The ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 has steadily gained momentum and is approaching its business end of the group phase. The 32 teams are divided into eight groups, with each group having four teams.
All sides play against the other three teams in their groups once. The top two nations from each group advance to the round of 16.
With two match days in each group done, it’s all to play for the teams who find themselves in a tricky situation as far as their progression chances are concerned.
Talking about the Round of 16 qualifications, three nations out of the 32 have guaranteed their spot in the knockouts so far.
The first side to do so was the France national football team from Group D, who bettered the ‘World Cup champions curse’ with two wins out of two to qualify for the last 16.
Les Bleus convincingly defeated Australia 4-1 to start their campaign on a positive note before overcoming Denmark 2-1 to ensure a smooth passage into the next round.
Moreover, the 4-1 win also saw veteran striker Olivier Giroud score a record-equalling brace for the French side. He now needs just one more goal to surpass former striker Thierry Henry, who holds the record for most goals scored (51) for France.
A draw for the defending champions in the final group fixture against Tunisia would be enough to top the group.
Brazil national football team became the second side to confirm their Round of 16 spot. The Selecao saw off Serbia and Switzerland to make it through from Group G.
Meanwhile, Portugal became the third nation to qualify for the knockouts with a 2-0 win over Uruguay after defeating Ghana 3-2 in the opener.
Germany were eliminated from the group stage for the second straight World Cup after finishing third in Group E.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Teams qualified for Round of 16
| Group | Team |
| A | Netherlands, Senegal |
| B | England, USA |
| C | Argentina, Poland |
| D | France, Australia |
| E | Japan, Spain |
| F | Morocco, Croatia |
| G | Brazil, Switzerland |
| H | Portugal, South Korea |
Featured photo: Alamy
