World Cup 2026: Every Match Where a Win or Draw Secures a Round of 32 Place
Group Fixtures Nearing an end
The final round of group-stage fixtures at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has arrived, and for football fans across South Africa, the calculators are out and the nerves are kicking in.
With the expanded 48-team format, the stakes are higher than ever. The top two teams in each group qualify automatically for the Round of 32, while the eight best third-placed teams also progress. That means every goal, every point and every yellow card could make the difference between booking a knockout spot or packing the bags.
For Bafana Bafana supporters, all eyes will be on South Africa’s crucial showdown with Korea Republic, but there are plenty of other qualification battles taking place across North America.
Group A: South Africa vs Korea Republic
This is the one that matters most to South African football fans.
Bafana Bafana head into their final group match knowing that qualification remains possible despite a difficult start to the tournament. Hugo Broos’ men showed plenty of character in their draw against Czechia after opening with a defeat to Mexico.
Korea Republic currently hold the advantage, but South Africa know that a positive result could be enough to keep their World Cup dream alive, particularly in the race for one of the best third-placed spots.
The good news? Bafana have looked organised defensively and have remained competitive against quality opposition. The challenge now is finding that cutting edge in front of goal.
Prediction: South Africa 1-1 Korea Republic
Odds from Hollywoodbets. Bafana Bafana to win at 4.4. A draw is 2.55 and 1.65 for South Korea to win.
A draw would leave supporters sweating while the third-place rankings are calculated, but it could still be enough to keep Bafana Bafana alive.
Group B: Switzerland vs Canada
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Both teams sit in strong positions heading into the final matchday. A draw would likely send both nations comfortably into the Round of 32, although Canada have been one of the tournament’s surprise packages and may fancy topping the group outright.
Prediction: Canada 2-1 Switzerland
Odds from Hollywoodbets. Switzerland is in at 1.40 to win. A draw is 1.85 and 2.25 for Canada to win.
Group C: Scotland vs Brazil
Brazil have once again looked every bit like title contenders and need only avoid defeat to finish top of the group.
Scotland still have qualification hopes, but they may need help from results elsewhere if they fail to beat the South Americans.
Prediction: Brazil 2-0 Scotland
Odds from Hollywoodbets. Brazil is in at 1.4 to win. A draw is 3.5 and 7 for Scotland to win.
Group D: Paraguay vs Australia
The United States have already done enough to secure qualification, leaving Australia and Paraguay battling for second place.
The Socceroos have shown resilience throughout the group stage and enter the final fixture with momentum.
Prediction: Australia 1-0 Paraguay
Odds from Hollywoodbets. Australia is in at 2.85 to win. A draw is 1.1 and 1.85 of Paraguay to win.
Group E: Ivory Coast vs Curacao
The Elephants have put themselves in a strong position after an impressive campaign so far.A draw should be enough to secure progression, while Curacao need a result to avoid relying on other groups.
Prediction: Ivory Coast 2-1 Curacao
Odds from Hollywoodbets. Ivory Coast is in at 1.16 to win. A draw is 6 and 16 for Curacao to win.
Group F: Japan vs Sweden
One of the most evenly matched fixtures of the final group stage. Japan have impressed with their organisation and attacking efficiency, while Sweden know only a victory will truly put qualification in their own hands.
Prediction: Japan 2-1 Sweden
Odds from Hollywoodbets. Japan is in at 1.9 to win. A draw is 2.25 and 3.2 for Sweden to win.
Group G: Egypt vs Iran
This group remains one of the tightest at the tournament. Egypt have been difficult to break down, while Iran know that even a draw could be enough to secure a valuable qualification spot.
Prediction: Egypt 1-1 Iran
Odds from Hollywoodbets. Egypt is in at 1.45 to win. A draw is 1.5 and 2.65 for Iran to win.
Group H: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
One of Africa’s feel-good stories at World Cup 2026 has been Cape Verde’s impressive showing. A positive result here could see the Blue Sharks continue their remarkable journey into the knockout stages and give African football another reason to celebrate.
Prediction: Cape Verde 1-1 Saudi Arabia
Odds from Hollywoodbets. Cape Verde is in at 1.4 to win. A draw is 2.15 and 1.9 for Saudi to win.
Group K: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan
The Democratic Republic of Congo still have work to do but remain firmly in the qualification picture.
With several African nations pushing for knockout places, South African supporters will be keeping a close eye on this one too.
Prediction: DR Congo 2-0 Uzbekistan
Odds from Hollywoodbets. DR Congo is in at 1.8 to win. A draw is 2.55 and 3.1 for Uzbekistan to win.
Group L: England vs Croatia and Ghana vs Panama
England remain among the favourites to lift the trophy, while Ghana are carrying African hopes into a decisive final fixture. The Black Stars know victory would remove much of the uncertainty surrounding qualification.
Prediction: England 1-0 Croatia
Prediction: Ghana 2-0 Panama
Odds from Hollywoodbets. England is in at 1.18 to win. A draw is 5.6 and 13 for Panama to win.
Can Bafana Bafana Still Reach the Round of 32?
South Africa’s fate is not entirely in their own hands, but Bafana Bafana remain very much alive in the race for the World Cup 2026 knockout stages. The key will be avoiding defeat against Korea Republic and then hoping results elsewhere fall into place. In a tournament where eight third-placed teams also advance, every point matters.
South African football supporters have waited a long time to see Bafana Bafana competing on the biggest stage again, and this squad has already shown plenty of heart. Now comes the biggest test of all. Whether it’s a dramatic victory or a nerve-shredding draw, expect millions of South Africans to be glued to their screens as Bafana Bafana attempt to write another chapter in the nation’s football history.
One thing is certain: if South Africa can find a way into the Round of 32, there won’t be many voices louder than those coming from Mzansi.
Find out more about betting on the golden boot here.
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Sibusiso loves all things sport and has been writing and living the game for the last ten years. Sibo can be found at his local when Liverpool or Pirates plays a match. He brings deep insights into upcoming football or rugby matches.