The group stage of the World Cup 2026 has concluded, and the knockout rounds are now in progress, with the final scheduled for July 19. The tournament has been narrowed down from 48 to 32 teams, setting the stage for intense competition.
The Round of 32 commenced on June 28 and is set to run until July 3. This initial knockout phase features a balanced distribution of teams across the bracket, promising several compelling matchups.
Round of 32 Fixtures
The Round of 32 began with South Africa facing Canada in Los Angeles, USA, on June 28. Other notable fixtures include Brazil against Japan in Houston, USA, and Germany taking on Paraguay in Foxborough, USA, both on June 29.
On June 30, Netherlands are scheduled to play Morocco in Guadalupe, Mexico, while Ivory Coast will meet Norway in Arlington, USA. France and Sweden are set to clash in New Jersey, USA, on the same day.
Moving into July, Mexico will play Ecuador in Mexico City, Mexico, on July 1. England is slated to face DR Congo in Atlanta, USA, and Belgium will compete against Senegal in Seattle, USA.
July 2 will see USA play Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara, USA, and Spain will challenge Austria in Los Angeles, USA. On July 3, Portugal will meet Croatia in Toronto, Canada, and Switzerland will play Algeria in Vancouver, Canada. Additionally, Australia will face Egypt in Arlington, USA, and Argentina will take on Cape Verde in Miami, USA.
The Round of 32 will conclude on July 4 with Colombia playing Ghana in Kansas City, USA.
Teams Advancing to the Knockouts
Several teams secured their spots in the Round of 32 through strong group stage performances. Mexico was the first to qualify, topping Group A with a 1-0 win over South Korea. The USA followed, securing the top spot in Group D after a 2-0 victory against Australia. Germany also advanced, defeating Ivory Coast.
Argentina, with Lionel Messi scoring to become the World Cup‘s all-time leading scorer, sealed their qualification with a win over Austria. France, considered pre-tournament favourites, secured their place with a 3-0 victory against Iraq, where Kylian Mbappe scored a brace. Norway also advanced after beating Senegal 3-2.
Colombia joined the knockout stage after a 1-0 win over DR Congo. Switzerland finished top of Group B with seven points, confirming their qualification with a 2-1 win against co-host Canada. Despite a loss to Switzerland, Canada also advanced with four points, securing the second spot in Group B. Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed their place with a 3-1 win over Qatar, qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
Brazil advanced in style, with Vinicius Junior scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Scotland, topping Group C. Morocco also advanced from Group C with seven points. South Africa made history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time with an unexpected 1-0 win against South Korea. Ecuador squeezed into the last 32 with a 2-1 upset victory over Germany, qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
Ivory Coast secured their first trip to the knockouts with a victory over Curacao. The Netherlands topped Group F with a 3-1 win over Tunisia. Japan advanced as the second-placed team from Group F, while Sweden progressed as one of the best third-placed teams. Australia claimed the second spot in Group D, and Paraguay also advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to take the top spot in Group G, with Egypt finishing second. Spain topped Group H after beating Uruguay, and Cape Verde made history by reaching the knockouts for the first time. Senegal‘s 5-0 win over Iraq secured their spot as one of the best third-placed sides. Portugal and England were assured of knockout berths after their initial group games. Ghana also progressed, as did DR Congo, who reached the knockouts for the first time. Croatia punched their spot on the final day, and Austria and Algeria also advanced from Group J.
Potential Knockout Pathways
The bracket suggests several high-stakes encounters in the later stages. On the left side of the draw, a potential Germany versus France clash could occur in the Round of 16 if both teams win their respective matches. Similarly, an Iberian derby between Portugal and Spain could unfold in the Round of 16.
The right side of the draw features Brazil, England, and defending champions Argentina. If Brazil and England win their Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches, they could meet in the Quarter-finals. The winners of that potential match could then face Argentina in the Semi-finals.
The Round of 16 matches are scheduled from July 4 to July 7, with the Quarter-finals taking place between July 9 and July 12. The Semi-finals are set for July 14 and July 15, leading up to the final on July 19 in New Jersey, USA.
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Source: skysports.com
