The first major cut of the KWC Nations 2026: who advances after the group stage
The Kings World Cup Nations Brazil 2026 group stage has concluded and the tournament enters its decisive territory. Established favourites, hard-fought qualifications and a best third still alive define the first major cut before the knockouts.
The group stage of the Kings World Cup Nations Brazil 2026 is officially over. Three intense matchdays, goals without pause and razor-thin finishes have reshaped the World Cup landscape. For some, the road continues straight to the Quarter-finals. For others, survival now runs through the Last Chance. And for the rest, the dream ends here.
This was the tournament’s first real filter. Where leaders separate from survivors. Here’s how the groups stand after the final whistle.
Group A — Chile impose their rule, the Netherlands stay alive
Chile were the most reliable team in the group. Three matches, three wins and a constant sense of control. The Chileans advance directly to the Quarter-finals as undisputed group leaders.
The Netherlands, despite an uneven path, managed to stay alive and finish second, securing their spot in the Last Chance, where they’ll get one more shot at keeping the dream alive.
Colombia and Morocco are eliminated after a group defined by fine margins but no final reward.
Group A qualifiers
- 🟢 Chile → Quarter-finals
- 🟡 Netherlands → Last Chance
Group B — Germany deliver, chaos erupts behind them
Germany did exactly what was required. Two wins, consistency, and first place to book a direct ticket to the Quarter-finals.
Behind them, the group turned into open warfare. The United States and Argentina finished level on wins, but second place went to the Americans thanks to their head-to-head victory, earning them a spot in the Last Chance.
Argentina, third, manage to stay alive as the best third-placed team in the tournament. Japan, without a single win, bow out.
Group B qualifiers
- 🟢 Germany → Quarter-finals
- 🟡 United States → Last Chance
- 🔵 Argentina → Last Chance (Best third)
Group C — Italy dominate, France hang on
Italy delivered a ruthless group stage. A perfect record, 22 goals scored and a +15 goal difference that firmly place them among the tournament’s biggest threats. A direct and unquestioned path to the Quarter-finals.
France, despite defensive struggles, secure two wins and finish second, advancing to the Last Chance. Algeria fall just short, while Poland finish bottom.
Group C qualifiers
- 🟢 Italy → Quarter-finals
- 🟡 France → Last Chance
Group D — Spain rule, Brazil survive
Spain were one of the most dominant teams of the group stage. Three wins out of three, attacking authority and a +10 goal difference that crown them clear group leaders. A straight ticket to the Quarter-finals.
Brazil, the reigning champions, do enough with two wins to take second place. Their title defense now runs through the Last Chance.
Qatar and Peru are eliminated.
Group D qualifiers
- 🟢 Spain → Quarter-finals
- 🟡 Brazil → Last Chance
Group E — Mexico deliver a historic group stage
Mexico were unstoppable. 35 goals scored, only 8 conceded and a staggering +27 goal difference mark one of the most dominant group-stage performances of the tournament. First place and a direct pass to the Quarter-finals.
Saudi Arabia, solid and competitive throughout, finish second and move on to the Last Chance.
Indonesia and India are eliminated despite flashes of quality.
Group E qualifiers
- 🟢 Mexico → Quarter-finals
- 🟡 Saudi Arabia → Last Chance
The best third: Argentina cling to the tournament
With all groups complete, the final available spot went to the best third-placed team. The comparison favours Argentina, who finish with more points than Morocco, Algeria and Qatar, and a better goal difference than Indonesia — keeping their World Cup hopes alive by the narrowest of margins.
Now the real battle begins
The group stage has done its job. The favourites have confirmed their status. The survivors keep breathing. And from now on, mistakes are unforgivable.
The KWC Nations Brazil 2026 enters its most brutal and spectacular phase. From here on, every match is a border. And not everyone is ready to cross it. This is how the Last Chance will be played on January 12:
- United States vs. Netherlands (18:00 GMT-3)
- Argentina vs. France (19:00 GMT-3)
- Saudi Arabia vs. Brazil (20:00 GMT-3)
Three matches. Three tickets. Only those who know how to win under pressure survive.