There is no denying that it has been an exciting start to the 2022 World Cup, with plenty of surprises and spectacular encounters on show in the first two matchdays of the group stages.
There was Saudi Arabia's shock win over Argentina, Germany throwing away a one-goal lead versus Japan and Belgium losing to Morocco to name just a few upsets.
And there has been no shortage of goals either, with Spain smashing seven past Costa Rica, Cameroon and Serbia playing out a hugely entertaining 3-3 draw and England hammering Iran 6-2.
But the question on everyone's mind as we enter matchday three is what all that means for the knockout stages and which teams have already secured progress to the round of 16.
Qualified for World Cup round of 16
| Group | Winner | Second place |
|---|---|---|
| A | Netherlands | Senegal |
| B | England | USA |
| C | Argentina | Poland |
| D | France | Australia |
| E | Morocco | Croatia |
| F | Japan | Spain |
| G | Brazil | Switzerland |
| H | Portugal | South Korea |
Netherlands topped Group A, with Senegal coming second ahead of Qatar and Wales. England and the USMNT advance from Group B, while Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to the top of Group C after their opening-game upset against Saudi Arabia. Poland join the Albiceleste as Group C runners-up.
France and Australia qualified from Group D, while Morocco sprung an upset on Belgium in Group E and topped the table, with Croatia advancing as the runners-up. Japan were shock winners of Group F, topping the table ahead of Spain and Germany, with Hansi Flick's side bowing out.
Portugal qualified as winners of Group H, with South Korea clinching second place ahead of Uruguay. Brazil, meanwhile, won Group G ahead of Switzerland.
World Cup 2022 round of 16 fixtures
The World Cup 2022 round of 16 begins on December 3. With eight matches to be decided, two games a day are played on December 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Date | KO time (local) | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 3 | 18:00 | Netherlands vs USA (match 49) | Khalifa International Stadium |
Dec. 3 | 22:00 | Argentina vs Australia (match 50) | Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium |
Dec. 4 | 18:00 | France vs Poland (match 52) | Al Thumama Stadium |
Dec. 4 | 22:00 | England vs Senegal (match 51) | Al Bayt Stadium |
Dec. 5 | 18:00 | Japan vs Croatia (match 53) | Al Janoub Stadium |
Dec. 5 | 22:00 | Brazil vs South Korea (match 54) | Stadium 974 |
Dec. 6 | 18:00 | Morocco vs Spain (match 55) | Education City Stadium |
Dec. 6 | 22:00 | Portugal vs Switzerland (match 56) | Lusail Iconic Stadium |