World Cup Knockout Stage Picture Clarifies as 28 Teams Secure Spots

As the group stage reaches its final phase, the picture for the knockout stage (Round of 32) is gradually becoming clearer. So far, 28 out of 48 teams have secured their place in the Round of 32, and with 12 teams already eliminated, eight teams remain with a chance for the remaining four spots.

In this World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage. Accordingly, decisions have been made in most groups, while the results of some matches in groups K and L will determine the final four teams.

Co-host Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout stage. Following them, strong teams like the USA, Germany, Argentina, France, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland secured their place in the next round as group winners.

From Africa, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Egypt, and Cape Verde, reaching the knockout stage for the first time, have performed well. South Africa has also reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in history. Morocco has continued its excellent journey in the Qatar World Cup and secured a place in the Round of 32 again, while Norway has returned to the World Cup after 28 years and managed to reach the knockout stage.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, Sweden, Paraguay, and Senegal have already secured their place in the next round based on their performance as third-placed teams. Similarly, Portugal, England, and Ghana have also confirmed their knockout journey before their final matches.

What are the chances for the remaining four spots?

Some teams are competing for the remaining four spots. Based on the current situation, Algeria, Croatia, DR Congo, and Iran appear to be the strongest contenders to reach the knockout stage. However, the results of the final group matches could change this scenario.

Who will face whom in the knockout stage?

With most of the group stage results announced, some Round of 32 matches have been officially determined.

Among the confirmed matches, South Africa will compete against Canada, while Brazil will face Japan. The Netherlands will play against Morocco, and an exciting clash is also confirmed between Ivory Coast and Norway. Furthermore, Germany and Paraguay, USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Australia and Egypt, Argentina and Cape Verde, and France and Sweden will also face each other.

1 South Africa vs Canada
2 Brazil vs Japan
3 Netherlands vs Morocco
4 Germany vs Paraguay
5 Ivory Coast vs Norway
6 France vs Sweden
7 Mexico vs To be determined
8 Belgium vs To be determined
9 United States of America vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
10 Spain vs To be determined
11 Switzerland vs To be determined
12 Australia vs Egypt
13 Argentina vs Cape Verde July

Main contenders for the title

Based on their group stage performances, defending champions Argentina, France, Brazil, Spain, Germany, and England have emerged as the main contenders for the title. The Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, and the USA are also strong challengers.

This time, the performances shown by Morocco, Norway, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Egypt, Senegal, and Cape Verde have established them as 'dark horse' teams. In particular, South Africa and Cape Verde, reaching the knockout stage for the first time, have captured everyone's attention in the tournament.

The full schedule for the Round of 32 will be released after the remaining group stage matches are completed. The knockout stage matches will be held from June 28 to July 3, where the defeated teams will have their World Cup journey immediately ended, while the winning teams will advance to the Round of 16.