Countries that could qualify for the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup

Teams Most Likely to Reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32

As the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup progresses, the race for a place in the Round of 32 is beginning to take shape. While only a handful of teams have officially secured qualification, several nations have already established themselves as strong contenders to advance based on current standings, performances, and expert projections.

With the tournament’s expanded 48-team format creating more opportunities for nations to reach the knockout rounds, the battle for qualification remains intense across all 12 groups.

Group A

Mexico – The co-hosts have been one of the standout teams of the tournament so far, winning their opening two matches to secure qualification. Their defensive discipline and home support make them favourites to finish top of the group.

South Korea – Despite suffering a narrow defeat to Mexico, South Korea remain in a strong position and are expected to edge out South Africa and Czechia for the second qualification spot.

Group B

Canada – Another host nation enjoying a positive start, Canada currently lead the group following an impressive victory over Qatar.

Switzerland – The Swiss have once again demonstrated their consistency on the international stage and are well-positioned to advance after collecting four points from their opening fixtures.

Group C

Brazil – Although their campaign has not started perfectly, the five-time world champions remain overwhelming favourites to recover and secure qualification.

Morocco – Building on their historic 2022 World Cup run, Morocco continue to prove they belong among football’s elite and look capable of advancing.

Group D

United States – The Americans have showcased their attacking quality with consecutive victories and appear destined for the knockout stages.

Australia – The Socceroos have impressed once again on the world stage and are widely tipped to join the USA in progressing from the group.

Group E

Germany – One of the first teams to secure qualification, Germany have looked dominant throughout the group stage, highlighted by their emphatic 7-1 victory over Curaçao.

Ivory Coast – The reigning African champions have made a strong start and currently appear best placed to claim the group’s second qualification berth.

Group F

Sweden – Sweden have emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise packages, with a commanding 5-1 victory over Tunisia underlining their credentials.

Netherlands – Despite dropping points against Japan, the Dutch possess the quality and experience required to advance.

Group G

Belgium – While their campaign began with a draw against Egypt, Belgium’s experience and squad depth should be enough to secure qualification.

Iran – Iran have become one of Asia’s most consistent World Cup participants and are well-positioned to finish ahead of Egypt and New Zealand.

Group H

Spain – Among the favourites to lift the trophy, Spain remain expected to top the group despite an opening draw.

Uruguay – The South Americans have the experience and quality needed to overcome competition from Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.

Group I

France – Led by Kylian Mbappé, France remain one of the strongest teams in the competition and should comfortably secure progression.

Norway – Inspired by Erling Haaland, Norway have enjoyed a strong start and look capable of reaching the knockout rounds alongside France.

Group J

Argentina – The defending world champions have continued their impressive form and are expected to finish top of the group.

Austria – An important opening victory over Jordan has placed Austria in a favourable position in the battle for second place.

Group K

Colombia – Colombia’s win over Uzbekistan has strengthened their status as favourites to qualify from the group.

Portugal – Despite being held by DR Congo, Portugal’s quality and tournament pedigree should see them secure one of the qualification spots.

Group L

England – One of the leading contenders for the title, England have already displayed the attacking firepower that makes them a major threat.

Ghana – The Black Stars have gained an early advantage in the race for qualification following their victory over Panama.

Qualification Race Heating Up

With the group stage entering a decisive phase, traditional football powerhouses such as France, Argentina, Germany, England and Brazil continue to strengthen their positions. Meanwhile, teams like Canada, Sweden and Ghana have emerged as early surprise contenders capable of making deep runs in the tournament.

Mexico have already confirmed their place in the Round of 32, while several other nations appear likely to follow in the coming days.

However, recent World Cups have demonstrated that reputations alone do not guarantee success. The gap between established giants and emerging nations continues to narrow, and the expanded 48-team format has created even greater opportunities for surprises.

While statistical models and expert projections continue to favour football’s traditional heavyweights, plenty of drama is still expected before the Round of 32 officially begins.