How USMNT vs Mexico could happen at the 2026 World Cup
The United States and Mexico advance as group winners, setting up distinct knockout paths with potential opponents now narrowing.
The three co-hosts have made blistering starts at the 2026 World Cup. The United States and Mexico are both assured of finishing top of Group D and Group A respectively after two opening victories, while Canada are also on the verge of qualifying for the round of 32, which they will almost certainly achieve even if they lose their final group game against Switzerland.
Predict the future: try our 2026 World Cup calculator!
For now, we know that the USMNT and Mexico are definitely through to the knockout stage, where they now face a nervous wait to discover their next opponents.
USMNT knockout path begins in Santa Clara
The Stars and Stripes know they will be playing their Round of 32 game in Santa Clara on July 1, although the identity of their opponents will be settled in the next few days. Mauricio Pochettino’s team will take on the third-placed team from one of the following groups:
- Group A: South Korea, Czechia or South Africa
- Group E: Ivory Coast, Ecuador or Curaçao
- Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia
- Group I: Senegal or Iraq
- Group J: Austria or Algeria
Mexico stay home for Round of 32 tie
Similarly, Mexico know they will be staying at home for their next game, which will be held at Estadio Azteca on June 30. They will also face one of the following third-placed teams:
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco or Scotland
- Group E: Ivory Coast, Ecuador or Curaçao
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan or Sweden
- Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia
- Group I: Senegal or Iraq
The only way the USMNT and Mexico can meet
Because the United States and Mexico have won their groups, we already know which side of the bracket they are on and what their path to a potential World Cup final looks like. And it does not involve them crossing paths any time soon.
The CONCACAF rivals are on different sides of the bracket, which means the only way they can meet in the tournament is in the final itself, which is set for July 19 in New York.
After 10 final meetings between the Gold Cup and the CONCACAF Nations League, could the old foes soon meet on the biggest stage of all?
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.