Twenty-one countries have confirmed their places in the Round of 32 at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup after completing their group-stage campaigns.
Egypt and Belgium became the latest teams to secure qualification after their final group matches.
The qualification race has continued to produce major moments as teams fight for places in the knockout phase of football’s biggest tournament.
Egypt, Belgium secure progress
Egypt booked their spot after playing out a 1-1 draw against Iran, a result that helped them finish second in Group G behind group leaders Belgium.
Belgium also sealed qualification in impressive fashion after defeating New Zealand 5-1 to move into the next stage of the competition.
Both teams will now prepare for their Round of 32 fixtures.
More teams join knockout stage
Egypt and Belgium joined several nations that had already secured qualification.
The confirmed knockout-stage teams include Australia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Colombia.
Other nations through to the next round are Mexico, South Africa, Canada, Switzerland, the United States, Brazil, Morocco, Germany, France, Norway, and Argentina.
World Cup knockout race continues
With more group matches still deciding final positions, attention now turns to the knockout stage draw and the teams that will continue their pursuit of the World Cup trophy.
The 2026 tournament has already delivered strong performances, surprises, and intense competition from teams around the world.