The first matchweek of the 2026 World Cup is complete, and early results have already shaped several groups. The expansion to a 32-team knockout round, with the eight best third-place teams among 12 groups advancing, has complicated projections. Still, the group-stage format and the tournament’s head-to-head tiebreakers mean some teams can secure places in the round of 32 while others face possible elimination.
According to FIFA, tiebreakers for teams level on points begin with results between the teams concerned: greatest number of points obtained, superior goal difference in those head-to-head matches, then greatest number of goals scored in those head-to-head matches. If teams remain equal, the next step is superior goal difference in all group matches, then greatest number of goals scored in all group matches, and then the highest team conduct score based on yellow and red cards. If still tied, teams are ranked by the most recent published edition of the FIFA/Coca‑Cola Men’s World Ranking.
In Group A, Mexico and South Korea sit in strong positions after opening wins over South Africa and Czechia, respectively. Their Matchweek 2 meeting will decide much: the winner would qualify for the round of 32, while a draw would leave neither side guaranteed. South Africa and Czechia are at risk of elimination; South Africa would be locked into fourth place if they lose to Czechia and South Korea defeat Mexico, and Czechia would be guaranteed last place if they lose to South Africa and Mexico beat South Korea. The Group A winner will face a third-place team from one of five possible groups in the round of 32, while the runner-up will play the Group B runner-up. Next fixtures: Czechia vs. South Africa (Atlanta), Thursday, noon ET; Mexico vs. South Korea (Zapopan), Thursday, 11 p.m. ET.
Group B produced draws in Matchweek 1, so no team can qualify or be eliminated after Matchweek 2. The Group B winner will meet a third-place team from one of five possible groups in the round of 32, and the runner-up will face the runner-up of Group A. Next fixtures: Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Inglewood, California), Thursday, 3 p.m. ET; Canada vs. Qatar (Vancouver), Thursday, 6 p.m. ET.
In Group C, Scotland’s 1-0 win over Haiti means Scotland will advance to the round of 32 if they beat Morocco on Friday. Haiti would be eliminated if they lose to Brazil and Morocco beat Scotland. Brazil and Morocco drew 1-1 in their opener, leaving both sides in uncertain positions; wins in their next matches would put them on track to qualify. The Group C winner will face the runner-up of Group F in the round of 32, while the runner-up will play the Group F winner. Next fixtures: Scotland vs. Morocco (Foxborough, Massachusetts), Friday, 6 p.m. ET; Brazil vs. Haiti (Philadelphia), Friday.
