished second behind Los Cafeteros, who remain unbeaten after 90 minutes in their last four FIFA World Cup matches against European teams (2 wins, 2 draws). Colombia will go on to play Ghana, while Portugal will face Croatia. DR Congo came back from an early deficit to beat Uzbekistan 3-1, securing not only their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory but also their first-ever spot in the knockout stages. DR Congo will take on England next.
Group L
England claimed first place in Group L by defeating Panama 2-0 at MetLife Stadium, extending their unbeaten streak against CONCACAF teams at the FIFA World Cup finals to seven matches (4 wins, 3 draws). Meanwhile, Croatia secured their spot in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 win over Ghana, maintaining their unbeaten record against African teams at the finals to five games (4 wins, 1 draw).
