Germany and Brazil have become the first teams to secure qualification for the World Cup 2026 knockout stages after commanding victories in round 3. The two tournament favorites have been in ruthless form, scoring 13 goals between them across their opening three matches. Meanwhile, Italy and England delivered the match of the tournament so far with a 2-2 draw that had everything. France, Spain and Argentina also booked their places in the round of 32, while Turkey became the first team to be eliminated from the tournament.
The round 3 action delivered drama across all 12 groups. Favorites secured qualification, underdogs pulled off upsets, and several qualification races remain wide open heading into the final group matches. The expanded 48-team format means 8 best third-placed teams will advance, keeping more teams alive for longer.
Follow every match live with iScore.ai for real-time scores, stats and in-game analysis throughout the 2026 World Cup group stage.
World Cup Round 3: Qualification Secured, Drama Unfolds
Round 3 of the World Cup 2026 group stage has delivered some of the most compelling action of the tournament so far. With two matches remaining for each team, the qualification picture is beginning to take shape. Germany and Brazil have been flawless, winning all three of their openers to become the first teams through to the round of 32.
The tournament favorites have lived up to expectations so far. Germany have scored 10 goals in three matches without reply, while Brazil have found the net 13 times. Both teams have defensive records that are just as impressive as their attacking output.
The headline match of round 3 was undoubtedly Italy vs England in Group L. The two European heavyweights played out a 2-2 draw that featured four goals, two red cards and endless drama. Both teams are now well-placed to qualify from what is shaping up to be the most competitive group in the tournament.
There was heartbreak for Turkey, who were eliminated from the tournament despite mounting a late comeback against Serbia. The Turks have now lost two of their three matches and cannot qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
France, Spain and Argentina all secured qualification to the round of 32 with wins in their third matches. The tournament is heating up as the group stage reaches its climax.
Germany and Brazil First to Qualify with Dominant Wins
Germany put in another dominant performance to beat Curacao 3-0 and secure qualification to the knockout stages with a game to spare. Julian Nagelsmann's side have been relentless in attack and impregnable in defense. Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz scored again to take their tournament tallies to three goals each.
The Germans have now won all three of their matches, scoring 10 goals without conceding. Their goal difference of +10 is the best in the tournament. Wirtz and Havertz have formed one of the most lethal strike partnerships at the World Cup. Their understanding has been telepathic at times, and defenders have struggled to cope with their movement and finishing.
Curacao, the smallest nation to ever reach the World Cup with a population under 160,000, have battled bravely but have been outclassed by superior opposition. They can still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams if they beat Ecuador in their final match.
Brazil matched Germany's performance by beating Ecuador 4-1 to secure qualification with two matches to spare. Vinicius Jr scored twice and now leads the Golden Boot race with five goals in three matches. The Real Madrid forward has been in sensational form and looks unstoppable.
The Selecao have scored 13 goals in three matches, a testament to the attacking riches at Carlos Ancelotti's disposal. With players like Vinicius, Rodrygo, Richarlison and Gabriel Martinelli, Brazil have more attacking options than any other team. Their average of 4.33 goals per game is the highest in the tournament.
Italy England 2-2: Group L Battle of Giants
Italy and England played out the match of the tournament so far with a 2-2 draw that had absolutely everything. Harry Kane and Declan Rice put England 2-0 up inside 35 minutes, but Federico Chiesa and Gianluca Scamacca scored second-half goals to earn Italy a point.
The match had it all: goals, red cards, VAR controversies and end-to-end action. England were dominant in the first half and could have been out of sight by the break. Kane scored from the penalty spot in the 18th minute after a VAR review awarded a penalty for a handball. Rice doubled the lead in the 35th minute with a stunning long-range strike that flew into the top corner.
Italy were a different team in the second half. Luciano Spalletti made changes at the break, and the Azzurri came out fighting. Chiesa pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute, finishing clinically after a rapid counter-attack. The equalizer came in the 78th minute when Scamacca headed home from a corner.
The drama was not over. England defender Marc Guehi was sent off in the 85th minute for a second yellow card. Italy poured forward in search of a winner, but England held on for a point. Both teams are now well-placed to qualify from Group L with 4 points from two matches.
This draw means Group L is wide open. Italy and England lead with 4 points, while Croatia and Slovakia are not out of it. The final round of matches will decide who advances from what is undoubtedly the tournament's toughest group.
Turkey Eliminated Despite Late Fightback Against Serbia
Turkey's World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak as they were eliminated despite a brave late fightback against Serbia. The Turks lost 3-2 in their Group F match, a result that means they cannot finish in the top two or among the best third-placed teams.
Serbia dominated the first half and led 3-0 at the break thanks to goals from Dusan Tadic, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Luka Jovic. It looked like being another rout for Turkey, who had already lost 2-0 to Australia in their opener.
But Turkey showed remarkable spirit in the second half. Orkun Kokcu pulled a goal back in the 58th minute, and Kenan Yildiz scored in the 73rd minute to set up a grandstand finish. Turkey threw everything at Serbia in the closing stages but could not find the equalizer.
This was Turkey's second defeat in three matches, and they now sit bottom of Group F with just 1 point. Even a win in their final match against Belgium will not be enough to qualify. Their goal difference of -4 is too poor to earn a place among the best third-placed teams.
Serbia, meanwhile, have boosted their qualification hopes. They are second in Group F with 6 points and need just a point from their final match against Australia to qualify. Mitrovic and Tadic have formed a formidable partnership up front, and Serbia look dangerous going forward.
France Spain Argentina Secure Knockout Spots
France secured qualification to the round of 32 with a 3-1 win over Wales. Kylian Mbappe scored twice and now has four goals in three matches. The defending champions have been impressive in attack but have conceded three goals, which will be a concern heading into the knockout stages.
Spain beat Peru 2-0 to qualify with a game to spare. Mikel Oyarzabal scored in his seventh consecutive international match, extending his incredible scoring run. Spain have not conceded a goal in three matches and look the most defensively solid team in the tournament.
Argentina secured qualification with a comfortable 2-0 win over Iceland. Lionel Messi scored a penalty and is now the joint all-time leading scorer in World Cup history alongside Miroslav Klose on 16 goals. Argentina have been efficient rather than spectacular but are unbeaten and progressing nicely.
USA, Mexico, Portugal and Netherlands are also in strong positions to qualify. All four teams won their round 3 matches and have 6 points from three matches. A draw in their final matches would be enough to secure qualification for all four teams.
Group Standings After Round 3
Group A: Mexico lead with 7 points, USA are second with 6 points, Croatia have 4 points, South Africa are bottom with 1 point. Mexico and USA have both qualified for the round of 32.
Group B: Brazil lead with 9 points and have qualified, Ecuador are second with 6 points and have qualified, Canada are third with 3 points, Haiti are bottom with 0 points.
Group C: Spain lead with 9 points and have qualified, Cape Verde are second with 6 points and have qualified, Peru are third with 2 points, Iran are bottom with 1 point.
Group D: Argentina lead with 7 points and have qualified, France are second with 6 points and have qualified, Iceland are third with 1 point, Wales are bottom with 0 points.
Group E: Germany lead with 9 points and have qualified, Ivory Coast are second with 6 points and have qualified, Ecuador are third with 3 points, Curacao are bottom with 0 points.
Group F: Serbia lead with 6 points, Australia are second with 4 points, Belgium are third with 4 points, Turkey are bottom with 1 point and have been eliminated.
Group G: Portugal lead with 6 points, Netherlands are second with 6 points, Poland are third with 3 points, Saudi Arabia are bottom with 0 points.
Group H: USA lead with 7 points, Mexico are second with 6 points, Japan are third with 4 points, Costa Rica are bottom with 0 points.
Group I: France lead with 6 points, Senegal are second with 4 points, Poland are third with 3 points, Morocco are bottom with 1 point.
Group J: Argentina lead with 7 points, Norway are second with 6 points, Algeria are third with 1 point, Finland are bottom with 1 point.
Group K: Portugal lead with 6 points, Netherlands are second with 6 points, South Korea are third with 3 points, Ghana are bottom with 0 points.
Group L: Italy and England lead with 4 points each, Croatia have 3 points, Slovakia are bottom with 1 point. All four teams still have a chance to qualify.
Check iscore.ai for the full, up-to-date World Cup 2026 group standings and live qualification scenarios.
Round 4 Qualification Scenarios
The final round of group matches will decide the qualification picture. Several groups are already decided, but others remain wide open heading into the fourth and final group matchday.
Group L is the most competitive. Italy and England need just a point from their final matches to qualify. Italy face Slovakia, while England take on Croatia. Both Slovakia and Croatia must win to have any chance of progressing.
Group F is also delicately poised. Serbia need a draw against Australia to qualify. Australia need a win to guarantee qualification but could also advance with a draw if other results go their way. Belgium need a win against Turkey and hope other results fall their way.
Groups A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J and K are effectively decided. The top two teams in each of these groups have qualified. The remaining matches will determine seeding and which teams finish third.
The race to be among the 8 best third-placed teams is heating up. Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Poland, Japan and South Korea all have 3 points and are well-placed to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. The final round of matches will determine which teams earn those spots.
Looking Ahead to Round 4
Round 4 will be the final round of group matches and will determine the qualification picture. Some groups are already decided, but others remain wide open. The race to be among the 8 best third-placed teams will go down to the wire.
The knockout stages begin on July 2 with 16 matches taking place over four days. The round of 32 will be followed by the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final on July 19. The expanded format means more teams and more matches than ever before.
Germany and Brazil have established themselves as the teams to beat. Both have been ruthless in attack and impregnable in defense. France, Spain, Argentina and England are also among the favorites. But this World Cup has already produced upsets, and the knockout stages are sure to deliver more drama.
Stay with iscore.ai for live scores, match analysis and tournament coverage from the group stages to the final whistle.
FAQ
Which teams have qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockout stages?
Germany and Brazil were the first teams to qualify after winning their first three matches. France, Spain, Argentina, England and Italy have also secured qualification to the last 32. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups plus the 8 best third-placed teams advance.
What was the result of Italy vs England in World Cup 2026?
Italy and England played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in their World Cup 2026 Group L clash. Harry Kane and Declan Rice scored for England, while Federico Chiesa and Gianluca Scamacca replied for Italy. Both teams are now well-placed to qualify from the group.
Has Turkey been eliminated from the World Cup 2026?
Yes, Turkey have been eliminated from the World Cup 2026 after two defeats in their first three matches. They lost their opener 2-0 to Australia and were beaten 3-2 by Serbia despite a late fightback. They cannot finish in the top two or among the best third-placed teams.
Where can I follow World Cup 2026 live scores and standings?
Visit iscore.ai for real-time scores, group standings, match stats and tournament coverage across all 104 World Cup 2026 matches.