Brazil qualify for the 15th Time, while Canada, South Africa and Bosnia reach for the first time
New York: Thirteen nations have already secured places in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while six teams have been eliminated from the tournament. Among the qualifiers, five-time world champions Brazil continued their remarkable consistency by advancing from the group stage for the 15th consecutive World Cup. Hosts Canada, along with South Africa and Bosnia and Herzegovina, have reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Which 13 Teams Have Qualified and Which Six Are Out?
The 13 teams that have qualified for the knockout stage are Argentina, France, Brazil, Germany, Colombia, South Africa, the United States, Mexico, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland, Morocco and Norway.
The six teams eliminated from the tournament are Qatar, Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia, Jordan and Panama.
How Do Teams Reach the Knockout Stage?
The expanded tournament features 12 groups. The top two teams from each group automatically qualify for the knockout stage. In addition, the eight best third-placed teams across all groups also advance, completing the 32-team knockout bracket.
Neymar Returns for Brazil After Three Years
Brazilian superstar Neymar made his first appearance for Brazil in three years. The forward had missed the start of the World Cup due to injury but returned to action against Scotland on Thursday.
Although Neymar did not score, he contributed to Brazil’s impressive 3-0 victory. Vinicius Junior netted twice in the 7th and 48th minutes, while Matheus Cunha added the third goal in the 60th minute.
Brazil have now secured a place in the Round of 32 from Group C, while Scotland’s qualification hopes remain uncertain.
Canada Advance Despite Defeat
In Group B, hosts Canada lost 2-1 to Switzerland but still managed to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time ever.
As a result, all three host nations — the United States, Mexico and Canada — have advanced to the Round of 32.
Bosnia Eliminate Qatar
Bosnia and Herzegovina have also reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
The European side achieved the milestone by defeating 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar 3-1 in a crucial match on Wednesday night, ending Qatar’s campaign and securing their own place in the next round.
South Africa Create History
South Africa booked their first-ever place in the World Cup knockout stage after defeating South Korea 1-0 in Group A.
Thapelo Maseko scored the historic winning goal in the 63rd minute, sparking wild celebrations among his teammates.
South Africa’s achievement is particularly remarkable considering they began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico on June 11 but still managed to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Morocco and Mexico Record Important Wins
In another key Group C match, Morocco defeated a spirited Haiti side 4-2 after a hard-fought contest.
Meanwhile, hosts Mexico produced a dominant performance to beat the Czech Republic 3-0 in Group A. Mexico had already secured qualification for the knockout stage and strengthened their position with another convincing victory.
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