Who Makes the Round of 32?
With 48 teams in 12 groups of 4, 32 nations advance — the top 2 from each group plus the 8 best third-placed teams. Here are our predictions for who advances from each group after the opening matches.
Group by Group Predictions
Group A: Mexico and Korea Republic. South Africa as best third-placed team candidate.
Group B: Canada and Switzerland. Bosnia and Herzegovina may push for third.
Group C: Brazil and Morocco. Scotland surprising but likely fall short over three matches. Haiti exit.
Group D: USA and Australia. Turkey capable of third place. Paraguay likely exit.
Group E: Germany and Ecuador. Ivory Coast could push. Curaçao exit.
Group F: Netherlands and Japan. Both drew their openers — either could top the group. Sweden and Tunisia fighting for third.
Group G: Belgium and Egypt. New Zealand and Iran fighting for third place.
Group H: Spain and Uruguay. Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia fighting for third.
Group I: France and Norway. Senegal dangerous but France first-half issues are a concern. Iraq likely exit.
Group J: Argentina and Paraguay (second group). Algeria surprise exit candidate. Bolivia exit.
Group K: Portugal and Colombia. Uzbekistan and DR Congo exit.
Group L: England and Croatia. Ghana and Panama exit.
The Biggest Surprise Qualification
Scotland advancing from Group C above Brazil — if it happens — would be the most remarkable group stage result in World Cup 2026 and one of the biggest surprises in tournament history. After their opening win over Haiti and Brazil draw with Morocco, it is no longer impossible.
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