The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage is underway, marking the first time in the tournament’s history that 32 teams are competing in this phase. The initial round of 32 features 16 matchups, after which the field will narrow to 16 teams. This stage of the competition operates on a win-or-go-home basis, setting the path towards the final.
Several key matches were scheduled for Monday, June 29. In Houston, Brazil, the winner of Group C and five-time World Cup champions, faced Japan, which finished second in Group F. Japan, ranked No. 17 globally, achieved its first-ever victory against Brazil in a friendly in October, coming back from a 2-0 halftime deficit to win 3-2. This previous result led Japan’s coach, Hajime Moriyasu, to believe Brazil would be highly motivated for their encounter.
The second match on Monday saw Germany, the Group E winner, play Paraguay in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Germany, returning to the knockout rounds for the first time since their 2014 World Cup victory, scored 10 goals in the group stage, tying for the most among all teams. Paraguay, which finished third in Group D, qualified for the knockout stage after recovering from a 4-1 loss to the United States with a win against Turkey and a draw with Australia. Paraguay’s captain, Gustavo Gómez, emphasized the importance of concentration and taking advantage of opportunities in the match. The winner of this game will advance to face the winner of the France versus Sweden match on July 4 in Philadelphia.
The final match of Monday featured a clash between Netherlands and Morocco in Monterrey, Mexico. The Netherlands, which topped Group F, is seeking its first World Cup title, having reached the finals three times previously, most recently in 2010. Morocco, finishing second in Group C, has risen in prominence after a surprise run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals. The Atlas Lions secured their spot after a 1-1 draw against Brazil, followed by wins over Scotland and Haiti. The winner of this encounter will proceed to face Canada in the round of 16 on July 4 in Houston.
Key matchups and advancing teams
The knockout stage commenced on Sunday, June 28, with Canada, which finished second in Group B, playing South Africa, the second-place team from Group A, at Los Angeles Stadium. Canada secured its first World Cup knockout round victory and advanced to the round of 16 for the first time in its history with a late goal by Stephen Eustáquio, beating South Africa 1-0.
Other scheduled matches for the round of 32 include Ivory Coast against Norway in Dallas on Tuesday, June 30, and France facing Sweden in New York New Jersey Stadium on the same day. Mexico will play Ecuador in Mexico City Stadium to conclude Tuesday’s fixtures.
Wednesday, July 1, will see England, the Group L winner, compete against DR Congo in Atlanta. Belgium will play Senegal in Seattle, while the United States will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco Bay Stadium.
Upcoming fixtures and notable teams
On Thursday, July 2, a match featuring the Group H winner, Spain, against the Group J second-place finisher, Austria, is set for Los Angeles Stadium. Portugal, which finished second in Group K, will play Croatia, the second-place team from Group L, in Toronto Stadium. The day will conclude with Switzerland, the Group A winner, facing Algeria, which finished third in Group J, at BC Place Vancouver.
The final matches of the round of 32 are scheduled for Friday, July 3. Egypt will play Australia in Dallas Stadium. Argentina, the Group J winner, will compete against Cape Verde in Miami Stadium. The round will conclude with Colombia, the Group K winner, facing Ghana, which advanced after finishing third in Group L, in Kansas City Stadium.
The tournament has seen a significant representation from African countries, with nine out of ten advancing to the knockout round, marking the continent’s highest ever participation in this stage. These teams include Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, DR Congo, and Algeria. Only Tunisia was eliminated after the group stage.
Germany’s coach, Julian Naglesmann, at 38 years and 341 days old on Monday, is the youngest manager in the knockout round since France’s Henri Michel in 1986.
The winner of the Netherlands versus Morocco match will face Canada in the round of 16 on July 4 in Houston.
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Source: tsn.ca
Chloe Tremblay is the Sports Reporter at CasinoNews, covering basketball, tennis and athletics with nine years of reporting experience. She reported on the Raptors' rise and two Olympic cycles. She holds a degree in Journalism from Concordia University. Based in Montreal, she plays recreational basketball and follows track athletics. “The best stories come from the athletes everyone overlooks.”
