2026 World Cup Knockout Stage Begins as 32 Teams Secure Advancement
The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout phase is set to begin as 32 teams have advanced from the group stage, according to confirmed standings and bracket projections. The 48-team tournament’s round of 32 will feature group winners, runners-up, and the eight best third-place teams, with matches scheduled to start on June 28, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Confirmed Knockout Matchups
The initial round of 32 has been partially finalized, with key matchups including:
- June 28: South Africa (Group A runner-up) vs. Canada (Group B runner-up) at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood.
- June 29: Brazil (Group C winner) vs. Japan (Group F runner-up) at NRG Stadium, Houston; Germany (Group E winner) vs. Paraguay (Group D third place) at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough.
- June 30: Ivory Coast (Group E runner-up) vs. Norway (Group I runner-up) at AT&T Stadium, Arlington; France (Group I winner) vs. Sweden (Group F third place) at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford.
- July 1: Mexico (Group A winner) vs. Scotland (Group C third place) at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City; United States (Group D winner) vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B third place) at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara.
Additional matches, including England’s clash against Cabo Verde and Argentina’s showdown with Uruguay, are set for July 3, 2026.
Third-Place Contenders
The eight third-place teams with the best records are positioned to advance, with Ecuador, Sweden, and Bosnia and Herzegovina currently leading the pack. South Korea, Paraguay, and Scotland remain in contention but face challenges due to goal-difference constraints. The final list will be confirmed after all group-stage matches conclude on June 29.
Eliminated Teams
Qatar, Panama, Tunisia, Turkey, Haiti, Jordan, and Curacao have been eliminated, according to FIFA’s official group-stage results. The 12 group winners and 12 runners-up have already secured spots in the round of 32.
The knockout stage will determine the tournament’s path to the July 19 final in Miami, with the bracket structured to ensure competitive matchups across all regions. CBS Sports and FIFA provide ongoing updates on team standings and match schedules.