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As the 2026 FIFA World Cup progresses into the knockout stages, all eyes are on powerhouses expected to make it to the finals.
A late lone goal was enough for co-hosts Canada to see off South Africa in the first round of 32 clash at the ongoing World Cup on Sunday night.
The fiercely-contested encounter at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, ended 1-0 to Canada, with the decisive strike coming in the 92nd minute.
It marked a historic moment for Canada, who advanced to the last 16 for the first time in their history and set an early tone for what promises to be a high-stakes knockout phase.
As the drama unfolds, some teams are expected to advance based on their form, squad depth, and pedigree in major tournaments.
Here are five sides Daily Sun will be keeping a particularly close eye on as the single-elimination rounds intensify.
France
The 2018 winners and 2022 runners-up remain the team to beat. With top scorer contender, Kylian Mbappé and Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembele in imperious form and a balanced squad blending youth and experience, France topped Group I with convincing wins over Senegal, Iraq and Norway.
Didier Deschamps’ side look equipped to handle the knockout pressure that has defined recent tournaments for Les Bleus.
Argentina
Defending champions, Argentina continue to ride the wave of Lionel Messi’s enduring brilliance.
Like France, Lionel Scaloni’s side claimed all nine points in Group J, with Messi grabbing six of their eight goals against Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
The three-time world champions were not only lethal in attack but also solid in defence, conceding only once across the three games.
Their group stage showed the quality and impressive teamwork that carried them to glory in Qatar, making them perennial dangers in any knockout tie.
Spain
La Roja had a less sterling group stage performance than France and Argentina.
After drawing debutantes Cape Verde on June 15, Spain hammered Saudi Arabia 4-0 six days later before edging 10-man Uruguay 1-0 to seal top spot in Group H.
While their fluid possession game and exciting young talents like Lamine Yamal continue to dominate opponents, defensive discipline would be key to ensure they go far in the tournament.
Brazil
Five-time winners, Brazil have been less than impressive in the last few tournaments, with that 7-1 thrashing by Germany in Belo Horizonte in 2014 still fresh in memory.
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However, topping Group C that included African giants and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco could be the springboard they need to set the knockout phases on fire, starting with Japan later today.
England
The Three Lions topped Group L with 7 points, recording two wins and a draw while finishing ahead of Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
They began strongly with a thrilling 4-2 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia, featuring an early Harry Kane penalty and clinical finishing, but followed with a goalless draw against Ghana that highlighted defensive solidity yet attacking bluntness.
The campaign ended with a solid yet unconvincing 2-0 win over Panama, with second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Kane, who became England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer.
Overall, the group stage pointed to a talented squad capable of high-scoring displays but prone to periods of inefficiency and lack of fluency that could hurt them when it matters most.
The draw against Ghana and a somewhat laboured showing versus Panama suggested vulnerabilities in breaking down compact defences and sustaining attacking rhythm, issues that could prove costly against higher-calibre knockout opposition.
The performance was good rather than dominant, reflecting both promise and familiar frustrations under Thomas Tuchel.
As England face DR Congo in the round of 32 on Wednesday, the lessons learnt in the goalless draw against Ghana would be put to the test.
As one of the pre-tournament favourites, the 1966 champions possess the quality to later stages or even challenge for the title, but historical knockout inconsistencies and the need for greater clinicality will determine if they can convert group success into a serious run.
Germany
Four-time champions Germany put behind them the disappoinment of group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022 by topping Group E with 6 points in the ongoing campaign.
Die Mannschaft secured first place despite a shock defeat to Ecuador in their last group game.
After scoring 10 goals and conceding four, they demonstrated strong offensive firepower but occasional defensive lapses could be their undoing against tougher opposition.
The team under Julian Nagelsmann has blended experience with youthful dynamism, though the Ecuador result showed vulnerabilities to counter-attacks and set-piece threats when rotation or complacency crept in.
Germany go into their Round of 32 clash against Paraguay later today as clear favourites but must maintain focus to avoid an upset.
Overall, they remain among the favourites to reach the quarter-finals or beyond, provided they tighten defensively and leverage their attacking quality.
A deep run to the semi-finals or final is realistic if they hit stride.
