2026 WORLD CUP: ROUND OF 32 MATCHUPS BEGIN TO TAKE SHAPE

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By: Fasasi Hammad

The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is approaching its climax, with Matchday Three fixtures underway as nations battle for places in the tournament’s expanded knockout phase.

Several teams have already secured their spots in the Round of 32, while others remain in contention ahead of the final round of group matches, which conclude on June 27.

Mexico became the first country to reach the knockout stage after defeating South Korea 1-0 in its second group game before sealing top spot in Group A with a dominant 3-0 win over Czechia. El Tri completed the group phase with a flawless nine points from three matches.

Co-hosts the United States and Canada have also advanced to the Round of 32. Canada qualified as runners-up in Group B despite a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in their final group fixture. The United States, led by Mauricio Pochettino, retained first place in the group even after a thrilling 3-2 defeat to Türkiye.

With several major football nations now through, the Round of 32 lineup is gradually taking shape.

South Africa vs Canada

Canada will face South Africa in one of the confirmed knockout fixtures after finishing second in Group B.

South Africa secured qualification as Group A runners-up, bouncing back from an opening loss to Mexico with a draw against Czechia before sealing progression with a 1-0 victory over South Korea.

Canada began its campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina and a commanding 6-0 win over Qatar before falling to Switzerland in its final group match.

Both teams will be seeking their first-ever World Cup knockout victory.

Netherlands vs Morocco

The Netherlands progressed as Group F winners after ending the group stage with a 3-1 triumph over Tunisia.

They will face Morocco, who finished second in Group C, narrowly missing out on first place behind Brazil on goal difference.

The encounter has an added storyline, with Moroccan internationals Sofyan Amrabat, Anass Salah-Eddine and Noussair Mazraoui all born in the Netherlands.

United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

The United States had already secured top spot in Group D before its loss to Türkiye, having recorded victories over Paraguay and Australia earlier in the tournament.

Pochettino’s side will now meet Bosnia and Herzegovina, who advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams after collecting four points in Group B.

Under FIFA’s expanded World Cup format, the eight highest-ranked third-placed teams progress to the Round of 32 and are paired with group winners, provided they are not from the same group.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s place in the knockout round was confirmed after Sweden and Japan played out a 1-1 draw in Group F.