2026 World Cup Bracket: Updated Standings, Schedule, and Round of 32 Matchups

The 2026 World Cup features an expanded format with 48 teams, which leads to many shifting scenarios as the group stage wraps up. The field must narrow from 48 to 32 teams for the knockout phase. This includes the top two teams from each of the 12 groups plus the eight best third-placed teams. Placement for these third-placed teams depends on various results across the groups, making the bracket a complex puzzle.

We've gathered all the latest standings, match results, and possible outcomes to help you follow along through the final group matches.

Projected Round of 32 Fixtures

Below is the current schedule for the Round of 32, based on BBC Sport's information. Confirmed teams are shown in bold, while those who could still change positions appear in italics. This list updates after each set of group games from June 24 to June 27.

• Sun, June 28: South Africa (A2) vs. Canada (B2)
• Mon, June 29:
• Germany (E1) vs. Paraguay (A/B/C/D/F 3)
• Netherlands (F1) vs. Morocco (C2)
• Brazil (C1) vs. Japan (F2)
• France (I1) vs. Sweden (C/D/F/H/I 3)
• Ivory Coast (E2) vs. Norway (I2)
• Mexico (A1) vs. Scotland (C/E/F/H/I 3)
• England (L1) vs. Cape Verde (E/H/I/J/K 3)
• USA (D1) vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (B/E/F/I/J 3)
• Egypt (G1) vs. Czechia (A/E/H/I/J 3)
• Portugal (K2) vs. Ghana (L2)
• Spain (H1) vs. Austria (J2)
• Switzerland (B1) vs. Belgium (E/F/G/I/J 3)
• Argentina (J1) vs. Uruguay (H2)
• Colombia (K1) vs. Croatia (D/E/I/J/L 3)
• Australia (D2) vs. Iran (G2)

Group A Standings and Outlook

Mexico secured the top spot after winning all their matches. South Africa qualified second after beating South Korea. South Korea might advance as one of the best third-place teams but needs favorable outcomes. Czechia was eliminated following a 3-0 loss to Mexico.

Group B Standings and Outlook

Switzerland topped Group B after defeating Canada. Canada took second place and will play their Round of 32 match in Los Angeles. Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded their first World Cup win since 2014 and are likely to advance as a top third-place team. Qatar is out after failing to advance beyond the group.

Group C Standings and Outlook

Brazil leads Group C and has qualified. Morocco also advanced as runner-up. Scotland still has a slim chance to progress as a third-place team, while Haiti has been eliminated after losing all their matches.

Group D Standings and Outlook

United States secured their spot by winning Group D. Both Australia and Paraguay have qualified for the knockouts but will compete for second place. Turkey is out after losses.

Group E Standings and Outlook

Germany topped Group E and qualified. Ivory Coast advances with a win or draw against Curacao. Ecuador and Curacao face elimination depending on upcoming results.

Group F Standings and Outlook

Sweden can qualify with a win over Japan. Tunisia will be eliminated if Japan wins and the Netherlands defeat Sweden. Netherlands can clinch advancement with a win against Tunisia. Japan must win their remaining matches to secure a knockout spot.

Group G Standings and Outlook

Egypt can claim first place with a win over Iran. They can't finish lower than third but aren't guaranteed knockout qualification yet due to tiebreakers. Iran can top the group with a win and a Belgium loss or draw. Belgium and New Zealand still have chances to rise in the standings depending on results.

Group H Standings and Outlook

Spain can secure first with a win over Uruguay. A draw combined with a Cape Verde victory would create a three-way tie. Uruguay can take top spot with a win and Cape Verde dropping points. Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia could move up in the table with wins and favorable results elsewhere.

Group I Standings and Outlook

France and Norway have both qualified. France can win the group with a win or draw against Norway. Norway can take first with a win over France. Senegal and Iraq face elimination with poor results in their last games.

Group J Standings and Outlook

Argentina topped Group J and qualified. Austria will advance with a win or draw against Jordan. Algeria can qualify with a win over Austria but risks elimination otherwise. Jordan is out after losses.

Group K Standings and Outlook

Colombia has qualified and will win the group with a draw or victory over Portugal. Portugal can take first with a win. DR Congo could qualify as a top third-place team or second place with an unlikely large-margin win. Uzbekistan must win to keep hopes alive.

Group L Standings and Outlook

England will qualify with a win over Panama. Ghana secures a spot with a victory over Croatia. Croatia can advance by beating Ghana. Panama is eliminated after losing to Croatia.

Group Stage Tiebreakers

If teams end tied on points, the following rules decide standings:

• Overall goal difference
• Total goals scored
• Head-to-head points
• Head-to-head goal difference
• Head-to-head goals scored
• Highest team conduct score (fewer cards)
• Higher FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking

These criteria will influence which teams move forward when results create deadlocks.