After 72 matches and the elimination of 16 teams from the expanded 48-team field, the largest FIFA World Cup ever now enters the knockout stage. 

Tournament favorites Argentina, France, England and Spain advanced as expected, while debutants Cape Verde and DR Congo emerged as breakthrough stories. African nations dominated with nine of 10 teams progressing, and the race for the Golden Boot is intensifying, with Lionel Messi leading all scorers after a thrilling and drama-filled group stage.

Key Highlights

**Favourites Argentina, France, England and Spain all advanced to the Round of 32

**Cape Verde reached the knockout stage in their first-ever World Cup appearance, drawing all three group matches

**DR Congo advanced from the group stage for the first time, having previously appeared as Zaire in 1974

**Nine of Africa's 10 representatives reached the knockout rounds

Remaining teams by confederation:

Europe: 13

South America: 5

Asia: 2

North America: 3 (Mexico, United States, Canada)

**Uruguay (FIFA No. 16) were the highest-ranked team eliminated

**Iran (FIFA No. 20) missed out despite drawing all three matches after Austria's late equalizer against Algeria secured the final third-place berth

**Only three teams won all three group matches: Argentina, France and Mexico

Golden Boot race

Lionel Messi (Argentina): 6 goals

Ousmane Dembele (France): 4 goals

Kylian Mbappe (France): 4 goals

Vinicius Junior (Brazil): 4 goals

Erling Haaland (Norway): 4 goals

10 players, including Harry Kane, have 3 goals each.