The results of the third round of matches in Groups 1, 2 and 3 have redrawn the map of Round of 32 fixtures at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Egypt, who currently top Group 7, have a new opponent following the conclusion of Group 1 matches. They had previously been heading towards a meeting with the Czech Republic, who held third place, but that changed after the Czech Republic's 3-goal defeat to Mexico and South Africa's victory over South Korea altered the paths of Groups 3 and 7. Egypt are now expected to face South Korea, who finished third in Group 1. South Africa's win was enough to secure them second place and avoid a clash with group leaders, though they will face a tough match against Canada — one of the host nations — who lost top spot in Group 2 following their defeat to Switzerland. Switzerland, meanwhile, may face another Arab side in Algeria.

Mexico, who top Group 1, are set to face Scotland — one of the third-place qualifiers so far — while Bosnia, who finished third in Group 2, will take on the United States, who lead Group 4.

A revenge fixture

Brazil, having sealed top spot in Group 3, find themselves with a revenge fixture on their hands, as they are expected to face Japan — a side that defeated the Samba Boys in a friendly during both teams' World Cup preparations. Morocco, meanwhile, appear set for a heavyweight encounter against the Netherlands, unless the Dutch fail to beat Tunisia and Japan manage to beat Sweden or vice versa, in which case Morocco would face the winner of the Japan–Sweden match while the Netherlands would be redirected towards Brazil.

The other paths remain unaffected following the conclusion of matches in Groups 1 through 3: Germany are still set to face Paraguay, France face Sweden, and Portugal face Ghana, while Spain await a tough clash with Austria. Further fixtures include Côte d'Ivoire versus Norway, England versus Cape Verde, and Argentina, Uruguay, Australia, Iran, and finally Colombia and Croatia.

Once again, a new picture emerges with every match, and the fixtures will not be settled definitively until the final group-stage game is played. Until then, we move from one possibility to the next, from one opponent to another, from one moment of excitement to the next — and the entertainment is guaranteed, whatever the final combinations turn out to be.