Key facts
- Canada and Mexico both qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockouts
- 2026 is the first World Cup with an expanded 48-team format
- Tournament is co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico
- Mexico extends record of consecutive group-stage progressions
ESPN India reports that both Canada and Mexico have reached the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the two co-host nations confirming their progression as the group stage continues on June 19. The development is a significant relief for the tournament's organisers and broadcasters, as both nations advancing ensures packed home stadiums and sustained local interest through the later rounds.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is the first edition to feature an expanded 48-team format. This expansion means more group-stage matches and a longer road to the final, but also raised the stakes for host nations who faced the embarrassment of early exits in front of their own fans.
Canada, appearing in only their second-ever World Cup, and Mexico, who have now qualified from the group stage for a record-extending run of consecutive tournaments, both represent marquee draws for the competition. The United States, the third co-host, was already tracking its own qualification.
For Indian viewers, the World Cup is one of the most-watched global sporting events, with significant broadcast and streaming investment from Indian media platforms making the tournament's competitive narratives — particularly host-nation stories — central to maintaining audience interest.