Iran Press/ Middle East: The group stage is officially over, and the 16 teams advancing to the knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup have been determined.
Argentina
Argentina clawed back the top spot in Group C with wins over Mexico and Poland after a shocking loss in the opener against Saudi Arabia. They will next face Australia on Saturday.
Australia
Australia claimed a spot in the last 16 as runners-up of Group D with 6 points from wins over Tunisia and Denmark. They go on to face Argentina on Saturday.
Brazil
Brazil qualified for the knockout stage after back-to-back wins against Switzerland and Serbia, leading Group G before their last match against Cameroon.
Croatia
Croatia joined the last 16 after two goalless draws with Morocco and Belgium and a 4-1 victory over Canada. They will next face Japan on Monday as the runners-up of Group F.
England
England punched their ticket to the knockout phase as top of Group B with 7 points, following emphatic victories against Wales and Iran and a goalless draw with the United States. The Three Lions, who reached the Euro 2020 final last year, will face Group A runners-up Senegal on Sunday.
France
Another favorite to win the tournament, reigning champions France delivered on expectations and became the first team to qualify for the last 16 with consecutive Group D wins over Australia and Denmark, followed by a 1-0 loss to Tunisia.
Japan
Japan surged into the last 16 as the unlikely top of Group E after the Samurai Blue staged two stunning comeback wins over Germany and Spain, losing only to Costa Rica. They will face Croatia on Monday.
Morocco
Morocco topped Group F with wins over Canada and Belgium following a goalless draw with Croatia and is slotted to play against Spain on Tuesday.
Netherlands
The Netherlands secured a place in the last 16 with victories over African champions Senegal and hosts Qatar, topping Group A despite a 1-1 draw with Ecuador. The Dutch - unbeaten in the last 18 games after their elimination at Euro 2020 - will face the United States on Saturday.
Poland
Poland clinched a spot in the last 16 as runners-up of Group C after a win over Saudi Arabia, a draw with Mexico, and a loss to Argentina. Poland closed the group stage tied with Mexico and advanced thanks to goal difference. Poland will face France on Sunday.
Portugal
A second-half brace from Bruno Fernandes sealed Portugal’s qualification with a 2-0 victory over Uruguay, who in 2018 knocked the side out in the last 16.
Senegal
With a decisive 2-1 victory over Ecuador, Senegal qualified for the last 16 and will face England on Sunday.
Spain
One of the favorites to win the tournament, Spain clinched a spot in the last 16 with a blowout against Costa Rica, followed by a draw with Germany and a loss to Japan. After an early elimination in the hands of Russia in 2018, a rejuvenated La Roja - with 14 players under the age of 25 - will meet Group F winners Morocco on Tuesday.
United States
The United States qualified as runners up of Group B after a 1-0 victory over Iran in a match overshadowed by political tension following draws with Wales and England. They will meet the Netherlands in the first match of the knockout stage on Saturday.
Switzerland
Switzerland becomes the last team to qualify for the Round of 16 with a 3-2 win over Serbia.
South Korea
South Korea beat Portugal 2 - 1 and advanced to the Qatar World Cup 2022 knockout stage.
Confirmed last-16 fixtures
Saturday, December 3 Netherlands (Confirmed winners of Group A) vs. USA (Confirmed runners-up of Group B) - Kick-off 3pmArgentina (Confirmed winners of Group C) vs. Australia (Confirmed runners-up of Group D) - Kick-off 7 pm
Sunday, December 4 France (Confirmed winners of Group D) vs. Poland (Confirmed runners-up of Group C) - Kick-off 3pmEngland (Confirmed winners of Group B) vs. Senegal (Confirmed runners-up of Group A) - Kick-off 7 pm
Monday, December 5 Japan (Confirmed winners of Group E) vs. Croatia (Confirmed runners-up of Group F) - Kick-off 3pmBrazil (Confirmed winners of Group G) vs. South Korea (Confirmed runners-up of Group H) - Kick-off 7 pm
Tuesday, December 6 Morocco (Confirmed winners of Group F) vs. Spain (Confirmed runners-up of Group E) - Kick-off 3pm Portugal (Confirmed winners of Group H) vs. Switzerland (Confirmed runners-up of Group G) - Kick-off 7 pm
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South Korea advances to 2022 World Cup round of 16
