Countries that could qualify for the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with several teams already staking their claim for a spot in the knockout rounds. For Morocco's Hervé Renard, the manager of the team that made a historic run in 2022, the pressure is on to replicate that success. For Brazil's five-time champions, the slow start is a concern, but their experience and tournament pedigree ensure they remain favourites to recover and win Group C. For South Korea's manager, Paulo Bento, the task is to edge out South Africa and Czechia for the second qualification place in Group A.

The 2026 World Cup group stage has begun to take shape, with several teams already establishing themselves as favourites to progress to the knockout rounds. The numbers suggest that Mexico and South Korea are well-placed to qualify from Group A, while Canada and Switzerland are strong contenders in Group B. In Group C, Brazil and Morocco are favourites to advance, while in Group D, United States and Australia are tipped to join the knockout rounds.

The path to the round of 32 is not an easy one, but several teams are well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them. For Canada, the hosts have impressed, particularly in their emphatic victory over Qatar, and currently lead Group B. Their experience and four-point haul after two matches make them strong favourites to advance. Similarly, United States have shown attacking quality and status as group favourites in Group D, while Germany have highlighted their attacking strength with a 7-1 victory over Curacao.

The 2026 World Cup is the first to be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This shift in hosting dynamics is a significant one, and it's likely to have a lasting impact on the tournament. The hosts have a distinct advantage, with home support and familiarity with the local conditions. This is likely to give them an edge in the group stages, and potentially beyond. As the tournament progresses, we can expect to see the hosts continue to punch above their weight.

Based on the current performances and group rankings, I predict that Mexico and Canada will qualify from their respective groups. Brazil and United States will also advance, while Morocco and Germany will join them in the round of 32. The hosts have a significant advantage, and it's likely that they will continue to perform well throughout the tournament. As the knockout rounds approach, we can expect to see some exciting matches and upsets. The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, and it's going to be fascinating to see how it all plays out.

As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how the hosts continue to perform. Will they be able to maintain their advantage, or will the other teams be able to catch up?