2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Bracket: The Matches
These are the 16 clashes between the 32 teams that advanced from the group stage and are still in contention for football’s biggest prize.
After the group stage concluded, the 32 Round of 16 matchups of the FIFA World Cup 2026 are now set, featuring the 32 teams that advanced to the knockout phase and are still dreaming of lifting football’s most prestigious trophy.
Which fixtures stand out the most? And who are your favorites to win it all?
Which Teams Qualify for the Round of 32?
The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 teams divided into 12 groups.
The top two teams from each group automatically qualify for the Round of 32, securing 24 places.
The remaining eight spots are awarded to the best third-place finishers based on an overall ranking once the group stage is complete.
MATCHES
- Germany vs Paraguay, Monday June 29, 2026, in Boston Stadium
- France vs Sweden, Tuesday June 30, 2026, in New York / New Jersey Stadium
- South Africa vs Canada, Sunday June 28, 2026, in Los Angeles Stadium
- Netherlands vs Morocco, Monday June 29, 2026, in Monterrey Stadium
- Portugal vs Croatia, Thursday July 2, 2026, in Toronto Stadium
- Spain vs Austria, Thursday July 2, 2026, in Los Angeles Stadium
- United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wednesday July 1, 2026, in San Francisco Stadium
- Belgium vs Senegal, Wednesday July 1, 2026, in Seattle Stadium
- Brazil vs Japan, Monday June 29, 2026, in Houston Stadium
- Ivory Coast vs Norway, Tuesday June 30, 2026, in Dallas Stadium
- Mexico vs Ecuador, Tuesday June 30, 2026, in Mexico City Stadium
- England vs Democratic Republic of the Congo, Wednesday July 1, 2026, in Atlanta Stadium
- Argentina vs Cape Verde, Friday July 3, 2026, in Miami Stadium
- Australia vs Egypt, Friday July 3, 2026, in Dallas Stadium
- Switzerland vs Algeria, Thursday July 2, 2026, in Vancouver Stadium
- Colombia vs Ghana, Friday July 3, 2026, in Kansas City Stadium
How Are the Knockout Berths Decided?
To determine the top two teams in each group, FIFA uses the head-to-head result as the first tiebreaker when teams are level on points.
For the ranking of third-place teams, however, head-to-head cannot be applied because the teams come from different groups. FIFA instead uses the following criteria:
- Goal difference.
- Most goals scored.
- Fair play ranking.
- FIFA Ranking.
With several groups still to be decided, these projected Round of 32 matchups are likely to change until the final group-stage matches are completed and all 32 knockout qualifiers are confirmed.
Qualified for the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup has entered its knockout stage, and the Round of 16 is shaping up with stories of drama, resilience, and surprise. Among the qualified teams are those making history for the first time and others reaffirming their status as global powers.
Canada
The host nation is living a dream tournament: they earned their first point, their first victory, and for the first time advanced beyond the group stage. In the Round of 32 they added another milestone by defeating South Africa, and now prepare to face Morocco in the Round of 16. Canadian hopes are fueled by the passion of a crowd that feels the team is writing unprecedented chapters in its football history.
Brazil
Carlo Ancelotti’s side showed grit in a tough match against Japan, eventually sealing a dramatic 2-1 win with a late goal. During the group stage, Brazil grew stronger and finished as leader of Group C with 7 points. Their next challenge will be against the winner of Ivory Coast vs. Norway, a clash that will test the depth and quality of the Seleção.
Paraguay
Under Gustavo Alfaro, Paraguay delivered one of the tournament’s most remarkable feats. After drawing with Germany, they held firm in extra time and triumphed in the penalty shootout, securing their place in the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams. Awaiting the winner of France vs. Sweden, Paraguay enters the next stage with the confidence of having proven they can stand up to anyone.
Morocco
The African side had an uneven path but rose to the occasion when it mattered most. They finished second in Group C, behind Brazil, with 7 points, and then eliminated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout. Their next opponent will be Canada, in a duel that promises intensity and could cement Morocco as one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
