2026 World Cup: Group Stage Concludes, Knockout Round Begins June 29

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the team's second goal on June 22, 2026. [Photo: Yonhap News, Reuters]

The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held for the first time with 48 teams, has concluded. Over the past two weeks, 72 matches were played, and the knockout stage will commence on June 29.
The group stage showcased a clear divide among continents. Notably, African nations made a strong showing, with 9 of the 10 participating countries advancing to the Round of 32, excluding Tunisia. Algeria secured a dramatic spot by finishing sixth in the group stage standings, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo achieved its first victory in the finals in 52 years, successfully joining the knockout rounds.
In contrast, Asian teams had a disappointing outcome despite a record 9 nations competing, with only Japan and Australia advancing. South Korea finished 34th overall with one win and two losses, exiting the tournament early. New Zealand, the sole representative from the Oceania Football Confederation, also failed to progress past the group stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Uzbekistan on June 23, 2026, in Houston. [Photo: Yonhap News, Reuters]

European and South American nations continued to demonstrate their football prowess. Out of 16 European teams, 13 advanced, with only the Czech Republic, Scotland, and Turkey eliminated. From South America, 5 out of 6 nations progressed, with Uruguay being the exception. The three co-hosts—United States, Mexico, and Canada—also made it to the Round of 32, with Mexico finishing first in Group A after winning all three matches without conceding a goal.
The knockout stage will begin on June 29, with the first match at 4 a.m. local time in Los Angeles, where co-host Canada will face South Africa for a chance to advance to the Round of 16.
On June 30, Japan, the only Asian team to finish the group stage unbeaten, will take on Brazil, the tournament's most successful nation with five titles, at 2 a.m. in Houston. Following that, Germany will face Paraguay at 5:30 a.m. in Boston, and the Netherlands will meet Morocco at 10 a.m. in Monterrey, Mexico.
On July 1, Ivory Coast will play Norway at 2 a.m. in Dallas, followed by a match between favorites France and Sweden at 6 a.m. in New Jersey, and Mexico will compete against Ecuador at 10 a.m. in Mexico City.

Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates after scoring the team's second goal on June 22, 2026. [Photo: Yonhap News, Reuters]

On July 2, England will face the Democratic Republic of the Congo at 1 a.m. in Atlanta, followed by Belgium against Senegal at 5 a.m. in Seattle, and the United States will play Bosnia and Herzegovina at 9 a.m. in the San Francisco Bay Area.
July 3 will feature significant matchups among European powerhouses. At 4 a.m., Spain will take on Austria in Los Angeles, and at 8 a.m., Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, will face Croatia, captained by Luka Modric, in Toronto. The day will conclude with Switzerland battling Algeria at noon in Vancouver.
On July 4, Australia will play Egypt at 3 a.m. in Dallas, followed by a match between the small nation of Cape Verde, with a population of 520,000, and defending champion Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, at 7 a.m. in Miami. The day will end with a clash between Colombia and Ghana at 10:30 a.m. in Kansas City.

* This article has been translated by AI.

Kang Sang Heon ksh@ajunews.com