The 2026 World Cup group stage is taking shape, and some teams are already very close to securing their spot in the Round of 32. The new 48-team format allows the top two teams from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, to advance.
The strongest teams so far
🇲🇽 Mexico (Group A)
“El Tri” is one of the few teams with a perfect record. They have won both their matches without conceding a goal and comfortably lead their group with 6 points. A win—or even a draw—against Czechia would all but guarantee them the top spot.
🇺🇸 United States (Group D)
The host nation has been one of the tournament’s standout performers. They beat Paraguay 4–1 and subsequently Australia 2–0, amassing 6 points and a goal difference of +5. They are a strong contender to advance convincingly.
🇧🇷 Brazil (Group C)
After drawing with Morocco, the Canarinha defeated Haiti 3–0 and took the lead in the group. Although the result was emphatic, pundits have noted that Carlo Ancelotti’s team still has areas for improvement.
Group standings
Group A
Mexico – 6 pts
South Korea – 3 pts
Czechia – 1 pt
South Africa – 1 pt
Mexico has one foot in the next round. South Korea controls its own destiny regarding qualification.
Group B
Canada – 4 pts
Switzerland – 4 pts
Bosnia and Herzegovina – 1 pt
Qatar – 1 pt
Canada and Switzerland dominate the group and will decide the top spot on the final matchday.
Group C
Brazil – 4 pts
Morocco – 4 pts
Scotland – 3 pts
Haiti – 0 pts
This is one of the most competitive groups. Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland all still have a chance to qualify directly. Group D
United States – 6 pts
Australia – 3 pts
Paraguay – 3 pts
Turkey – 0 pts
The United States has all but qualified. Australia and Paraguay will battle for the second qualifying spot.
Group E
Germany – 3 pts
Ivory Coast – 3 pts
Ecuador – 0 pts
Curaçao – 0 pts
Germany impressed with a historic 7-1 victory over Curaçao. Today, they face Ivory Coast in one of the day’s most compelling matches.
Group F
Sweden – 3 pts
Japan – 1 pt
Netherlands – 1 pt
Tunisia – 0 pts
Sweden surprised everyone with a 5-1 rout of Tunisia and currently leads the group.
Group G
New Zealand – 1 pt
Iran – 1 pt
Belgium – 1 pt
Egypt – 1 pt
The most evenly matched group in the tournament. All teams are tied following the opening round.
Group H
Uruguay – 1 pt
Saudi Arabia – 1 pt
Spain – 1 pt
Cape Verde – 1 pt
Another wide-open group where any team could finish at the top.
Group I
Norway – 3 pts
France – 3 pts
Senegal – 0 pts
Iraq – 0 pts
Norway surprised with a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq, while France defeated Senegal.
Group J
Argentina – 3 pts
Austria – 3 pts
Jordan – 0 pts
Algeria – 0 pts
La Albiceleste made a strong start by beating Algeria 3-0.
Group K
Colombia – 3 pts
DR Congo – 1 pt
Portugal – 1 pt
Uzbekistan – 0 pts
Colombia kicked off with an important 3-1 win over Uzbekistan and leads a highly competitive group where Portugal is still looking to find its stride. Group L
England – 3 pts
Ghana – 3 pts
Panama – 0 pts
Croatia – 0 pts
England defeated Croatia 4–2 and is emerging as the favorite to win the group.
Key matches today (June 20)
🇳🇱 Netherlands vs. Sweden
🇩🇪 Germany vs. Ivory Coast
🇪🇨 Ecuador vs. Curaçao
These matches could begin to determine which teams qualify from Groups E and F.
Favorites that have made the best impression
⭐ United States
⭐ Mexico
⭐ Germany
⭐ Brazil
⭐ Argentina
⭐ England
Although there is still a lot of group stage action left to play, these teams have displayed the most convincing football during the opening days of the 2026 World Cup.
