The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered its knockout phase following the conclusion of an action-packed group stage, with the governing body confirming the full Round of 32 fixtures, dates and venues.
The expanded tournament, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches for the first time in World Cup history, has already produced stunning upsets, memorable performances and new contenders. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the competition began on June 11 and is set to conclude with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
With no second chances in the knockout stage, teams must win to keep their hopes of lifting football’s most coveted trophy alive. Victors will advance to the Round of 16, which begins on July 4, while defeated sides will exit the tournament.
Among the standout Round of 32 ties are Brazil against Japan, Netherlands versus Morocco, Portugal against Croatia, Belgium against Senegal, and France taking on Sweden.
Africa has also enjoyed an impressive campaign, with nine of its 10 representatives progressing to the knockout stage. South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Cape Verde and Ghana have all secured places in the last 32.
According to FIFA, the confirmed Round of 32 fixtures are:
– South Africa vs Canada — June 28, Los Angeles Stadium
– Brazil vs Japan — June 29, Houston Stadium
– Germany vs Paraguay — June 29, Boston Stadium
– Netherlands vs Morocco — June 29, Estadio Monterrey
– Ivory Coast vs Norway — June 30, Dallas Stadium
– France vs Sweden — June 30, New York New Jersey Stadium
– Mexico vs Ecuador — June 30, Mexico City Stadium
– England vs DR Congo — July 1, Atlanta Stadium
– Belgium vs Senegal — July 1, Seattle Stadium
– United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina — July 1, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
– Spain vs Austria — July 2, Los Angeles Stadium
– Portugal vs Croatia — July 2, Toronto Stadium
– Switzerland vs Algeria — July 2, BC Place, Vancouver
– Australia vs Egypt — July 3, Dallas Stadium
– Argentina vs Cape Verde — July 3, Miami Stadium
– Colombia vs Ghana — July 3, Kansas City Stadium
With the race for the Round of 16 now underway, football fans can expect intense battles as the world’s top teams continue their pursuit of World Cup glory.
