Mexico and the United States have become the first nations to secure berths in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as the expansive group stage of the tournament progresses. The 48-team, 12-group phase is set to conclude on June 27, paving the way for the 32-team knockout bracket.
This edition, the largest in the World Cup's history, features a total of 104 matches contested across 16 host cities spanning Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Following the initial group play, the tournament will transition to a direct elimination format, where each match determines advancement toward the July 19 final.
The group stage has provided numerous moments captured by Los Angeles Times photographers, documenting fan engagement and team arrivals at venues such as SoFi Stadium. Images showcase supporters from various nations, including the U.S., Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Paraguay, Iran, New Zealand, and Jordan, demonstrating the global appeal of the event.
Players like U.S. forward Folarin Balogun have been instrumental, with Balogun celebrating a crucial goal during a group stage match against Paraguay. The transition to the win-or-go-home knockout stage signifies an intensified competition as teams vie for supremacy on the world stage.
