World Cup 2026 Knockout Race: Who's Already Through, Who's Sweating

Mexico, USA, Germany, Argentina, France and Norway have already reached the round of 32 by June 24.

For the first time, 32 of 48 teams advance: top two in each of 12 groups plus the eight best third-placed sides.

FIFA now uses head-to-head results, not goal difference, as the first tiebreaker on level points.

The brand-new round of 32 runs June 28 to July 3; the final is on July 19.

Messi has become the World Cup's all-time top scorer with 18 goals; Mbappe sits on 16.