The 2026 World Cup is advancing with intensity after the first two days of the group stage have been played, in a historic edition marked by the new 48-team format. This change has given way to a more dynamic initial stage, in which each point has a special relevance, since not only the first two in each group will advance to the next round, but also the best third parties.
With this panorama, some teams have already directed their classification to the round of 32, a phase that begins in this World Cup and that raises the excitement of the tournament even more. Meanwhile, other squads continue fighting to stay alive, aware that one carelessness could leave them out of the competition.
As the matches develop, they begin toPossible crossovers emerge in the knockout phase. Although there is still one day left to play, the trends are beginning to be clear: There are teams that have shown solidity and consistency, while others have had difficulties finding their best version.
Balance has been one of the main characteristics of this World Cup, with several very close duels and tables that constantly change. This has generated great expectations for the last date, in which the qualifiers will be defined and the pairings for the next round will be confirmed.
Traditional teams have begun to impose their hierarchy, although not without facing resistance. At the same time, some teams have surprised with outstanding performances, which anticipates very competitive matches from the first qualifying round.
With this renewed format, the path to the title becomes more demanding and exciting from the early stages. The The group stage has already shown that no one is guaranteed the route and that each match can make the difference in a tournament that promises emotions until the end.
For now, this is how the round of 32 matches would remain after the close of the second day:
- Germany (first in Group E) vs. Paraguay (best third)
- France (first in Group I) vs. Sweden (best third)
- South Korea (second in Group A) vs. Switzerland (second in Group B)
- Netherlands (first in Group F) vs. Morocco (second in Group C)
- Portugal (second in Group K) vs. Ghana (second in Group L)
- Spain (first in Group H) vs. Austria (second in Group J)
- United States (first in Group D) vs. Algeria (best third)
- Egypt (first in Group G) vs. Czech Republic (best third)
- Brazil (first in Group C) vs. Japan (second in Group F)
- Ivory Coast (second in Group E) vs. Norway (second in Group I)
- Mexico (first in Group A) vs. Scotland (best third)
- England (first in Group L) vs. Cape Verde (best third)
- Argentina (first in Group J) vs. Uruguay (second in Group H)
- Australia (second in Group D) vs. Iran (second in Group G)
- Canada (first in Group B) vs. Belgium (best third)
- Colombia (first in Group K) vs. Croatia (best third)