Early eliminations and Mexico's Round of 32 advancement mark opening week of expanded World Cup
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has commenced across North America, featuring an expanded 48-team format. Co-host Mexico has secured an early spot in the newly introduced Round of 32 after winning their first two group-stage matches, including a 2-0 victory over South Africa and a 1-0 win against Korea Republic.
Germany also advanced to the knockout phase following a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against Cote d'Ivoire on June 20. Meanwhile, Haiti, Turkey, and Tunisia have been eliminated from the tournament after just two group-stage matches, a consequence of a new FIFA rule concerning head-to-head results.
In other early tournament action, Curacao earned their first historic World Cup point with a scoreless draw against Ecuador on June 20. The Netherlands also secured a comprehensive victory against Sweden on the same day.
The early eliminations under the new 48-team format have sparked discussion, particularly the impact of the revised rules. The tournament's expanded structure, which includes 12 groups of four teams and a Round of 32, means that even some third-placed teams can advance, but the new head-to-head tiebreaker rule has quickly sent some nations home.
FIFA addressed travel issues experienced by the Uruguay national team on June 15, after their flight from Mexico to Miami was delayed due to an airline permitting error. FIFA stated, "FIFA remained in close contact with the Uruguay national team throughout their delay and worked alongside airport and operational partners to help expedite the process and minimise disruption to the team's travel arrangements."
The remaining group stage matches will determine which teams secure automatic qualification and which eight third-placed teams advance to the Round of 32.
Co-host Mexico will play their final Group A match against Czechia on Monday in Mexico City.
Attention will turn to the Round of 32, which begins in late June, as the knockout phase intensifies.