When is the Round of 32 played at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its most exciting phase as the Round of 32 gets underway. The expanded 48-team format introduces a historic new knockout round in which 32 nations battle to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered a new chapter. Following an intense group stage, the tournament now moves into the Round of 32, a historic stage introduced by the expanded 48-team format that promises drama and excitement from the very first match.
From June 28 to July 3, sixteen knockout matches will determine which teams advance to the Round of 16. Every game is effectively a final, with no margin for error and every mistake potentially ending a nation’s World Cup journey.
The action begins on Sunday, June 28, with South Africa facing Canada at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Over the following days, global powers such as Brazil, Germany, France, England, Spain, Argentina, and Portugal will begin their quests for the title in a packed week of decisive encounters.
One of the standout fixtures will see Portugal take on Croatia on July 2 in Toronto. The Croatians secured qualification after defeating Ghana in their final Group L match and now face one of the tournament favorites.
🗓️Round of 32 Schedule
Sunday, June 28
- South Africa vs Canada (1:00 p.m. CST)
Monday, June 29
- Brazil vs Japan (11:00 a.m. CST)
- Germany vs Paraguay (2:30 p.m. CST)
- Netherlands vs Morocco (7:00 p.m. CST)
Tuesday, June 30
- Ivory Coast vs Norway
- Mexico vs Ecuador (7:00 p.m. CST)
- France vs Sweden
Wednesday, July 1
- England vs DR Congo
- Belgium vs Senegal
- United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday, July 2
- Spain vs Austria
- Portugal vs Croatia (5:00 p.m. CST)
- Switzerland vs Algeria
Friday, July 3
- Argentina vs Cape Verde (4:00 p.m. CST)
- Australia vs Egypt
- Colombia vs Ghana (7:30 p.m. CST)
