The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage has commenced, introducing a new format with 32 teams competing in the Round of 32. This stage, which began on Sunday, features 16 matchups before the field narrows to 16 teams. For the first time in the tournament’s history, the knockout phase includes this expanded number of teams, setting up a series of win-or-go-home contests.
Canada secured its place in the Round of 16 after winning its first-ever World Cup knockout round game. The team advanced following a late goal by Stephen Eustáquio in a 1-0 victory over South Africa. Canada finished second in Group B, while South Africa finished second in Group A. The win marks a historic achievement for Canada, reaching the Round of 16 for the first time.
Key matchups in the Round of 32
Several notable matches are scheduled as the knockout stage progresses. On Monday, June 29, three games are set to take place. The day begins with Brazil facing Japan in Houston at 1 p.m. ET. Brazil, winners of Group C, are five-time World Cup champions, while Japan, ranked 17th globally, finished second in Group F with one win and two draws. These two nations share strong cultural and football ties, with a significant Japanese population in Brazil and historical connections in Japanese professional soccer, including Zico’s time with the Kashima Antlers and his management of the Japan national team.
The second match of the day features Group E winner Germany against Paraguay at 4:30 p.m. ET 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 is expected to be without defender Omar Alderete due to a knee injury, with Jose Canale anticipated to start in his place. The winner of this match will play the winner of the France and Sweden game on July 4 in Philadelphia.
The final game on Monday is a clash between two top-10 teams: the Netherlands and Morocco, scheduled for 9 p.m. ET in Monterrey, Mexico. The Netherlands, who topped Group F, are seeking their first World Cup title, having reached the finals three times previously. Morocco, finishing second in Group C, has risen in prominence following a surprise run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals. The winner of this encounter will advance to face Canada in the Round of 16 on July 4 in Houston.
Upcoming fixtures and notable teams
The Round of 32 continues with additional matches throughout the week. On Tuesday, June 30, games include Ivory Coast against Norway in Dallas at 1 p.m. ET, France versus Sweden in New York New Jersey at 5 p.m. ET, and Mexico playing Ecuador in Mexico City at 9 p.m. ET.
Wednesday, July 1, will see England take on DR Congo in Atlanta at 12 p.m. ET, Belgium facing Senegal in Seattle at 4 p.m. ET, and the USA playing Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco Bay at 8 p.m. ET.
Thursday, July 2, features a match between the Group H winner (Spain) and the Group J second-place finisher (Austria) in Los Angeles at 3 p.m. ET. Later, Portugal will play Croatia in Toronto at 7 p.m. ET, and Switzerland will face Algeria in BC Place Vancouver at 11 p.m. ET.
The Round of 32 concludes on Friday, July 3, with Egypt against Australia in Dallas at 2 p.m. ET, Argentina versus Cape Verde in Miami at 6 p.m. ET, and Colombia playing Ghana in Kansas City at 9:30 p.m. ET. These matches will determine which teams progress to the Round of 16, with Canada awaiting its opponent on July 4.
The World Cup knockout stage is set to deliver intense competition as teams vie for a spot in the next round. The expanded format ensures a comprehensive series of matches leading up to the final.
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Source: tsn.ca
