7 Teams Reach Round of 32 as Records Fall at FIFA World Cup 2026

On Wednesday 24 June 2026, the second round of FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage matches concluded, with Mexico, the United States, Germany, France, Norway, Argentina and Colombia securing their places in the Round of 32 with a game to spare.

Chronicle.lu has prepared a group-by-group overview of Matchday 2, which produced 66 goals across 24 matches. The round also featured new milestones for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Canada's first World Cup hat-trick, and Curaçao's first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup as the race for the remaining knockout-stage places intensified ahead of the final group-stage fixtures.

Group A: Mexico Book Round of 32 Spot

Co-hosts Mexico became the first team in Group A to secure qualification for the Round of 32. After opening their campaign with a victory over South Africa, Javier Aguirre's team edged past South Korea 1-0 thanks to a goal from Luis Romo.

The other match ended in a 1-1 draw between Czechia and South Africa, leaving all three remaining teams with a chance of advancing. South Korea (three points) currently occupy second place and will face South Africa in a decisive encounter at 03:00 CET on Thursday 25 June 2026, while Mexico take on Czechia.

Group B: Canada Hit Six as Switzerland Join Leaders

After all four teams collected a point on Matchday 1, Canada and Switzerland took control of Group B. The co-hosts crushed Qatar 6-0, with Jonathan David becoming the first Canadian player to score a World Cup hat-trick.

Switzerland also impressed, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1, with Johan Manzambi scoring twice. The two leaders will meet in the final round of fixtures on Wednesday 24 June 2026 at 21:00 to decide top spot.

Group C: Brazil and Morocco in Control

Brazil moved to the top of Group C with a convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti. Matheus Cunha scored twice for Carlo Ancelotti's team.

Morocco remain level on four points after Ismael Saibari's goal secured a 1-0 win against Scotland. The Scots are third on three points and must now face Brazil in the final round of matches, scheduled for Thursday 25 June 2026.

Group D: USA Reach Knockout Stage

The United States became the second co-host nation to secure a place in the Round of 32 after defeating Australia 2-0.

Paraguay also boosted their qualification hopes with a 1-0 victory over Turkey despite playing much of the match without Miguel Almirón following his dismissal. Australia and Paraguay will now battle for the second qualification place when the group concludes on Friday 26 June 2026.

Group E: Germany Leave It Late Again

Germany joined Mexico and the United States in booking a place in the knockout stage. The four-time world champions came from behind to defeat Côte d'Ivoire 2-1, with Deniz Undav scoring both goals, including the winner deep into stoppage time.

Curacao collected the first World Cup point in their history after holding Ecuador to a goalless draw. Goalkeeper Eloy Room earned Player of the Match honours for his performance. Germany will face Ecuador in the final round of fixtures, while Côte d'Ivoire take on Curaçao at 22:00 on Thursday 25 June 2026.

Group F: Netherlands and Japan Set Up Decider

The Netherlands recorded their first win of the tournament by defeating Sweden 5-1, with Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey both scoring braces.

Japan kept pace with Oranje thanks to a 4-0 victory over Tunisia and also sit on four points. The two leaders will now meet to determine first place in the group, while Sweden and Tunisia still retain slim hopes of progressing. The Netherlands will face Tunisia, while Sweden take on Japan at 01:00 on Friday 26 June 2026.

Group G: Egypt Take Command, Belgium Still Waiting

Belgium remain without a victory after being held to a goalless draw by Iran.

Egypt moved to the top of the group with a 3-1 win over New Zealand and head into the final matchday as favourites to advance. However, all four teams remain mathematically in contention for the Round of 32. The decisive Group G fixtures are scheduled for 05:00 on Saturday 27 June 2026.

Group H: Spain Finally Find Their Scoring Touch

After being frustrated by Cape Verde in their opener, Spain responded emphatically with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. Lamine Yamal scored La Roja's first goal of the tournament, while Mikel Oyarzabal added a brace.

Uruguay and Cape Verde shared a 2-2 draw, leaving both sides on two points ahead of the final round of fixtures. Spain top the group with four points, while Uruguay and Cape Verde both have two ahead of the final round of group-stage matches, scheduled for 02:00 on Saturday 27 June 2026.

Group I: France and Norway Advance

France and Norway both secured qualification after collecting a second consecutive victory.

Kylian Mbappé scored twice in France's 3-0 win over Iraq, while Erling Haaland matched that feat as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2. The two European sides will now meet to decide top spot in the group. The two European teams are level on six points and will meet to decide top spot in the group at 21:00 on Friday 26 June 2026. Senegal and Iraq will face each other in the parallel fixture.

Group J: Messi Sends Argentina Through

Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the Round of 32 with a 2-0 victory over Austria.

Lionel Messi scored both goals and increased his all-time World Cup tally to eighteen. Algeria moved into second place after defeating Jordan 2-1 and will battle Austria for qualification on the final matchday.

Austria, meanwhile, must battle Algeria for second place after the North Africans defeated Jordan 2-1 through goals from Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri. The final Group J fixtures will take place at 04:00 on Sunday 28 June 2026.

Group K: Ronaldo Makes History

Portugal claimed their first victory of the tournament with a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, becoming the first player in history to score at six different FIFA World Cups.

Colombia remain top of the group on six points following a 1-0 victory over DR Congo courtesy of Daniel Muñoz's winner. The group's leaders and bottom two teams will meet in the final round of fixtures at 01:30 on Sunday 28 June 2026.

Group L: England Slip, Croatia Stay Alive

England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana and remain level on four points with the African side.

Croatia stayed in contention by defeating Panama 1-0 thanks to Ante Budimir's goal. With England and Ghana leading on four points and Croatia on three, all qualification places remain up for grabs heading into the final matchday. Croatia's final challenge will come against a Ghana that has yet to concede a goal at this tournament. 

The decisive Group L fixtures are scheduled for 23:00 on Saturday 27 June 2026.