The two North American co-hosts were the first teams to advance out of the group stage at the 2026 World Cup. Mexico qualified first, followed by the United States less than 24 hours later.
According to The Sporting News, Mexico clinched the top seed in Group A after winning its first two matches, including a victory over South Korea. In the Round of 32, Mexico will face a third-place finisher from Group C, E, F, H, or I.
The United States won Group D outright. It is only the third time the USMNT has finished first in a World Cup group stage, and the first since 2010. The U.S. is scheduled to play their Round of 32 match on July 3 against a third-place team from Group B, E, F, I, or J.
The Round of 32 is the first stage of the knockout rounds. Every match from this point forward is single elimination. There are no standings, no points, and no second chances. A loss ends a team's tournament.
More teams are expected to join Mexico and the United States in the Round of 32 bracket in the coming days as group stage play continues.
