Early qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup Round of 16

In Group J, defending champions Argentina easily defeated Austria 2-0 thanks to a brace from superstar Lionel Messi. This was their second consecutive victory. With six points from two matches, La Albiceleste officially secured advancement and are well positioned to finish top of the group. As for Messi, he continues to cement his legendary status by surpassing Miroslav Klose's World Cup goal record. The double against Austria made El Pulga the all-time top scorer in football history with 18 goals.

Four years ago in Qatar, Messi scored seven goals and led Argentina to the championship. Now on American soil at the 2026 World Cup, the 39-year-old El Pulga is displaying devastating form, having scored all five of Argentina's goals in their two matches against Algeria and Austria.

Messi continues to relentlessly set records. He is the first player to appear in six World Cups, has the most matches played (28), the most goals scored (18), and holds the record for the longest consecutive scoring streak (6 matches).

In Group I, France and Norway have also become the next teams to reach the knockout stage after winning both of their matches. Kylian Mbappe scored another brace to help France defeat Iraq 3-0, while Erling Haaland also netted a brace, leading Norway past Senegal 3-2, putting both teams level on six points at the top of the group.

France and Norway will face each other in the final round to determine the group winner. With a better goal difference, France only needs a draw to maintain the top spot.

The 2026 World Cup has so far confirmed six teams that have early advanced from the group stage: Argentina, France, Norway, USA, Germany, and Mexico. Among them, the USA, Germany, and Mexico have already secured top spots in their respective groups.

The 2026 World Cup has also seen three teams exit early: Tunisia (Group F), Haiti (Group C), and Turkey (Group D) have already said goodbye to the tournament.

In the matches on June 24, Colombia could secure advancement if they defeat DR Congo, and Portugal could do so by beating Uzbekistan. The winner of the clash between England and Ghana will also earn an early spot in the round of 16.

With eight of the twelve best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage, the group stage race remains exciting as many slots are still undecided.

Under the new format with 48 participating teams, the first knockout round of this year's tournament will be a 32-team round (round of 16) instead of the previous 16-team round (round of 16).

According to an announcement from the organizers, the matches of the first knockout round will begin on June 28 and run through July 3.