The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 is officially set after the conclusion of the expanded group stage featuring 48 teams and 72 matches.
A total of 32 teams have advanced to the knockout phase, including the top two teams from each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed finishers. The Round of 32 begins on Sunday, June 28, with South Africa taking on Canada in Los Angeles.
Heavyweights including Brazil, Argentina, England, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands have all secured their places in the next round. Surprise qualifiers such as Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Senegal also remain in contention.
Several blockbuster fixtures are already confirmed. Brazil will face Japan, Germany take on Paraguay, England meet DR Congo, while defending champions Argentina will battle Cape Verde. Belgium are also set for a tough clash against Senegal.
The expanded tournament format has produced several first-time knockout qualifiers and intensified competition among third-placed teams, making this year’s World Cup one of the most unpredictable editions in history.
The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy now enters its decisive stage as the Round of 32 gets underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
