Ivory Coast and Japan have secured places in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the conclusion of their group-stage matches, while Ecuador also progressed as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The Elephants of Ivory Coast booked their place in the knockout stage after defeating Curacao 2-0 in their final Group E fixture, finishing second behind Germany to earn automatic qualification.
Japan also advanced from Group F after holding Sweden to a 1-1 draw in their final group match. The result ensured the Samurai Blue finished second in the group behind the Netherlands, sealing their passage to the Round of 32.
Ecuador, despite finishing third in Group E, also progressed after accumulating enough points and goal difference to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams under the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup format.
The South Americans became the second third-placed nation to book a place in the knockout stage.
The qualification of the three teams adds further excitement to the tournament as the race for the Round of 32 intensifies, with more nations set to confirm their places following the remaining group-stage fixtures.
The knockout phase is scheduled to begin after the completion of all group matches, with the qualified teams battling for a place in the Round of 16.
