The race for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is hotting up with six nations already guaranteed a spot in the Round of 32 after just two group matches while four others have been eliminated early.

Qualification for the 2023 World Cup has begun with co-hosts Mexico and the United States among the first to book their tickets alongside Germany, Argentina, France and Norway. Mexico were the first side to seal their spot in the knockout rounds after back-to-back wins over South Africa and Korea Republic in Group A.

The North Americans topped the group and will face a third-placed team from Group C, E, F, H or I in Mexico City on June 30.

The United States followed quickly in Group D, beating Paraguay and Australia to assure progression. Mauricio Pochettino’s side also finished first and will face a third-placed side from Groups B, E, F, I or J in the San Francisco Bay Area on July 1.

Germany were the first European side to qualify for the World Cup after following up back-to-back wins over Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire in Group E. Julian Nagelsmann’s side later confirmed their status as group winners and will face a third-placed team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in Boston on June 29.

Defending champions Argentina also qualified with a game to spare thanks to five goals from captain Lionel Messi in victories against Algeria and Austria. Argentina finished top of Group J and will meet the Group H runners-up in Miami on July 3.

France sealed their place in the last 16 with victories over Senegal and Iraq, Kylian Mbappé scoring twice in each match. Norway also joined them in the knockout stage after beating Iraq and Senegal.

At the other end of the standings, Haiti, Tunisia, Türkiye and Jordan have all been eliminated after defeat in their opening two matches. Haiti lost to Scotland and Brazil, Tunisia lost to Sweden and Japan, Türkiye lost to Australia and Paraguay and Jordan’s hopes ended after losses to Austria and Algeria.