The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set for a dramatic conclusion to its group stage as the third and final round of matches begins on Wednesday. While Germany, France, Norway, Argentina, Mexico and the United States have already secured their places in the Round of 32, qualification remains wide open across most groups.
The expanded 48-team format has added a new layer of excitement to the tournament. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups will automatically qualify for the knockout stage, while the eight best third-placed teams will also advance.
With several heavyweight nations still needing positive results and underdogs pushing for historic qualification, the final group-stage fixtures promise high drama.
Group A: Mexico Already Through, Three Teams Eye Remaining Spot
Mexico became the first team to qualify for the Round of 32 after collecting six points from their opening two matches.
South Korea are well placed to join them and need only a win or draw against South Africa to secure qualification.
Czechia must beat Mexico and hope South Korea lose if they want to finish in the top two. A draw could still leave them with a chance through the best third-placed route.
South Africa require a victory over South Korea and a Czechia defeat to Mexico to move into second place automatically.
Remaining Fixtures:
- Czechia vs Mexico
- South Korea vs South Africa
Group B: Switzerland And Canada Hold Advantage
Switzerland and Canada sit on four points each and are favourites to qualify.
A draw between the two sides would send both teams into the Round of 32.
Bosnia and Herzegovina remain in contention and could move into the top two if they defeat Qatar and one of the current leaders loses.
A draw against Qatar would leave Bosnia dependent on other results.
Remaining Fixtures:
- Switzerland vs Canada
- Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar
Group C: Brazil And Morocco Lead The Race
Brazil and Morocco have collected four points each and are in strong positions.
Victories for both sides would secure qualification and leave goal difference to decide the group winner.
Scotland still have an outside chance of progressing. A victory over Brazil combined with Morocco dropping points could dramatically change the standings.
Haiti need a remarkable result and favourable outcomes elsewhere to stay alive.
Remaining Fixtures:
- Brazil vs Scotland
- Morocco vs Haiti
Group D: USA Already Through, Australia And Paraguay Battle For Second
The United States have already secured qualification as group winners.
Turkiye have been eliminated following consecutive defeats.
Australia and Paraguay will effectively contest the remaining automatic qualification place.
Australia only need a draw due to their superior goal difference.
Even if Paraguay fail to finish second, they remain contenders for one of the best third-placed spots.
Remaining Fixtures:
- USA vs Turkiye
- Australia vs Paraguay
Group E: Curacao’s Heroics Keep Qualification Race Alive
Germany have already qualified for the Round of 32.
Curacao’s impressive draw against Ecuador has turned the race for second place into one of the most intriguing battles of the tournament.
Curacao can finish second if they beat Ivory Coast and Germany defeat Ecuador.
Ivory Coast only need a draw to guarantee qualification.
Ecuador must defeat Germany and hope Ivory Coast lose to Curacao.
Remaining Fixtures:
- Curacao vs Ivory Coast
- Ecuador vs Germany
Group F: Netherlands And Japan In Control
Netherlands and Japan are level on four points, with the Dutch leading on goal difference.
Both teams will qualify if they avoid defeat.
Sweden can still qualify by defeating Japan and remain strong candidates for a best third-placed berth even if they draw.
Tunisia have already been eliminated.
Remaining Fixtures:
- Netherlands vs Tunisia
- Japan vs Sweden
Group G: Egypt Hold Advantage But Belgium And Iran Still Alive
Egypt sit atop the group with four points and need only a draw against Iran to secure progression.
A defeat, however, could see them drop to third if Belgium defeat New Zealand.
Iran will qualify automatically with a victory if Belgium avoid defeat.
Belgium remain firmly in contention after drawing both of their opening matches.
New Zealand require a win over Belgium and favourable results elsewhere.
Remaining Fixtures:
- Belgium vs New Zealand
- Egypt vs Iran
Group H: Spain Close To Qualification, Cape Verde Dream Continues
Spain’s emphatic victory over Saudi Arabia has placed them in a commanding position.
Even a defeat against Uruguay may not be enough to eliminate the European champions.
Uruguay can secure qualification with a draw or victory if Cape Verde fail to beat Saudi Arabia.
Cape Verde, one of the surprise packages of the tournament, can qualify by defeating Saudi Arabia if Uruguay lose to Spain.
Saudi Arabia must beat Cape Verde and hope Spain overcome Uruguay.
Remaining Fixtures:
- Spain vs Uruguay
- Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
Group I: France And Norway Already Through
France and Norway have both booked their places in the Round of 32.
Their final group match will determine who finishes as group winners.
Senegal and Iraq will battle for third place.
Remaining Fixtures:
- France vs Norway
- Senegal vs Iraq
Group J: Austria And Algeria Fight For Qualification
Argentina have already secured qualification.
The winner between Algeria and Austria will advance directly with six points.
If the match ends in a draw, Austria will qualify due to their superior goal difference.
Jordan have already been eliminated.
Remaining Fixtures:
- Argentina vs Jordan
- Algeria vs Austria
Group K: Portugal And Colombia Seek Top Spot
Colombia and Portugal occupy the top two positions heading into the final round.
Portugal need a victory to finish first.
A draw would hand Colombia top spot with seven points.
Even if Portugal lose, their strong goal difference means they remain highly likely to qualify.
DR Congo need a win to keep their hopes alive.
Remaining Fixtures:
- Portugal vs Colombia
- Uzbekistan vs DR Congo
Group L: England And Ghana One Step Away
England and Ghana require only a draw to guarantee progression.
Even defeat may not prove fatal as both teams remain strong candidates to advance as third-placed sides.
Croatia must beat Ghana to move into second place automatically.
Panama have already been eliminated.
Remaining Fixtures:
- England vs Panama
- Ghana vs Croatia
Knockout Race Intensifies
With only six teams guaranteed a place in the Round of 32, the final group-stage matchday promises tension across multiple venues. Several traditional powerhouses still have work to do, while nations such as Cape Verde, Curacao and Paraguay continue to chase historic qualification.
The expanded World Cup format has ensured that almost every group remains alive heading into the final round, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic conclusions to a group phase in tournament history.