Villarreal’s clean sweep as eight reach the 2026 World Cup knockouts | OneFootball

Villarreal have a clean sweep at the 2026 World Cup, all their players advancing from the group stage.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the club began as LaLiga’s fourth-largest contributor and now sit joint third with Real Madrid, with eight players through. All eight will feature in the last 32.

Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi helped Canada finish second in their group, then defeat South Africa to reach the last 16. Stephen Eustaquio struck in the 92nd minute, and both started before late changes.

Alex Freeman has been key for Mauricio Pochettino’s United States, operating as right centre-back in a back three. The US secured top spot before the final matchday, and Freeman scored in the second game against Australia.

Nicolas Pépé excelled on the final group day, scoring both goals as Ivory Coast beat Curaçao to clinch second place. He also started the opening win over Ecuador, which proved decisive.

Pape Gueye powered Senegal through as one of the eight best thirds with a decisive brace. Introduced on 67 minutes, he netted after 81 seconds for 3-0, added another three minutes later, then assisted the clinching 5-0.

In a Portugal side among the favourites, Renato Veiga has partnered Rubén Dias and is the only member of a back four with Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes to complete all 90 minutes in every group game. He is in line to start the first knockout.

Logan Costa is yet to debut for Cabo Verde as he builds rhythm after a long injury, but is part of their historic run. Thomas Partey, out of contract and leaving Villarreal, played 90 minutes in Ghana’s last two group games and heads into the last 32.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo