CORNERFLICK
After weeks of competition, surprises, and dramatic moments, the 32 teams advancing to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have officially been confirmed.
All three host nations—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—successfully reached the Round of 32. However, Mexico has been handed a difficult draw and will face Ecuador on June 30 at the Estadio Azteca. On the other side of the bracket, several tournament favorites have been placed together, with France and Germany set for a blockbuster Round of 16 clash should they both win their opening knockout matches.
Meanwhile, defending champions Argentina appear to have a more favorable path on paper. Their first knockout match will be against tournament surprise package Cape Verde. The winner will then face the victor of the Australia vs. Egypt matchup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 kicks off on Sunday, June 28, with Canada taking on South Africa. The knockout stage will then continue with three matches per day through July 3.
2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Schedule
June 28
South Africa vs. Canada | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
June 29
Germany vs. Paraguay | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough Netherlands vs. Morocco | Estadio Monterrey, Mexico
June 30
France vs. Sweden | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey Côte d'Ivoire vs. Norway | AT&T Stadium, Arlington Mexico vs. Ecuador | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
July 1
United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina | Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara Belgium vs. Senegal | Lumen Field, Seattle England vs. DR Congo | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
July 2
Portugal vs. Croatia | BMO Field, Toronto Spain vs. Austria | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood Switzerland vs. Algeria | BC Place, Vancouver
July 3
Argentina vs. Cape Verde | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Australia vs. Egypt | AT&T Stadium, Arlington Colombia vs. Ghana | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City Brazil vs. Japan | NRG Stadium, Houston