2026 World Cup: Ronaldo, Messi Rewrite History as Seven Nations Secure Round of 32 Berths

By Emmanuel Kwada

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to deliver unforgettable moments, with football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi breaking historic records while seven countries have already booked their places in the Round of 32 following an intense opening phase of the expanded tournament.

With the competition featuring 48 teams for the first time in World Cup history, the race for qualification has become increasingly competitive. However, a handful of nations have wasted no time asserting their dominance, while two of the greatest players ever to grace the sport continue to defy age and expectations on football’s biggest stage.

The first ever player in history of football to score in six World Cup tournament.

It really meant alot to him.

Ronaldo is him! The GOAT 🐐 pic.twitter.com/0nhBpnuvzx

— KING CHIDI (@guzu_p) June 23, 2026

Ronaldo Makes World Cup History at 41

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has once again etched his name into football folklore after becoming the first player in history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.

The Portuguese icon, now 41 years old, has already netted two goals at the 2026 World Cup, extending his remarkable international and club scoring legacy.

He is now Portugal’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 10 goals

Ronaldo’s latest achievement adds to an already astonishing list of records. He is now Portugal’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 10 goals, surpassing every player in the nation’s history. His overall career tally has also reached a staggering 975 goals, further cementing his status as one of the most prolific goalscorers the game has ever seen.

Despite entering the twilight of his career, Ronaldo has remained a decisive figure for Portugal, whose strong performances have placed them in a favorable position in Group K behind Colombia.

Football analysts and fans worldwide have hailed the achievement as one of the most extraordinary longevity records in modern sport, with Ronaldo continuing to compete at the highest level more than two decades after making his professional debut.

Messi Becomes World Cup’s Greatest Goalscorer

While Ronaldo was making history for Portugal, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi was setting a new benchmark of his own.

The Argentine captain officially became the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after reaching 17 goals in the competition.

Messi’s latest milestone further strengthens his legendary status after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022. Four years later, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains central to Argentina’s ambitions as the South Americans pursue another global crown.

Argentina have enjoyed a flawless start to their campaign, winning their opening two matches without conceding a goal and becoming one of the first nations to secure progression to the knockout rounds.

Seven countries have mathematically secured qualification for the Round of 32.

The record-setting performances of Messi and Ronaldo have once again reignited debates about football’s greatest player, while simultaneously highlighting the unprecedented longevity of two icons who continue to shape the sport well into their late thirties and forties.

Seven Teams Already Through

As of June 24, seven countries have mathematically secured qualification for the Round of 32 after impressive starts to the tournament.

The confirmed qualifiers are:

• Mexico (Group A winners)
• United States (Group D winners)
• Germany (Group E winners)
• France (Group I)
• Norway (Group I)
• Argentina (Group J winners)
• Colombia (Group K winners)

Mexico, the United States, Germany, Argentina, and Colombia have all guaranteed top positions in their respective groups, while France and Norway have accumulated enough points to ensure progression regardless of remaining results.

Germany have arguably been the most dominant side so far, scoring nine goals in two matches while conceding only twice. The United States have also impressed with six points from two games and a healthy goal difference of +5.

Argentina’s perfect record, featuring five goals scored and none conceded, has reinforced their credentials as serious contenders for the title.

Group Battles Intensify

Although seven teams have secured qualification, many groups remain finely balanced heading into the final round of fixtures.

In Group C, Brazil and Morocco are level on four points, while Scotland remain within striking distance on three points.

Group F is equally competitive, with the Netherlands and Japan tied on four points, closely followed by Sweden on three.

Group G remains one of the most unpredictable sections, with Egypt leading on four points while Iran and Belgium are both on two points and still firmly in contention.

They are joined by the eight best third-placed teams, creating a 32-team knockout phase.

Group H is also delicately poised as Spain lead with four points, while Uruguay and Cabo Verde remain level on two points each.

In Group L, England and Ghana are tied at the top on four points, with Croatia still harboring hopes of qualification.

Expanded Format Produces New Dynamics

The 2026 World Cup’s expanded format has introduced a new qualification structure.

The tournament consists of 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group automatically advance to the Round of 32, accounting for 24 places. They are joined by the eight best third-placed teams, creating a 32-team knockout phase.

The format has kept qualification hopes alive for numerous nations heading into the final group matches, ensuring high-stakes encounters across all remaining groups.

Eyes on the Knockout Stage

As the tournament progresses, attention is increasingly turning toward the knockout rounds, where traditional powerhouses and emerging contenders are expected to clash.

For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, whose record-breaking exploits have added another extraordinary chapter to their historic rivalry.

While seven teams have already punched their tickets to the Round of 32, the battle for the remaining qualification spots promises more drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments as the 2026 FIFA World Cup gathers momentum.

Read Also: 2026: First World Cup Goal in 16 Years, But Win Still Eludes South Africa’s Bafana Bafana