The race for the knockout stages of FIFA World Cup 2026 is beginning to intensify, with several teams already securing their places in the Round of 32 while others have seen their tournament dreams come to an early end.
Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to book their place in the knockout rounds after winning Group A with a match to spare.
They have since been joined by the United States and Germany, who have also confirmed their progression to the next stage.
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Consecutive defeats
At the other end of the standings, Tunisia became the first African side to be eliminated after suffering consecutive defeats in Group F.
They were joined by Haiti and Turkey, whose campaigns have also come to an end.
For African supporters, hopes remain high with nine nations still mathematically alive.
Teams including South Africa, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Ghana are among those still battling for places in the Round of 32.
Fate in the balance
Bafana Bafana’s fate remains in the balance heading into their decisive final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A clash against South Korea.
A victory should be enough to keep Hugo Broos’ side in the tournament and a historic place in the knockout rounds.
With only three teams qualified and three eliminated so far, the coming days promise plenty of drama as the group stage reaches its conclusion and the World Cup picture becomes clearer.
The expanded format means more nations than ever before have a realistic chance of progressing, setting up a thrilling finish to the first phase of the tournament.
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Bafana Bafana will take on South Korea at the Estadio Monterrey on Thursday, 25 June.
Kick-off is at 03:00 (SA time).
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