Six teams seal last-32 places at World Cup 2026

Six teams have already secured places in the last 32 at the 2026 World Cup, underlining the gap between some of the leading sides and the rest in the group stage.

According to reporting from Fotbali and other sources, Mexico, the United States and Germany have made their progress from Groups A, D and E look comfortable. Argentina and France also confirmed qualification after results in their second matches.

The surprise in the list is Norway, whose young squad has taken one of the early knockout spots. The new World Cup format has 12 groups and sends 32 teams into the next round, meaning sides with two opening wins can wrap up qualification quickly.

That has already allowed some teams to secure progress before the end of the second week and switch their focus to finishing top of the group. Germany and France have backed up their status as established powers, while Norway, led by Erling Haaland, is emerging as one of Europe’s more striking new forces.

Attention now turns to which teams can clinch first place in their groups and earn a more manageable route through the knockout bracket.