{"id":5383,"date":"2026-06-24T02:55:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T02:55:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/?p=5383"},"modified":"2026-06-24T02:55:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T02:55:09","slug":"2026-world-cup-bracket-standings-projections-usa-in-round-of-32-who-else-might-advance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/?p=5383","title":{"rendered":"2026 World Cup Bracket, Standings, Projections: USA in Round of 32, Who Else Might Advance?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"subnav-title ff-ffc bold fs-23 lh-25 uc pd-b-10\">\n            POPULAR SEARCHES\n          <\/p>\n<p class=\"subnav-title ff-ffc bold fs-23 lh-25 uc pd-b-10\">\n            BROWSE BY\n          <\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>The U.S. men&#8217;s national team became the second nation to secure a spot in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup \u2014 and it has captured first place in Group D.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Following its 2-0 victory over Australia, the USA improved to 2-0-0 in Group D play. And while it clinched a spot in the knockout round with its win, the USA was able to win Group D thanks to Paraguay&#8217;s victory over T\u00fcrkiye on Friday night. It marks the first time since 2010 that the USA has won its group at the World Cup.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>As we&#8217;re in the midst of each nation&#8217;s Match Day 2, here is a closer look at the World Cup bracket and scenarios.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14><strong><u>JUMP TO:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D<br \/>Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H<br \/>Group I | Group J | Group K | Group L<br \/>Third-Place Rankings<br \/>Round of 32 Projections<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14><i>(All records are win-draw-loss)<\/i><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Mexico&#8217;s win over South Korea on Friday meant it won Group A because the first tiebreaker is head-to-head results. Mexico&#8217;s result in its final game against Czechia won&#8217;t matter for its standing, although it will matter to the Czechs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>With strong goal differences and the top-eight third-place teams now qualifying, Canada and Switzerland will likely advance. The winner of Group B will be determined by the matchup between the two countries on Wednesday, June 24 (3 p.m. ET on FOX). Switzerland will have to win that game to win Group B due to Canada&#8217;s superior goal difference.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Morocco and Brazil secured three points with wins over Scotland and Haiti, respectively. Brazil moved to the top of the group because of goal difference. After losses to Scotland and Brazil, Haiti will be heading home after the group stage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>The USA has won Group D, clinching first place with its 2-0 win over Australia and Paraguay&#8217;s 1-0 win over T\u00fcrkiye on Friday. The Americans have a match against T\u00fcrkiye, who has already been eliminated, before playing in the round of 32 on July 1.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Australia and Paraguay will battle for second place in the Group D finale on Thursday, with the Australians holding the edge due to goal differential.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Germany won the group and is through to the Round of 32 with its win over the Ivory Coast on Saturday in Toronto. Super-sub Denis Undav scored twice, including the winner in stoppage time, to seal the Germans&#8217; spot in the knockout rounds.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Ivory Coast will need to get a result in its final match against Cura\u00e7ao, which earned its first ever World Cup point in a scoreless draw with Ecuador thanks to Eloy Room&#8217;s goalkeeping heroics. Ecuador will face Germany in its final match of group play.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>The Netherlands and Japan, who played last week to a 2-2 draw, are the top two teams in the group. The Dutch handled Sweden 5-1 in its second group stage game, while Japan beat Tunisia 4-0. Sweden is in third place after the loss to the Netherlands, and will now take on Japan in the group stage finale. The Dutch will wrap up the group stage against Tunisia, who cannot advance following losses to Sweden and Japan.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Belgium and Iran currently hold two points, but Egypt is in control after its win over New Zealand. Belgium faces New Zealand on this group&#8217;s final match day and will need a win to feel comfortable with its chances of advancing to the round of 32.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Spain made a statement on Sunday that it is still a serious contender at the World Cup. The reigning European champions sit atop the group thanks to a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, which saw Lamine Yamal score his first-ever World Cup goal and Mikel Oyarzabal register two goals and an assist.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Cape Verde punched above its weight once again as it split points in a 2-2 draw against Uruguay. Kevin Pina and H\u00e9lio Varela got on the scoresheet for Cape Verde&#8217;s first two goals in World Cup history. Uruguay managed to escape with a point after goals from Maxi Araujo and Agust\u00edn Canobbio prevented an early exit.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>The final set of games will see Saudi Arabia take on Cape Verde, while a blockbuster match between Uruguay and Spain could decide who wins the group.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>France and Norway have been dominant through the first two matches of the group stage, setting up for an intriguing winner-take-all match on Friday. Whoever wins Friday&#8217;s France-Norway match will win the group.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>However, if the match ends in a draw, France will advance as it holds the difference in goal differential. France is now plus-five in goal differential following its 3-0 win over Iraq on Monday. Norway, meanwhile, is plus-four in goal differential following its 3-2 win over Senegal.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Senegal and Iraq will play for third place on Friday, with the winner of that match potentially moving on to the round of 32.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Argentina secured passage to the round of 32 with its 2-0 win over Austria, and then Algeria&#8217;s win over Jordan meant the reigning champions have won the group. Lionel Messi\u2019s record-breaking goals secured the win in style. He has now scored the most goals in World Cup history and already has five in two games at this tournament.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>On the final match day in this group, Algeria face Austria. There&#8217;s a chance both teams advance, but a win from either team would secure passage to the round of 32.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Portugal sputtered against DR Congo and now has work to do in order to qualify for the round of 32. Cristiano Ronaldo &amp; Co. will be expected to beat Uzbekistan, but a game on Saturday, June 27, to close out group play against Colombia could be important.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>England was held to a draw against Ghana, while Croatia got a hugely necessary win over Panama, which has been eliminated from advancing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>England and Ghana are level on four points entering the final match day. The Three Lions will face Panama, while Ghana will take on Croatia. England has the edge right now with a better goal difference, so it sits atop the group.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>The eight third-place teams with the most points advance to the round of 32. \u00a0Sweden (Group F) currently sits atop the standings, followed by Scotland (Group C) and Paraguay (Group D) \u2013 Scotland has a better goal differential.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Runner-up Group A vs. runner-up Group B<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Winner Group C vs. runner-up Group F<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Germany vs. third-place team (Group A, B, C, D, F)<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Winner Group F vs. runner-up Group C<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Winner Group I vs. third-place team (Group C, D, F, G, H)<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Runner-up Group E vs. runner-up Group I<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Mexico vs. third-place team (Group C, E, F, H, I)<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>USA vs. third-place team (Group B, E, F, I, J)<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Winner Group G vs. third-place team (Group A, E, H, I, J)<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Winner Group L vs. third-place team (Group E, H, I, J, K)<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Runner-up Group K vs. runner-up Group L<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Winner Group H vs. runner-up Group J<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Winner Group B vs. third-place team (Group E, F, G, I, J)<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Argentina vs. runner-up Group H<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Runner-up Group D vs. runner-up Group G<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14>Winner Group K vs. third-place team (Group D, E, I, J, L)<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-a2155f14><i>Note: Third-place selections were taken from Expecting Goals.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>POPULAR SEARCHES BROWSE BY The U.S. men&#8217;s national team became the second nation to secure a spot in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup \u2014 and it has captured first place in Group D. Following its 2-0 victory over Australia, the USA improved to 2-0-0 in Group D play. And while [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":5382,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5383","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-soccer"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5383","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5383"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5383\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5382"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5383"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5383"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5383"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}