The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its knockout stage, with the Round of 32 fixtures officially confirmed following the conclusion of a thrilling group phase.
The expanded tournament, featuring 48 teams and a record 104 matches for the first time in World Cup history, has already produced unforgettable moments, stunning upsets and impressive performances from emerging contenders.
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Co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament kicked off on June 11, 2026, marking the first FIFA World Cup to be staged across three countries.
Millions of football fans have filled stadiums across North America as nations battle for a chance to lift the most prestigious trophy in world football.
Attention now shifts to the knockout rounds, where every match is a do-or-die affair.
Unlike the group stage, there is no room for error, with winners advancing to the Round of 16 while defeated teams are eliminated from the competition.
The Round of 16 will begin on July 4, with the tournament set to conclude on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Several blockbuster clashes headline the Round of 32, including Brazil against Japan, the Netherlands versus Morocco, Portugal taking on Croatia, Belgium facing Senegal and France meeting Sweden.
FIFA confirmed the complete Round of 32 schedule in a statement released on its website on Sunday.
African teams have enjoyed a remarkable campaign, with nine of the continent’s 10 representatives advancing to the knockout stage.
South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Cape Verde and Ghana all secured places in the last 32, underlining Africa’s strong presence at the tournament.
Confirmed Round of 32 Fixtures
1. South Africa vs Canada — June 28, Los Angeles Stadium
2. Brazil vs Japan — June 29, Houston Stadium
3. Germany vs Paraguay — June 29, Boston Stadium
4. Netherlands vs Morocco — June 29, Estadio Monterrey
5. Ivory Coast vs Norway — June 30, Dallas Stadium
6. France vs Sweden — June 30, New York New Jersey Stadium
7. Mexico vs Ecuador — June 30, Mexico City Stadium
8. England vs DR Congo — July 1, Atlanta Stadium
9. Belgium vs Senegal — July 1, Seattle Stadium
10. United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina — July 1, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
11. Spain vs Austria — July 2, Los Angeles Stadium
12. Portugal vs Croatia — July 2, Toronto Stadium
13. Switzerland vs Algeria — July 2, BC Place, Vancouver
14. Australia vs Egypt — July 3, Dallas Stadium
15. Argentina vs Cape Verde — July 3, Miami Stadium
16. Colombia vs Ghana — July 3, Kansas City Stadium
With places in the Round of 16 on the line and World Cup glory within touching distance, the knockout stage promises high-stakes drama as the remaining teams continue their pursuit of football’s ultimate prize.
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