The FIFA World Cup 2026 bracket has been confirmed following the conclusion of the expanded group stage, setting up 16 knockout ties as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the competition’s new 48-team format has produced a Round of 32, with 32 nations advancing into the knockout stage. Beginning on Sunday, every match will be a winner-takes-all contest as teams battle for a place in the last 16 and continue their pursuit of the world title.
Canada and South Africa will launch the knockout stage on Sunday at Los Angeles Stadium after finishing second in Groups B and A respectively.
Action continues on Monday with Brazil, winners of Group C, taking on Japan, who finished runners-up in Group F. Germany, unbeaten atop Group E, face Paraguay, while the Netherlands meet Morocco after both sides progressed comfortably from their respective groups.
Tuesday’s schedule sees Ivory Coast play Norway before France, who topped Group I, face Sweden. Mexico will conclude the day’s programme against Ecuador after both teams secured qualification from their groups.
England begin their knockout campaign on Wednesday against DR Congo, who earned one of the best third-place berths after edging Uzbekistan in the race for qualification. Belgium face Senegal later in the day, while the United States take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco Bay Stadium.
Thursday’s fixtures feature Spain against Austria, Portugal facing Croatia, and Switzerland meeting Algeria. Spain advanced as Group H winners, Portugal finished second behind Colombia in Group K, while Switzerland topped Group A to set up a meeting with Algeria.
The Round of 32 concludes on Friday with Egypt taking on Australia before reigning contenders Argentina face Cape Verde in Miami. Colombia complete the first knockout round against Ghana after finishing top of Group K, while Ghana progressed despite ending the group stage with defeat to Croatia.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Fixtures
Sunday, June 28
- Canada vs South Africa
Monday, June 29
- Brazil vs Japan
- Germany vs Paraguay
- Netherlands vs Morocco
Tuesday, June 30
- Ivory Coast vs Norway
- France vs Sweden
- Mexico vs Ecuador
Wednesday, July 1
- England vs DR Congo
- Belgium vs Senegal
- United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday, July 2
- Spain vs Austria
- Portugal vs Croatia
- Switzerland vs Algeria
Friday, July 3
- Egypt vs Australia
- Argentina vs Cape Verde
- Colombia vs Ghana
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 bracket now complete, every remaining nation knows the path it must navigate to reach the final, as the tournament enters its most unforgiving stage where a single defeat ends the dream of lifting football’s biggest prize.
