2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Bracket Confirmed: Complete Knockout Schedule, Matchups, Dates and Venues

2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Bracket Revealed as Historic Knockout Stage Begins
The group stage has concluded, and the race for football's biggest prize now enters its most dramatic chapter. The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 is officially set, marking a historic milestone as the tournament introduces an expanded knockout format for the first time.

Hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament now features 32 teams in the knockout stage, doubling the traditional Round of 16 and creating an even more competitive path to the World Cup Final. Beginning Sunday, every match is a single-elimination contest—one victory keeps the dream alive, while one defeat ends the journey.

Below is the complete schedule for the Round of 32.

Sunday, June 28
Canada vs. South Africa
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Canada secured second place in Group B to earn its place in the knockout stage, while South Africa advanced after finishing second in Group A.

Monday, June 29
Brazil vs. Japan
Venue: Houston Stadium
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Brazil enters the knockout stage as Group C winners and faces Japan, which qualified after finishing second in Group F.

Germany vs. Paraguay
Venue: Boston Stadium
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Germany topped Group E and now meets Paraguay, one of the tournament's best third-place finishers after advancing from Group D.

Netherlands vs. Morocco
Venue: Monterrey Stadium
Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

The Netherlands claimed first place in Group F, while Morocco earned second place in Group C to set up an intriguing European-African showdown.

Tuesday, June 30
Ivory Coast vs. Norway
Venue: Dallas Stadium
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Ivory Coast progressed as runners-up in Group E, while Norway booked its knockout berth after finishing second in Group I.

France vs. Sweden
Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Group I champion France begins its title pursuit against Sweden, which advanced as one of the best third-place teams from Group F.

Mexico vs. Ecuador
Venue: Mexico City Stadium
Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Mexico enters the knockout phase with momentum after winning Group A. Ecuador advanced despite finishing third in Group E.

Wednesday, July 1
England vs. DR Congo
Venue: Atlanta Stadium
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

England dominated Group L to reach the Round of 32, while DR Congo secured a memorable qualification by edging Uzbekistan in the race for third place in Group K.

Belgium vs. Senegal
Venue: Seattle Stadium
Kickoff: 4:00 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)

Belgium arrives as Group G winners, facing Senegal, which advanced after finishing third in Group I.

United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Venue: San Francisco Bay Stadium
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

The United States topped Group D and now meets Bosnia and Herzegovina, another successful third-place qualifier from Group B.

Thursday, July 2
Spain vs. Austria
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Spain won Group H and takes on Austria, which secured second place in Group J.

Portugal vs. Croatia
Venue: Toronto Stadium
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Portugal finished second in Group K following a draw with Colombia, while Croatia claimed second place in Group L after defeating Ghana.

Switzerland vs. Algeria
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver
Kickoff: 11:00 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)

Switzerland advanced after winning its group, while Algeria reached the knockout stage as a third-place qualifier from Group J.

Friday, July 3
Egypt vs. Australia
Venue: Dallas Stadium
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Egypt finished second in Group G and now faces Australia, which secured the runner-up position in Group D.

Argentina vs. Cape Verde
Venue: Miami Stadium
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Argentina enters the knockout rounds after winning Group J, while Cape Verde impressed by finishing second in Group H to earn its place.

Colombia vs. Ghana
Venue: Kansas City Stadium
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Colombia claimed the top spot in Group K and will meet Ghana, which advanced despite finishing third in Group L after a hard-fought group campaign.

Why the 2026 Round of 32 Is Historic
The 2026 FIFA World Cup introduces the largest knockout stage in tournament history. Instead of beginning with 16 teams, the expanded competition now starts with 32 nations competing in 16 elimination matches.

This new format provides additional opportunities for emerging football nations while increasing the number of high-profile knockout fixtures. From global powerhouses such as Brazil, Argentina, France, Germany, Spain, and England to rising contenders including Morocco, Cape Verde, DR Congo, and South Africa, the expanded bracket promises a more diverse and unpredictable championship race.

Every match now carries enormous significance. There are no second chances—only the winners move one step closer to lifting football's most prestigious trophy.

Conclusion
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 officially underway, the tournament enters its most exciting phase. Historic first-time knockout participants, traditional football giants, and passionate host nations all remain in contention as the path to the World Cup Final takes shape. Fans can expect dramatic upsets, unforgettable performances, and elite international football as the world's biggest sporting event continues toward crowning its next champion.