What does each team need to progress to the last 16?
In group A
Final standings
The Netherlands topped the group after beating Qatar in their last match. Senegal thinned out Ecuador 2-1 to advance to second. Qatar were the first team to be eliminated from the World Cup, losing all three of their games and scoring just one goal.
In group B
Final standings
England progressed as group winners after sailing past Wales in their final game. Their 3-0 victory means Wales finished bottom, while the United States made it as the runner-up after squeezing past Iran in their crunch decider.
In group C
Final standings
After losing their opening game against Saudi Arabia, Argentina completed their turn of fortune by defeating Poland and outperforming the group. Poland, despite losing to the South Americans, crept through to the knockouts in second place on goal difference. That came after Mexico could only beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 and therefore had to settle for third place Saudi Arabia finish bottom.
In group D
Final standings
France are through, and are still at the top of the group despite them surprise defeat against Tunisia in their last group match. Australia stunned Denmark 1-0 in their own final group game to qualify second, level on points with France but second on goal difference. Tunisia finished third on four points while Denmarkthe dark horse of many people prior to the tournament, took a single point in fourth place.
In Group E
Remaining fixtures
- Japan vs Spain (December 1, 7pm)
- Costa Rica vs Germany (December 1, 7 p.m.)
Spain top the standings by four points and now only need a draw in their final game to progress. A win would send them through to the knockout round first. Germany must win against Costa Rica and their hopes then depend on losing to Japan. If Japan draws, it will come down to goal difference or goals between Germany and Japan.
If Japan beat Spain, they’re through. They would also advance if both remaining matches end in a draw, but are eliminated if they lose to Spain or if they draw with Spain and Costa Rica beat Germany.
Costa Rica can still qualify if they beat Germany. Even if they draw, they will continue as long as Spain beat Japan. But if Spain loses, goal difference applies. A draw in both games or a loss means Costa Rica goes home.
In group F
Final standings
Morocco went through as surprise group winner seven points behind them won 2-1 Canada. Croatia managed to hold on to second after one 0-0 equal with Belgium in a match that will be remembered for the hat-trick of golden opportunities missed late on by Romelu Lukaku.
In group G
Remaining fixtures
- Serbia vs Switzerland (December 2, 7pm)
- Cameron vs Brazil (December 2, 7pm)
Brazil lead the group on six points and have already qualified after their second successive victory, against Switzerland. In the event of a draw or win, they will continue as group winners.
A win for Switzerland, who are second in three points, against Serbia they would also qualify, although a point would also suffice if Cameroon failed to beat Brazil. A point could also be enough if Cameroon beat Brazil, but by only one goal, as they would be tied on points and goal difference, so the tie-breaker would be on goals scored. Switzerland currently has one goal to their credit and Cameroon has three, so that means Switzerland needs to draw at least 4-4 for that to happen. If Switzerland loses, they are out.
Cameroon and Serbiaat one point each, both must win to have any chance of continuing, with the other result going their way.
In group H
Remaining fixtures
- South Korea vs Portugal (December 2, 3pm)
- Ghana vs Uruguay (December 2, 3pm)
Group H is comparable to Group G in this respect Portugal have already finished with six points and will top the group if they draw or win against South Korea.
Ghana, second on three points, will guarantee progress with a win against Uruguay, although a point will be enough if South Korea fails to beat Portugal. It could also suffice for South Korea to beat Portugal, but only by a goal, as both teams would be tied on goal difference, but Ghana might be ahead on goals scored. Of course, this all depends on how many goals each team scores in those last games. If Ghana loses, they are out.
South Korea and Uruguay, each at one point, both must win to have any chance of progression, with the other outcome going their way.
What is the Knockout Schedule?
Saturday December 3
Match 49 – Netherlands vs USA, 3pm
Match 50 – Argentina vs Australia, 7pm
Sunday December 4
Match 52 – France vs Poland, 3pm
Match 51 – England vs Senegal, 7pm
Monday Dec 5
Match 53 – Winner of Group E vs Croatia, 3pm
Match 54 – Winner of Group G vs Second Place in Group H, 7pm
Tuesday Dec 6
Match 55 – Morocco vs Runner-up in Group E, 3pm
Match 56 – Winner of Group H vs 2nd Place in Group G, 7pm
Quarterfinals
Friday Dec 9
QF1 – Winner of match 53 vs winner of match 54, 3pm
QF2 – Winner of match 49 vs winner of match 50, 7pm
Saturday December 10
QF3 – Winner Match 55 vs Winner Match 56, 3pm
QF4 – Match 51 Winner vs Match 52 Winner, 7pm
Semi-finals
Tuesday Dec 13
SF1 – Winner of QF1 vs. Winner of QF2, 7pm
Wednesday December 14
SF2 – Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4, 7pm
Playoffs for third place
Saturday December 17
Loser of SF1 vs Loser of SF2, 3pm
Sunday December 18
Lusail Stadium, 3 p.m