WORLD CUP PERMUTATIONS: What Switzerland and Serbia need to seal a spot in the last-16 in final World Cup group stage matches... after Spain, Japan and South Korea reached the next round
- The final round of World Cup group stage matches began on Tuesday afternoon
- France, Brazil and Portugal are three sides already through to the knockouts
- Holland, Senegal, England and the USA booked their last-16 spots on Monday
- They were joined on Tuesday by Argentina, Australia and Poland on Tuesday
- Croatia also secured their place in the knockouts alongside Morocco
- Japan became shock group winners as Spain pipped Germany to a last-16 spot
- South Korea are through after stunning win over Portugal, with Uruguay out
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
The final round of the World Cup group stage begins on Tuesday, with just 16 matches remaining until the knockouts get underway on December 3.
France, Brazil and Portugal needed just two match-days to reach the last-16, with the second round of games also seeing Canada and hosts Qatar exit the competition.
England sealed their place in the Round of 16 on Monday after their 3-0 victory over Wales.
![Just a handful of group matches remain, with the final round of fixtures starting on Tuesday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/03/15/57869643-10820605-The_World_Cup_in_Qatar_which_runs_from_November_20_to_December_1-a-1_1667488782251.jpg)
Just a handful of group matches remain, with the final round of fixtures starting on Tuesday
United States joined the Three Lions from Group B, while Holland and Senegal progressed out of Group A.
On Wednesday, Australia sealed their last-16 spot at the expense of Tunisia and Denmark - despite the African nation pulling off an upset against France.
Argentina sealed topped spot in Group C with their 2-0 win over Poland - with the latter also joining them in the last-16 thanks to their better goal difference than Mexico.
Croatia are also in the next round following their 0-0 draw with Belgium - which sent the Red Devils home as Morocco beat Canada to secure their own progress.
Germany and Spain, meanwhile, two sides expected to go far in the tournament, are both at genuine risk of bowing out in the group stages.
Sportsmail takes you through the state-of-play in all eight groups below.
Group A: Holland, Ecuador, Senegal, Qatar
In Group A, it was a three-way shootout. Host nation Qatar were already eliminated - and they were joined by Ecuador in leaving the tournament at the first stage.
Senegal produced a nervy 2-1 victory against the South Americans - the win sealed by Chelsea's Kalidou Koulibaly 20 minutes from time - to claim second spot.
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/29/17/65056153-11481003-image-m-2_1669743120533.jpg)
Holland enter the final Group A clash knowing a point will see them progress to the knockouts
![Senegal have reached the last-16 in Qatar after their 2-1 victory over Ecuador on Tuesday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/29/17/65056363-11481003-Senegal_have_reached_the_last_16_in_Qatar_after_their_2_1_victor-m-4_1669743439038.jpg)
Senegal have reached the last-16 in Qatar after their 2-1 victory over Ecuador on Tuesday
Meanwhile, Holland claimed top spot courtesy of a routine victory over the hosts, with Cody Gakpo grabbing his third goal of the tournament, and Frenkie de Jong also scoring.
Louis van Gaal's men will now face USA, runners up in Group B, while Senegal will face the group winners, England.
Results and fixtures:
- Qatar 0-2 Ecuador, November 20
- Senegal 0-2 Holland, November 21
- Qatar 1-3 Senegal, November 25
- Holland 1-1 Ecuador, November 25
- Ecuador 1-2 Senegal, November 29
- Holland 2-0 Qatar, November 29
Group B: England, Iran, USA, Wales
Group B went down to the wire, with all four teams still able to go through on the final day. England, sat in top spot, never looked like giving that position up with a comfortable routing of Wales.
The Three Lions needed only a draw against Wales on Tuesday night to progress, but their 3-0 win guaranteed them top spot.
It means they take on Africa Cup of Nations winner Senegal on Sunday.
![England and USA held their nerve in the final round of Group B fixtures to reach the last-16](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/29/21/65065443-11481003-image-a-1_1669757979639.jpg)
England and USA held their nerve in the final round of Group B fixtures to reach the last-16
![Harry Kane is still looking for his first goal in Qatar as England wrapped up Group B top spot](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/29/10/65042567-11481003-image-a-5_1669719572854.jpg)
Harry Kane is still looking for his first goal in Qatar as England wrapped up Group B top spot
The other spot in the group went down to the final seconds.
USA had to win; there was no other option. They did just that thanks to a goal from Christian Pulisic, who had to go off injured having clattered into the Iran goalkeeper in scoring.
Iran pushed for an equaliser that would have put them through but late claims for a penalty were wide of the mark and USA dug in to seal a 1-0 win and a last-16 spot.
Results and fixtures:
- England 6-2 Iran, November 21
- USA 1-1 Wales, November 21
- Wales 0-2 Iran, November 25
- England 0-0 USA, November 25
- Iran 0-1 USA, November 29
- Wales 0-3 England, November 29
Group C: Poland, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico
Argentina overcame an up-hill challenge after their shocking defeat to Saudi Arabia, by topping their group with wins over Poland and Mexico.
Though they were far from convincing, Argentina did enough to qualify and will play Australia in the Round of 16.
It was a dramatic conclusion to a group where it looked at one point that Poland and Mexico would have to be separated by fair play record.
In the end Poland saw off Mexico thanks to their better goal difference, after the latter conceded a late goal in their 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia.
Mexico had needed an extra goal due to Poland having less yellow cards than them in their opening three games.
Poland will meet France on Sunday.
![Argentina clinched the group ahead of Poland who got through on goal difference over Mexico](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/30/22/65108969-11481003-image-a-51_1669848349615.jpg)
Argentina clinched the group ahead of Poland who got through on goal difference over Mexico
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/30/23/65109791-11481003-image-a-5_1669849730209.jpg)
Lionel Messi and Argentina bounced back from their shocking defeat to Saudi Arabia
Results and fixtures:
- Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia, November 22
- Mexico 0-0 Poland, November 22
- Poland 2-0 Saudi Arabia, November 26
- Argentina 2-0 Mexico, November 26
- Poland 0-2 Argentina, November 30
- Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico, November 30
Group D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia
In Group D there were three teams in the fight to make it to the last-16 alongside France. Les Bleus put out a heavily changed team against Tunisia, who along with Denmark, needed a win to have any chance of advancing to the next round.
At one stage it looked like Tunisia might upset the odds and reach the knock-out phase after they took the lead against France.
However, it wasn't long before Matthew Leckie put Australia in front.
![France finished top of their group from Australia despite a shocking 1-0 defeat to Tunisia](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/29/10/65042541-11481003-image-a-4_1669719517818.jpg)
France finished top of their group from Australia despite a shocking 1-0 defeat to Tunisia
![Australia beat Tunisia and Denmark to join France in the last-16 for the first time since 2006](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/30/17/65098193-11481003-image-a-12_1669830807920.jpg)
Australia beat Tunisia and Denmark to join France in the last-16 for the first time since 2006
Both Australia and Tunisia took famous 1-0 victories over their respective opponents but it was the Socceroos who finished second in the group, behind France on goal difference.
It means Australia will play Argentina at 7pm on Saturday, while France will play Poland at 3pm on Sunday.
Results and fixtures:
- Denmark 0-0 Tunisia, November 22
- France 4-1 Australia, November 22
- Tunisia 0-1 Australia, November 26
- France 2-1 Denmark, November 26
- Tunisia 1-0 France, November 30
- Australia 1-0 Denmark, November 30
Group E: Spain, Japan, Costa Rica, Germany
Japan went through as the shock winners of Group E after a stunning 2-1 win over Spain, with the Asian outfit coming from behind to seal a memorable triumph in controversial circumstances.
Fans were left baffled after Japan's decisive second goal was disallowed - before being awarded after a VAR review - despite the ball looking to have crossed the byline for a goal kick when Kaoru Mitoma hooked it back across goal for Ao Tanaka to sweep home.
Japan won't care - they're through, and despite Spain's surprise defeat they also progress to the last-16 of the World Cup as runners up of the group.
![Spain squeezed through to the last-16 despite their loss to Japan - who are group winners](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/01/23/65153709-11481003-image-m-4_1669936245712.jpg)
Spain squeezed through to the last-16 despite their loss to Japan - who are group winners
![Germany were sent crashing out of the World Cup as a 4-2 win over Costa Rica wasn't enough](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/01/23/65153523-11481003-image-a-1_1669936186729.jpg)
Germany were sent crashing out of the World Cup as a 4-2 win over Costa Rica wasn't enough
As for Germany and Costa Rica - they're both out. It's back-to-back group stage eliminations for the Germans at World Cups as their wilderness period continues.
Even a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica couldn't ensure their place in the knockouts as they missed out on goal difference. Hansi Flick's side could only muster four points, level with Spain, though Luis Enrique's men putting seven past Costa Rica last week ensured they had a healthy lead.
Japan finished with six points after two wins and one loss and they'll play Croatia next, while Spain have booked a last-16 clash against Morocco.
Results and fixtures:
- Germany 1-2 Japan, November 23
- Spain 7-0 Costa Rica, November 23
- Japan 0-1 Costa Rica, November 27
- Spain 1-1 Germany, November 27
- Japan 2-1 Spain, December 1
- Costa Rica 2-4 Germany, December 1
Group F: Croatia, Morocco, Belgium, Canada
Belgium are one of the shock names who have been dumped out of the World Cup in the group stages after their 0-0 draw against Croatia.
They ended up finishing third in Group F after picking up just four points - with one win, one draw and one defeat.
![Belgium have become one of the shock names to crash out of Qatar after a poor campaign, while Morocco and Croatia have progressed to the knockouts](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/01/17/65142645-11481003-image-m-2_1669916697319.jpg)
Belgium have become one of the shock names to crash out of Qatar after a poor campaign, while Morocco and Croatia have progressed to the knockouts
![Belgium's World Cup was dominated by a dressing room row and tensions between players](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/29/11/65041941-11481003-Tensions_between_the_players_spilled_over_following_their_shock_-a-9_1669720467464.jpg)
Belgium's World Cup was dominated by a dressing room row and tensions between players
Meanwhile, African nation Morocco pulled off a shock by progressing as group winners having seen off Canada 2-1. They only needed to avoid defeat to go through.
Canada finish rock bottom of the group with three losses and zero points, while Morocco racked up seven points and Croatia earned five to finish second.
In the next round, Morocco will play Spain as runners up of Group E, while Croatia will play the winners Japan.
Results and fixtures:
- Morocco 0-0 Croatia, November 23
- Belgium 1-0 Canada, November 23
- Croatia 4-1 Canada, November 27
- Belgium 0-2 Morocco, November 27
- Croatia 0-0 Belgium, December 1
- Canada 1-2 Morocco, December 1
Group G: Brazil, Switzerland, Cameroon, Serbia
Brazil have safely made it to the knockouts as they bid for a first World Cup triumph for 20 years. They still need a point against Cameroon on Friday to confirm their spot as Group G winners, though even a defeat could well be enough.
Currently in pole position to join Brazil are Switzerland in second. A win over Serbia on Friday will see them progress to the last 16. A draw could also be enough, assuming Cameroon don't beat Brazil by two goals or more.
![Brazil are through to the knockouts but the second spot is still up for grabs in Group G](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/29/10/65042097-11480659-image-a-13_1669718216495.jpg)
Brazil are through to the knockouts but the second spot is still up for grabs in Group G
![Neymar hopes to return for Brazil in the round of 16 after suffering an injury against Serbia](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/29/10/65042515-11481003-image-a-3_1669719411508.jpg)
Neymar hopes to return for Brazil in the round of 16 after suffering an injury against Serbia
Cameroon have to beat Brazil to qualify. However, even then it's not entirely straightforward. If Switzerland and Serbia draw, Cameroon would need to beat Brazil by two goals to qualify - or by one, assuming Switzerland don't exceed their total of goals scored.
Should Serbia beat Switzerland, however, Cameroon will need to ensure their goal difference - currently one better than Serbia - remains that way at least. If both Cameroon and Serbia win and end up on the same goal difference, Serbia will go through on goals scored.
Finally, Serbia have to beat Switzerland to go through. They also need to better Cameroon's result against Brazil, as stated above.
Results and fixtures:
- Switzerland 1-0 Cameroon, November 24
- Brazil 2-0 Serbia, November 24
- Cameroon 3-3 Serbia, November 28
- Brazil 1-0 Switzerland, November 28
- Serbia vs Switzerland: 7pm GMT, December 2
- Cameroon vs Brazil: 7pm GMT, December 2
Group H: Portugal, Ghana, South Korea, Uruguay
South Korea pulled off a huge shock to reach the last-16 of the World Cup on goals scored after a stunning, late 2-1 win over Portugal saw them draw level on points with Uruguay and edge them out.
Luis Suarez and co were left devastated as they crashed out despite earning a 2-0 victory in a rematch of their 2010 World Cup grudge match against the African outfit.
![Portugal are through, but South Korea pulled off a massive shock to pip Uruguay to a final spot](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/02/17/65181269-11481003-image-m-2_1670001976259.jpg)
Portugal are through, but South Korea pulled off a massive shock to pip Uruguay to a final spot
![Cristiano Ronaldo will lead his side at the knockouts in what is likely to be his final World Cup](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/29/10/65042465-11481003-image-a-2_1669719287264.jpg)
Cristiano Ronaldo will lead his side at the knockouts in what is likely to be his final World Cup
It was Wolves star Hwang Hee-chan who netted a dramatic stoppage time winner to leave Portugal - who were already through and set to finish top - floored.
It capped off a brilliant comeback victory, with Kim Young-gwon cancelling out Ricardo Horta's opener.
In the other game - just as action packed - Uruguay went 2-0 up against Ghana thanks to a Giorgian de Arrascaeta double, with Luis Suarez having a hand in both, before he was left in tears after finding out that South Korea's win had dumped them out of the competition.
Next up, South Korea will play the winner of Group G - likely to be Brazil - while Portugal will play the runners up - which could be Switzerland, Cameroon or Serbia.
Results and fixtures:
- Uruguay 0-0 South Korea, November 24
- Portugal 3-2 Ghana, November 24
- South Korea 2-3 Ghana, November 28
- Portugal 2-0 Uruguay, November 28
- South Korea 2-1 Portugal, December 2
- Ghana 0-2 Uruguay, December 2
Most watched Sport videos
- Giants fans burn quarterback Daniel Jones' jersey after loss
- Montenegro fans create distraction from football with fireworks
- Las Vegas Raiders fan body slams a woman during brawl
- Awkward moment footy great can't pronounce NRL player's name
- Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith announces she is pregnant
- Moment Miami Dolphin's Tyreek Hill is arrested by police
- Jason Kelce bares all with ex-Eagles teammate in revealing beer ad
- Shocking bodycam of Tyreek Hill arrest released by Miami-Dade PD
- Woman exposes NRL boyfriend for leaving her for another
- Ireland fans mock Queen's death aiming chants at England fans
- John Hunt makes a poignant return to the commentary box at Brighton
- Tyreek Hill speeds by police before cops aggressively pull him over