Predictions
World Cup 2026 June 24: What Every Team Needs to Reach the Knockouts
Three groups reach their final round on Wednesday. We break down the confirmed standings in Groups A, B and C and exactly what each team needs — a win, a draw or a favour — to make the round of 32.
Wednesday, June 24 is decision day for the first three groups of the World Cup. Groups A, B and C all play their final round of fixtures, and by the end of the night the first names in the round of 32 will be set in stone. Below is the confirmed picture in each group and exactly what every team needs to do — no projected scores, just the math.
In a 48-team World Cup, remember the route through: the top two from each of the 12 groups advance automatically, joined by the eight best third-placed teams. That makes goal difference and goals scored more valuable than ever — so even teams who are already through are still playing for seeding.
Group B: a host nation plays for top spot
This is the headline group of the day. Canada and Switzerland are level on four points, and they meet head-to-head at BC Place in Vancouver (3:00 PM ET) with first place on the line.
- Canada lead on goal difference after a thumping win over Qatar, so a win or a draw sends the co-hosts through as group winners.
- Switzerland must win to top the group; a draw leaves them second on goal difference.
- Crucially, both Canada and Switzerland are all but assured of advancing regardless — even the loser of this match will be in a strong position for a knockout berth. The prize on Wednesday is top spot, and the friendlier side of the bracket that can come with it.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (1 point) and Qatar (1 point) meet in the other Group B game and would need a win plus a heavy swing elsewhere to keep any faint hopes alive.
Group A: Mexico are through, the fight is for second
Host nation Mexico have already clinched Group A with a perfect six points from two games. The drama on Wednesday is the race for second place, where South Korea (3 points) hold the advantage over Czechia (1) and South Africa (1).
- South Korea face South Africa and would seal second place with a win; even a draw may be enough depending on the other result.
- Czechia host the small matter of a final-day meeting with group winners Mexico at the Estadio Azteca and realistically need to win and hope South Korea slip up.
- South Africa are in the same boat — beat South Korea and the second spot is theirs.
Both final Group A games kick off at 9:00 PM ET.
Group C: Brazil safe, Scotland need a famous result
Brazil have already qualified for the knockout rounds and sit top on goal difference with four points. Morocco match them on four, while Scotland sit on three and Haiti are already eliminated on zero.
- Brazil are through; a win or draw against Scotland also guarantees top spot. They face Scotland at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami (6:00 PM ET).
- Morocco can secure their place with a win or draw against bottom side Haiti — and could even snatch top spot if results fall their way.
- Scotland have the hardest task: they likely need to beat Brazil to be sure of going through, otherwise they are relying on being one of the best third-placed teams. It is the kind of night that defines a campaign. We preview it in full in our Scotland vs Brazil preview.
The bigger picture
By the time the Group A games finish late on Wednesday night, six teams across these three groups will know their fate — top spot, runner-up or a nervous wait on the third-placed table. For everything riding on that third-place race, see our explainer on how the best third-placed teams qualify, and for the full June 24 slate read our matchday preview.
Standings and qualification scenarios are based on confirmed results and the official FIFA tournament regulations, cross-checked against CBS Sports, Yahoo Sports and ESPN. Kickoff times are in US Eastern Time and may be subject to change. This article contains no predicted scores.