World Cup 2026: 21 countries qualify for knockout stages

At least 21 countries have confirmed their places in the Round of 32 knockout stage at the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament.

The latest countries to book their spots are Egypt and Belgium.

Egypt drew 1-1 with Iran to qualify for the last-32 stage as they finished in second position behind leader Belgium in Group G.

Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to advance to the knockout stage.

Both teams now join the likes of Australia, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Japan, The Netherlands, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Colombia in the last-32 stage.

Other teams that have already booked their place in the last-32 are Mexico, South Africa, Canada, Switzerland, USA, Brazil, Morocco, Germany, France, Norway and Argentina.

World Cup 2026: 21 countries qualify for knockout stages