2026 FIFA World Cup table, group classification and possible changes: USA in the 32nd round, what will be the next surprise?
The United States men’s national team became the second nation to secure a place in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and clinched first place in Group D.
Following their 2-0 win over Australia, the United States improved their performance to 2-0-0 in Group D. And although they secured a place in the round of 16 with that victory, the USA took top spot in Group D thanks to Paraguay’s victory over Turkey on Friday night. This is the first time since 2010 that the USA has won its World Cup group.
In the middle of the second round of each selection, here is a more detailed analysis of the table and possible scenarios for the World Cup.
Group A
Mexico’s victory over South Korea on Friday guaranteed the leadership of Group A, as the first tiebreaker criterion is direct confrontation. Mexico’s result in their last game against the Czech Republic will not affect their ranking, although it will be important for the Czechs.
Group B
With an impressive goal difference and the eight best third-placed teams now classified, Canada and Switzerland are likely to advance. The winner of Group B will be defined in the confrontation between the two countries on Wednesday, June 24 (3 pm, Brasília time). Switzerland needs to win this match to take first place in Group B, due to Canada’s superior goal difference.
Group C
Morocco and Brazil secured three points with wins over Scotland and Haiti respectively. Brazil took the lead in the group on goal difference. After defeats to Scotland and Brazil, Haiti will return home after the group stage.
Group D
The United States secured top spot in Group D with a 2-0 win over Australia and Paraguay’s 1-0 victory over Turkey on Friday. The Americans will face Turkey, who is already eliminated, before competing in the round of 32 on July 1st.
Australia and Paraguay will compete for second place in the final round of Group D on Thursday, with the Australians having an advantage due to goal difference.
Group E
Germany won the group and advanced to the round of 32 with victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday in Toronto. Super substitute Denis Undav scored twice, including the winner in stoppage time, to secure the Germans’ place in the round of 16.
Ivory Coast will need a good result in their final match against Curaçao, who picked up their first World Cup point in a goalless draw with Ecuador thanks to the heroic performances of goalkeeper Eloy Room. Ecuador will face Germany in their final group stage match.
Group F
The Netherlands and Japan, who drew 2-2 last week, are the two best teams in the group. The Dutch beat Sweden 5-1 in their second group stage match, while Japan defeated Tunisia 4-0. Sweden are in third place after their defeat to the Netherlands and will now face Japan in their final group stage match. The Dutch will close the group stage against Tunisia, who will not be able to advance after defeats to Sweden and Japan.
Group G
Belgium and Iran currently have two points each, but Egypt have the edge following their victory over New Zealand. Belgium face New Zealand in the final round of the group and need a victory to feel comfortable with their chances of advancing to the round of 32 stage.
Leia Também
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Group H
Spain made it clear this Sunday that it remains a strong contender for the World Cup title. The reigning European champions top the group thanks to a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, with Lamine Yamal scoring his first World Cup goal and Mikel Oyarzabal contributing two goals and an assist.
Cape Verde surprised once again by drawing 2-2 with Uruguay. Kevin Pina and Hélio Varela scored Cape Verde’s first two goals in World Cup history. Uruguay managed to escape with a point after goals from Maxi Araujo and Agustín Canobbio, which prevented the team’s early elimination.
The final round of games will see Saudi Arabia take on Cape Verde, while a decisive clash between Uruguay and Spain could determine the group winner.
France and Norway dominated the first two group stage matches, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown on Friday. Whoever wins the game between France and Norway on Friday will take first place in the group.
However, if the match ends in a draw, France will advance due to having an advantage on goal difference. France now have a positive goal difference of five following their 3-0 win over Iraq on Monday. Norway, meanwhile, have a positive goal difference of four after their 3-2 win over Senegal.
Senegal and Iraq will compete for third place on Friday, and the winner of that match will be able to advance to the round of 32 stage.
Group J
Argentina secured passage to the round of 32 with a 2-0 victory over Austria, and Algeria’s victory over Jordan guaranteed group leadership for the current champions. Lionel Messi’s record-breaking goals secured victory in style. He is now the top scorer in World Cup history and has already scored five goals in just two games in this tournament.
In the last round of this group, Algeria faces Austria. There are chances of both teams advancing, but a victory for either of them would guarantee passage to the round of 32 stage.
Group K
Colombia advanced to the round of 32 with a victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday and currently top Group K with six points. The team that wins the clash between Colombia and Portugal in the final round of Group K, on Saturday, will be the group champion.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is still in contention for a place in the round of 32, with one point, with just one round left until the end of the group stage. Uzbekistan were eliminated from contention following their defeat to Portugal on Tuesday.
Group L
England drew with Ghana, while Croatia won a huge victory over Panama, who were disqualified from the competition.
England and Ghana are tied on four points going into the final round. The Three Lions will face Panama, while Ghana will play Croatia. England has the advantage at the moment due to having a better goal difference and, therefore, leads the group.
Third Place Classification
The eight teams that finished in third place and accumulated the most points advance to the round of 32 stage. Sweden (Group F) currently leads the standings, followed by Scotland (Group C) and Croatia (Group L) – Scotland has a better goal difference.
Round of 32 clashes(updated projections)
- June 28, Inglewood: Second in Group A x Second in Group B (probable South Korea x Switzerland)
- June 29, Houston: Winner of Group C x Second in Group F (probable Brazil x Japan)
- June 29, Foxborough: Germany x Third (probable Germany x Paraguay)
- And so on, following the scenarios detailed in the source.
