Knockout Stage Begins with 28 Qualified Teams

As the 2026 World Cup group stage nears its end, 28 of the 32 teams have secured spots in the round of 32; Notable advances include Cape Verde, with a population of 525,000, making history as the smallest nation to reach the knockout rounds. Belgium, Spain, and France also topped their groups on Friday. Senegal and Egypt are among the underdogs who have made it through, with Egypt qualifying for the next round for the first time in their World Cup history.

Algeria and Iran are locked in a serious match in Group G that could determine the final qualification for the round of 32 — a draw would see Algeria advance as one of the best third-placed teams, leaving Iran out. This scenario mirrors the potential for a controversial outcome, similar to what has been described as a “Schande von Kansas City.”

In Group I. Senegal booked their spot after a dominant 5-0 win against Iraq, while Paraguay also secured its place with four points, becoming one of the eight best third-placed teams to advance. England, Ghana, and Portugal have already qualified for the knockout rounds without playing on Friday.

Germany’s Tactical Debate: Kimmich’s Position

German football legend Philipp Lahm has called for captain Joshua Kimmich to be moved from right back to midfield during the Mundial 2026; Lahm argues that Kimmich’s experience in the role,where he has played for over a decade—would bring stability to the national team. He criticized Aleksandar Pavlovic’s performance at right back, citing frequent ball losses and poor positioning. Lahm suggested that Felix Nmecha would be a better fit alongside Kimmich in midfield, allowing Pavlovic to move out of the starting lineup.

DFB technical director Rudi Völler, however, avoided commenting directly on the issue during a press conference, stating that Kimmich is “well-positioned wherever he plays.” The debate highlights the ongoing tactical discussion within the German coaching staff as they prepare for the knockout stages.

Media Coverage and Broadcast Rights

Media coverage of Mundial 2026 is being handled by a mix of public and subscription-based platforms. In Germany, the match between Panama and England will be available exclusively on MagentaTV, as ARD and ZDF only broadcast 60 of the 104 total games. MagentaTV, which carries all matches, offers a monthly subscription at 11 euros through its MagentaTV Flex package. Analysts such as Mats Hummels, Thomas Müller, and Jürgen Klopp provide expert commentary, with the main studio located in New York and additional live coverage from stadiums and Munich.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., the tournament is generating widespread interest, with the final set for July 19. The round of 32 is scheduled to run from June 28 to July 3, followed by the round of 16 from July 4 to July 7. The quarterfinals will be held from July 9 to 11, with the semifinals on July 14 and 15, and a bronze medal match on July 18.

FIFA has also made a rule change for tie-breaker criteria in the group stage. For the first time, head-to-head records will be used before goal difference to rank teams level on points. If teams remain tied after this, they will be ranked by overall goal difference, then total goals scored, then team conduct scores (based on yellow and red cards), and finally by the latest FIFA World Rankings.