World Cup: see the teams classified for the knockout stages

The World Cup saw, this Thursday (18), the first team guaranteed in the knockout stages: hosts Mexico, who beat South Korea 1-0 and, with six points, are already in the second phase and confirmed as group A leader.

In addition to the victory in Guadalajara, early classification was also possible due to the 1-1 draw between Czechia and South Africa, on the same day and group. With two points added, these teams would not be able to reach Mexico in the final round.

South Korea could even match Mexico's six points, but would be behind the hosts because direct confrontation is the first tiebreaker criterion.

-

Change imageChange image

1 of 5

Luis Romo, Mexico player, celebrating the goal scored against South Korea, in the second round of the World Cup - Luke Hales/Getty Images

-

Change imageChange image

2 out of 5

Mexico players celebrating the goal scored against South Korea, in a clash in the second round of the World Cup - Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

-

Swap imageSwap imageSwap image

3 out of 5

Game between Mexico and South Korea, valid for the second round of the World Cup - Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

-

Change imageChange image

-

Swap imageSwap imageSwap image

4 out of 5

Mexico and South Korea match, valid for the second round of the World Cup - Luke Hales/Getty Images

-

Change imageChange image

5 out of 5

Son Heung-min on the field in the clash against Mexico, valid for the second round of the World Cup - Luke Hales/Getty Images

-

-

-

-

-

default view
full view
grid view

The 2026 World Cup, it is worth remembering, will have another knockout stage: the second phase or round of 16, which precedes the round of 16. This was due to the increase from 32 to 48 participating teams - see the updated table.

The World Cup knockout stages are scheduled to begin on June 28, with the clash between the runners-up from groups A and B, in Los Angeles, California.

Teams guaranteed in the 2nd phase of the World Cup

- Mexico (leader of group A)

How the new World Cup format works
How the 2026 World Cup format works: groups, phases and changes

Source: CNN