Egypt and Belgium became the latest countries to secure places in the Round of 32 of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup after the conclusion of Group G matches on Saturday.
The qualification of the two nations increased the number of teams that have progressed to the knockout stage to 21.
Belgium finished top of Group G following an emphatic 5-1 victory over New Zealand, while Egypt claimed the second automatic qualification ticket after battling Iran to a 1-1 draw.
The Pharaohs did just enough to finish behind Belgium in the group standings and book their place in the last 32, while Iran and New Zealand crashed out of the competition.
The duo joined an expanding list of countries that have already secured passage to the knockout rounds, including Australia, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Colombia.
Also through to the Round of 32 are Mexico, South Africa, Canada, Switzerland, the United States, Brazil, Morocco, Germany, France, Norway and defending champions Argentina.
With 21 teams now assured of places in the knockout phase, the race for the remaining Round of 32 tickets continues as the group stage enters its decisive rounds.
