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The 2026 World Cup is about to reach the knockout stages, with things hotting up in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

And with the expanded format for the tournament this summer, there are more teams than ever playing knockout football.

The USA are already through to the knockout stages in their home tournamentGetty

The large majority of the 48 teams featuring in the newly-formatted competition will be progressing from the group stage.

But there will still be some that fall at the first hurdle…

How many teams are eliminated and how does qualification work?

Of the 48 teams competing at the World Cup, just 16 nations will be eliminated in the group stages.

That means 32 countries will go through to the knockouts.

The teams that finish in the top two spots in each group will secure themselves a place in the Round of 32.

On top of the 24 nations that qualify through the groups by finishing in the top two, another eight third-placed finishers go through.

The best third-placed finishers are determined by those with the most points, unless there are any ties…

World Cup tiebreakers

And when it comes to ties in general, things get complicated.

If two or more teams finish on the same points in the group stage, FIFA have a three-step system in place.

First, it will come down to the results of the matches between the two teams involved in the tie in the group.

England could well end up in a tie after a disappointing second group gameGetty

Then it comes down to goal difference, with goals scored next.

But if none of those can separate the tied nations, then it comes down to conduct score regarding players and staff.

That includes yellow and red cards obtained by the team.

And finally, if everything is still equal, then FIFA ranking comes into play and the higher rank will progress.

Which nations are through or out?

Through to the knockout stages

• Mexico, United States, Germany, Argentina, France, Norway, Colombia

Eliminated

• Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia, Jordan, Panama

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Plus there will be loads of debates on the biggest talking points as Haaland, Mbappe, Kane and the biggest names in football descend on America, Canada and Mexico.