The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially over, and the knockout bracket is now complete.
Thirty-two teams remain in the race for football's biggest prize, with the Round of 32 featuring several heavyweight clashes that could easily pass for a World Cup final. From this point forward, every match is win or go home.
Biggest Stories After the Group Stage
While most tournament favorites safely progressed, one major nation failed to survive the opening phase.
Uruguay's early elimination was undoubtedly the biggest shock of the group stage. Every other leading contender—including Argentina, Brazil, France, England, Spain, Germany and Portugal—secured a place in the knockout rounds.
Several surprise packages also remain alive, with Cape Verde, DR Congo and South Africa all reaching the Round of 32 after memorable group-stage performances.
Round of 32 Fixtures
The knockout stage begins on June 28 and features a packed schedule over seven days.
• South Africa vs Canada — June 28 (21:00 CET)
• Brazil vs Japan — June 29 (19:00 CET)
• Germany vs Paraguay — June 29 (22:30 CET)
• Netherlands vs Morocco — June 30 (03:00 CET)
• Ivory Coast vs Norway — June 30 (19:00 CET)
• France vs Sweden — June 30 (23:00 CET)
• Mexico vs Ecuador — July 1 (03:00 CET)
• England vs DR Congo — July 1 (18:00 CET)
• Belgium vs Senegal — July 1 (22:00 CET)
• United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina — July 2 (02:00 CET)
• Spain vs Austria — July 2 (21:00 CET)
• Portugal vs Croatia — July 3 (01:00 CET)
• Switzerland vs Algeria — July 3 (05:00 CET)
• Australia vs Egypt — July 3 (20:00 CET)
• Argentina vs Cape Verde — July 4 (00:00 CET)
• Colombia vs Ghana — July 4 (03:30 CET)
Matches Fans Shouldn't Miss
Several ties immediately stand out as potential classics.
Brazil face an always-dangerous Japan side, while Germany meet Paraguay in what promises to be a physical contest. The Netherlands and Morocco renew acquaintances after both impressed during the group stage, and Portugal's meeting with Croatia has all the ingredients of a heavyweight European showdown.
France against Sweden, Belgium versus Senegal and England's clash with tournament surprise DR Congo also headline an outstanding Round of 32 schedule.
Possible Blockbusters Ahead
The bracket suggests even bigger matches could arrive very quickly.
If the favorites advance, the Round of 16 could feature Germany against France in one half of the draw and Portugal facing Spain in another all-European blockbuster.
Further ahead, Brazil could collide with England in a mouthwatering quarterfinal, while Argentina and Portugal remain on opposite sides of the bracket—keeping alive the possibility of an unforgettable World Cup final between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Potential Round of 16 Matchups
• Germany/Paraguay vs France/Sweden
• South Africa/Canada vs Netherlands/Morocco
• Portugal/Croatia vs Spain/Austria
• United States/Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Belgium/Senegal
• Brazil/Japan vs Ivory Coast/Norway
• Mexico/Ecuador vs England/DR Congo
• Argentina/Cape Verde vs Australia/Egypt
• Switzerland/Algeria vs Colombia/Ghana
The knockout stage begins this Sunday, and from now on there are no second chances. One defeat will end every nation's dream of lifting the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy.