The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is nearing its conclusion, with Matchday Three matches underway as teams battle for places in the tournament’s expanded knockout rounds.

While several nations have already secured qualification for the Round of 32, others remain in contention as the final group fixtures, scheduled to end on Saturday, June 27, determine the remaining qualifiers.

Mexico became the first nation to book a place in the knockout stage after edging South Korea 1-0 in its second group match before sealing top spot in Group A with a commanding 3-0 victory over Czechia. El Tri finished the group phase with a perfect nine points from three matches.

Co-hosts the United States and Canada also progressed to the Round of 32, although Canada advanced as Group B runners-up following a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland. The United States, managed by Mauricio Pochettino, held on to first place in its group despite suffering a dramatic 3-2 loss to Türkiye in its final group game.

With more of the tournament’s heavyweights now through to the knockout stage, the Round of 32 bracket is beginning to take shape.

South Africa vs Canada

Canada will take on South Africa in one of the confirmed Round of 32 fixtures after finishing second in Group B.

South Africa secured qualification as the second-best team in Group A after recovering from an opening defeat to Mexico with a draw against Czechia before defeating South Korea 1-0 in their final group match.

Canada, meanwhile, opened its campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina and a convincing 6-0 win over Qatar before losing to Switzerland.

Neither side has previously won a knockout match at a FIFA World Cup.

Netherlands vs Morocco

The Netherlands advanced as winners of Group F after wrapping up the group stage with a 3-1 victory over Tunisia.

They will now meet Morocco, who finished second in Group C, narrowly missing out on top spot behind Brazil on goal difference.

The fixture carries extra intrigue, 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 defeat to Türkiye, having earlier defeated Paraguay and Australia.

Pochettino’s side will now face Bosnia and Herzegovina, who progressed as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams after finishing Group B with four points.

Under FIFA’s expanded tournament format, the eight best third-placed teams are paired with group winners, while ensuring that teams from the same group cannot meet again before the quarterfinals.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s qualification for the matchup with the United States was confirmed after Sweden and Japan played out a 1-1 draw in Group F.

Brazil vs Japan

Brazil comfortably progressed to the knockout rounds after defeating Scotland 3-0 in its final Group C match.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side finished level on seven points with Morocco but claimed first place on superior goal difference.

The five-time world champions will face Japan, who qualified as runners-up in Group F following their 1-1 draw with Sweden.

Japan will head into the encounter with confidence, having defeated Brazil 3-2 in an international friendly when the two sides last met in October.

Vanguard News

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