Five teams qualify for 2026 World Cup knockout stage without playing
Following the conclusion of group stage matches, five national teams have secured their spots in the World Cup Round of 32 without taking the field on Friday.
Image generated with Gemini
Five national teams have officially secured their places in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage without playing a match on Friday, June 26. FIFA confirmed the qualification statuses following the conclusion of the final group stage matches in Group H.
Paraguay, who finished their group campaign with four points, had been waiting to see if their performance would be enough to advance. The combination of results across Groups H and I mathematically guaranteed their spot in the next phase of the tournament.
Alongside Paraguay, the national teams of England, Ghana, Egypt, and Portugal also confirmed their progression to the Round of 32. These teams benefited from the final group standings, allowing them to advance without needing to compete on this specific matchday.
So far, 26 of the 32 teams set to compete in the knockout phase have been determined. The tournament remains focused on finalizing the list of the eight best third-placed teams that will complete the bracket for the next round.