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The final round of group stage games will lack the drama of 2022, with a strange decision to revamp the tie-breaking rules likely to produce a number of dead rubbers
Miguel Delaney Chief Football Writer24 June 2026 13:42
Who has qualified for the knockout stages and which teams have been eliminated from the World Cup?The group stage of World Cup 2026 is nearing a conclusion and the battle is on for a place in knockout stages.
For the first time in the World Cup’s history, 48 nations are competing in the tournament. They were divided in 12 groups of four, with co-hosts USA, Mexico and Canada all given top-seed status in the draw.
The 12 group winners and 12 runners-up will automatically go through to the round of 32, and they will be joined by the eight best third-placed finishers, based on points and goal difference at the end of the group stage.
Seven teams have booked their place in the knockout rounds after winning both of their opening matches. Five teams have so far been eliminated from the competition after losing both of their fixtures.
Lawrence Ostlere24 June 2026 13:22
Jude Bellingham says England played with ‘little bit of fear’ against ‘exceptional’ GhanaJude Bellingham struck a positive note after England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana in their second World Cup group stage game, saying the result, and the experience playing against an “exceptional” team, provided a “good test”.
“Maybe we’re not only going to play teams from Europe or what we are used to. It’s amazing to be able to play so early, a strong opponent from Africa who pose completely different threats.
“You saw that, it was tough to break them down. They were exceptional on the counter attack. We always kept that little bit of fear in us when we were going forward.”
Jamie Braidwood24 June 2026 13:05
Harry Maguire gives verdict on England’s draw with Ghana as Gary Neville names player likely to be droppedEngland are not expected to be "too downbeat" following their goalless draw against Ghana, according to defender Harry Maguire.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Maguire stated: "I think they’ll look back at it and think, in the grand scheme of things, we drew our second game against the USA in the last World Cup.
“We were disappointed, but we knew we were in control of the group, you go and play your third game, you win the game and everything’s forgotten about and you go on to the knockout.
"So I don’t think they’ll be too downbeat. I think a few lads will be disappointed, probably, with the individual performances. But as a group and a collective I’m sure tomorrow will be a new day and they’ll just look forward to Panama and getting the win."
Jamie Braidwood24 June 2026 12:49
Thomas Tuchel dismisses World Cup ‘wake-up call’ claims after England held by GhanaThomas Tuchel has dismissed suggestions that England received a "wake-up call" following their goalless draw against Ghana, which came after a thrilling opening victory in the World Cup.
"No, we don’t need a wake-up call," Tuchel stated. "Everyone is alert and everyone is fully committed. There can be no doubt, I can assure that to everyone.
"There was no overconfidence in our game, not at all. If – if – there was anything, there was maybe in some moments a bit of overcautious (play), but we were never overconfident."
Jamie Braidwood24 June 2026 12:32
‘Superb’ Ghana give England a tough run: “It feels like a step back”After England’s second World Cup finished in a disappointing 0-0 draw, how much of a frustrating stalemate was down to Thomas Tuchel’s side’s failure to push through? Was there anything they could have done against Ghana’s impressive defence?
Listen to the full episode, ‘What England MUST change against Panama after drab Ghana draw’, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or watch on YouTube.
Copa Independent24 June 2026 12:23
Gianni Infantino defends World Cup hydration breaks - and says they could be here to stayGianni Infantino has defended the controversial introduction of mandatory hydration breaks at the World Cup 2026 and said Fifa will consider implementing them at future tournaments.
The Fifa president insisted that the mandatory three-minute breaks, which take place in the middle of every match at the tournament, bring “no additional revenue for Fifa” and have been introduced to protect player welfare.
Jamie Braidwood24 June 2026 12:14
‘The VAR went for a coffee’: Were England ‘lucky’ to avoid World Cup defeat to Ghana?Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz said his side were denied a “clear penalty” and a “red card” against England and joked that the VAR was “on holiday” and must have “gone for a coffee” to have missed both incidents.
Queiroz said England were “very lucky” that both incidents went their way after Jordan Pickford avoided a red card after colliding with forward Prince Abu outside the box and defender Ezri Konsa later brought Abu tumbling inside the area.
“I’m not sure VAR is still working in the World Cup. We still have VAR? It’s working?” Queiroz asked after the 0-0 draw in Boston.
“I have some doubts about that because another penalty that they need give to Ghana, a clear penalty against England [was missed]. We had our chances to the point that they’re lucky. They’re very lucky.”
Jamie Braidwood24 June 2026 11:59
England player ratings v GhanaNico O’Reilly - 7. So unlucky not to score after rising highest in the box late on, but his header rattled the crossbar.
Morgan Rogers – 6. Looked bright when he came on for Bellingham and may well get his chance from the start against Panama.
Eberechi Eze - 5. Gave the ball away cheaply, which presented a chance for Ghana on the break, and didn’t do much attacking-wise in his 20 minutes on the pitch.
Marcus Rashford - 7. The main question is: why did it take Tuchel until 82 minutes to bring him in? Immediately looked threatening on the left: direct and brave on the ball. Should start against Panama.
(AP)Kieran Jackson 24 June 2026 11:44
The worst game of tournament so farMaybe this World Cup had been just too exciting. Previously sceptical Americans were in danger of being converted to soccer. The various ills of Gianni Infantino and Fifa were being camouflaged by a flood of goals, many of them fine.
Not here. Loud boos greeted the hydration breaks, though they were no less eventful than much of the match. At least when nothing happened during them, there was no actual expectation of anything occurring. This was the worst match of the World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel had stated he had enjoyed one of the best weeks of his career. But that was before a shocker of a match. His team emerged with a point and retain top spot in Group L. But, frustrated and frustrating, they were dismal nonetheless.
Richard Jolly in Boston24 June 2026 11:29