We’re approaching the knockout stage of the World Cup with some of the groups only having one fixture remaining. France locked in their place in the Round of 16 early, while Brazil and Portugal shortly followed. Although none of the above teams have mathematically secured first place, they certainly move on as the first or second-place team of their respective groups. Meanwhile, host nation Qatar joined South Africa as the only World Cup hosts to ever fail to make it beyond the group stage. With that, let’s check out how the three teams secured their place in the knockout stage.

First 2022 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Hopefuls

We've already had HALF of the games at #Qatar2022 ???? 

What was your favourite moment from matchweek two?

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 28, 2022

READ MORE: A Bittersweet Ending For Tunisia At The 2022 World Cup

France’s knockout stage trajectory

The 2018 FIFA World Cup champions breezed their way past the knockout stage. They opened their campaign with an imposing 4-1 victory over Australia. A 2-1 win over Denmark followed, which puts them on top of Group D. This is one of the more straightforward groups of the tournament after a series of upsets. Les Bleus can win the group with a win or draw against Tunisia or an Australia draw or loss. They also conclude their group stage run as -217 favorites over the Carthage Eagles.

If France leads Group D before the Round of 16, they face the second-place team of Group C. However, if France falls second in their group, they take on the top team in Group C. These matchups could potentially be against Poland, Argentina, or Saudi Arabia and played at the Al Thumama or the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

Brazil’s knockout stage trajectory

The 2018 FIFA World Cup champions breezed their way past the knockout stage. They opened their campaign with an imposing 4-1 victory over Australia. A 2-1 win over Denmark followed, which puts them on top of Group D. This is one of the more straightforward groups of the tournament after a series of upsets. Les Bleus can win the group with a win or draw against Tunisia or an Australia draw or loss. They also conclude their group stage run as -217 favorites over the Carthage Eagles.

If France leads Group D before the Round of 16, they face the second-place team of Group C. However, if France falls second in their group, they take on the top team in Group C. These are matchups that could potentially be against Poland, Argentina, or Saudi Arabia.

Portugal’s knockout stage trajectory

Cristiano Ronaldo’s final effort to gain the most prestigious international trophy is looking good so far. After becoming the first male player to score across five different World Cups, he remains a strong favorite to claim the top goalscorer award at +1,711. The rest of the Portuguese squad looks ready for their final group game against South Korea.

Group H’s favorites are set up with a date against the first or second-place team of Group G. We could see a clash between Portugal and Brazil or any of the candidates to take the final spot of Group G’s top two, including Switzerland, Cameroon, and Serbia.

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