World Cup 2026: Group stage permutations set up knockout chaos
A record 141 goals have lit up the group stage. Groups A-F are in flux as hosts USA steamroll Group D and giants like Brazil sweat through nervy final games.
The 2026 World Cup group stage is barreling toward its finale with a record 141 goals already fired into nets across Groups A through F. Hosts USA have locked down Group D with a dominant display, while Brazil limp into their final game under pressure after a shaky start. The Netherlands sit top of Group E with a game in hand, but Germany’s late surge in Group F has turned their section into a knife-fight.
Mexico, meanwhile, need a win or a draw coupled with other results to avoid an early exit in Group B. In Group A, Argentina and Italy are locked in a tight battle for top spot, with both sides needing wins to secure automatic qualification. France top Group C, but the race for the runners-up spot is wide open after a surprise draw between Denmark and Saudi Arabia.
