All three 2026 World Cup host nations have qualified for the knockout stage, a fitting reward for the co-hosts as the expanded tournament's group stage winds down. Mexico, the United States, and Canada have each booked a place in the newly introduced Round of 32, marking a strong showing for the first World Cup ever staged across three countries.
Mexico led the way, becoming the very first team in the entire tournament to clinch a knockout spot. El Tri topped Group A with a perfect record after beating South Africa and South Korea, playing in front of roaring home crowds at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The United States followed close behind, sealing top spot in Group D under manager Mauricio Pochettino thanks to a 4-1 demolition of Paraguay and a controlled 2-0 win over Australia, securing qualification with a game to spare.
Canada completed the set, advancing from Group B as runners-up. Jesse Marsch's side opened with a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, then crushed Qatar 6-0, doing enough to progress despite a final-day loss to Switzerland. Home advantage has proven real: historically, host nations tend to overperform, and all three will now chase deeper runs in the knockouts, which begin June 28. For the US and Canada especially, reaching the last 32 on home soil marks a milestone ahead of the bracket stage.
Sources: Al Jazeera, ESPN, Sports Illustrated.
All three 2026 World Cup host nations have qualified for the knockout stage, a fitting reward for the co-hosts as the expanded tournament's group stage winds down. Mexico, the United States, and Canada have each booked a place in the newly introduced Round of 32, marking a strong showing for the first World Cup ever staged across three countries.
Mexico led the way, becoming the very first team in the entire tournament to clinch a knockout spot. El Tri topped Group A with a perfect record after beating South Africa and South Korea, playing in front of roaring home crowds at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The United States followed close behind, sealing top spot in Group D under manager Mauricio Pochettino thanks to a 4-1 demolition of Paraguay and a controlled 2-0 win over Australia, securing qualification with a game to spare.
Canada completed the set, advancing from Group B as runners-up. Jesse Marsch's side opened with a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, then crushed Qatar 6-0, doing enough to progress despite a final-day loss to Switzerland. Home advantage has proven real: historically, host nations tend to overperform, and all three will now chase deeper runs in the knockouts, which begin June 28. For the US and Canada especially, reaching the last 32 on home soil marks a milestone ahead of the bracket stage.
Sources: Al Jazeera, ESPN, Sports Illustrated.
