World Cup 2026 Results: My Matchday 2 Recap and Who’s Through

Nine years of watching these tournaments tells me matchday two is where the pretenders get found out. The 20–21 June slate already has four sides through and three packing their bags. Here’s my rated recap. All scores are current as at 22 June 2026.

Matchday two of the World Cup 2026: four through, three eliminated.

Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia and Egypt 3-1 New Zealand headline a decisive 21 June slate; My Rating for Spain: 8/10.
Netherlands demolished Sweden 5-1 on 20 June (Brobbey and Gakpo braces) — the performance of the round.
Four nations already through to the Round of 32: Mexico (A), USA (D), Germany (E), Spain (H).
Haiti, Türkiye and Tunisia are eliminated.
Germany at 13.00 outright stands out as a value play — best goal difference in the tournament and already qualified.

The 21 June verdicts

Spain were ruthless against Saudi Arabia (4-0) — Yamal opening, then an Oyarzabal double — and look the part. My Rating: 8/10. Egypt’s 3-1 win over New Zealand, with Salah on song, put them top of Group G. The day’s other two were tighter: Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde, and a goalless Belgium 0-0 Iran that summed up Belgium’s stodgy start (red card to Ngoy on 66′).

The 20 June verdicts

The Netherlands’ 5-1 demolition of Sweden was the performance of the round — braces to Brobbey and Gakpo. My Rating: 8.5/10 for the Dutch. Japan binned off Tunisia 4-0, and Germany ground out a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast on an Undav strike at the death (94′). Not pretty from the Germans, but they’re top of Group E and through.

Who’s through, who’s gone

Through to the Round of 32: Mexico (A), USA (D), Germany (E), Spain (H).
Eliminated: Haiti (C), Türkiye (D), Tunisia (F).

The 48-team format (top two per group plus the eight best third-placed sides = 32 through) keeps plenty alive — including the Socceroos, whose run-in I break down in my Socceroos verdict.

Expert Verdict

Worked example: A $50 punt on Germany to win the World Cup at 13.00 returns $650 (stake included) if it lands. That’s implied probability of roughly 7.7% — for a side that’s won both matches and has the tournament’s best goal difference. Compare with your bookmaker; odds as at 22 June 2026.

If you’re hunting an outright play, Germany at 13.00 is the one that nags at me — best goal difference in the tournament and through already, yet still priced as a mid-pack chance. Full market on the World Cup 2026 Odds Guide, group context on the Group Stage Guide, and today’s plays in my best bets for 22 June. Odds in AUD — compare lines at Boomerang Bet.com or BetiBet for AU-friendly decimal odds. Gamble responsibly, 18+.

Which teams are through to the Round of 32?

As at 21 June 2026: Mexico (A), USA (D), Germany (E) and Spain (H).

How many teams advance from the group stage in 2026?

The top two from each of the twelve groups plus the eight best third-placed teams — 32 in all.

Which teams are eliminated?

Haiti (C), Türkiye (D) and Tunisia (F) as at 21 June 2026.

Results and standings as at 21 June 2026 (sources: FIFA, ESPN, FOX Sports). Ratings are my opinion. Odds in AUD (decimal). Online in-play betting is not permitted in Australia. Gamble responsibly — 18+.