The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, bringing together 32 of the world's best national teams in a win-or-go-home battle. Every match now carries enormous significance, as only the winners will advance to the Round of 16.
Below is the complete Round of 32 schedule with match dates, kick-off times, venues, and a brief overview of each fixture.
The Round of 32 begins with an exciting clash between Canada and South Africa on Sunday, June 28. The match will take place at Los Angeles Stadium and is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 PM ET. Canada qualified after finishing second in Group B, while South Africa secured second place in Group A. Both teams will look to make history by reaching the next round.
Five-time world champions Brazil face a disciplined Japan side on Monday, June 29. The match will be held at Houston Stadium, with kickoff set for 1:00 PM ET. Brazil topped Group C, while Japan advanced as the runners-up from Group F. This promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the opening knockout round.
Germany meets Paraguay on Monday, June 29, at Boston Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM ET. Germany finished first in Group E with an impressive group-stage campaign, while Paraguay qualified as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing third in Group D.
The Netherlands take on Morocco on Monday, June 29, at Monterrey Stadium. The match begins at 9:00 PM ET. The Dutch topped Group F, while Morocco secured second place in Group C after a strong performance throughout the group stage.
The Ivory Coast and Norway will battle for a place in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, June 30. The fixture will be played at Dallas Stadium, kicking off at 1:00 PM ET. Ivory Coast finished second in Group E, while Norway claimed second place in Group I.
Former world champions France face Sweden on Tuesday, June 30. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium with kickoff at 5:00 PM ET. France won Group I, while Sweden progressed as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing third in Group F.
Host nation Mexico will play Ecuador on Tuesday, June 30, at Mexico City Stadium. Kickoff is set for 9:00 PM ET. Mexico advanced as Group A winners, while Ecuador earned a knockout-stage spot by finishing third in Group E.
England faces DR Congo on Wednesday, July 1 at Atlanta Stadium. The match kicks off at 12:00 PM ET. England dominated Group L to finish first, while DR Congo secured qualification as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing third in Group K.
Belgium will take on Senegal on Wednesday, July 1. The match will be played at Seattle Stadium with kickoff at 4:00 PM ET. Belgium topped Group G, while Senegal qualified after finishing third in Group I.
The United States meets Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1 at San Francisco Bay Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. The USA finished first in Group D, while Bosnia and Herzegovina advanced as one of the best third-placed teams from Group B.
Spain takes on Austria on Thursday, July 2 at Los Angeles Stadium. The match begins at 3:00 PM ET. Spain entered the knockout stage after winning Group H, while Austria secured second place in Group J.
Portugal and Croatia meet in a highly competitive European showdown on Thursday, July 2. The match will be played at Toronto Stadium, with kickoff at 7:00 PM ET. Portugal finished second in Group K, while Croatia secured second place in Group L.
Switzerland faces Algeria on Thursday, July 2 at BC Place, Vancouver. Kickoff is set for 11:00 PM ET. Switzerland advanced after winning Group A, while Algeria qualified as one of the best third-placed teams from Group J.
Egypt takes on Australia on Friday, July 3 at Dallas Stadium. The match starts at 2:00 PM ET. Egypt finished second in Group G, while Australia secured second place in Group D after an impressive group-stage performance.
Defending football powerhouse Argentina faces tournament surprise Cape Verde on Friday, July 3. The match will be played at Miami Stadium with kickoff at 6:00 PM ET. Argentina won Group J, while Cape Verde advanced after finishing second in Group H.
The final Round of 32 fixture features Colombia against Ghana on Friday, July 3 at Kansas City Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET. Colombia topped Group K during the group stage, while Ghana qualified as one of the best third-placed teams from Group L.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 features an exciting mix of traditional football giants, rising contenders, and surprise qualifiers. With every match now being an elimination game, fans can expect high-intensity football, dramatic moments, and unforgettable performances as teams battle for a place in the Round of 16. Whether you're supporting a favorite or cheering for an underdog, the knockout stage promises world-class football from start to finish.
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