FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Fixtures Confirmed as Knockout Stage Begins

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 fixtures have been confirmed following the conclusion of an exciting group stage, with 32 nations advancing to the first knockout round of the expanded tournament.

Hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 teams and 104 matches. The competition has already produced thrilling encounters, surprise results and standout performances, setting the stage for an intense knockout phase.

Unlike the group stage, every match in the Round of 32 is a win-or-go-home contest, with victorious teams progressing to the Round of 16 while defeated sides are eliminated from the tournament. 

The Round of 16 will begin on July 4, with the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

One of the biggest talking points is Africa’s impressive performance, with nine nations advancing to the knockout stage. 

South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Cape Verde and Ghana all secured qualification.

Confirmed FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Fixtures

South Africa vs Canada — June 28 (Los Angeles Stadium) 

Brazil vs Japan — June 29 (Houston Stadium) 

Germany vs Paraguay — June 29 (Boston Stadium) 

Netherlands vs Morocco — June 29 (Estadio Monterrey) 

Ivory Coast vs Norway — June 30 (Dallas Stadium) 

France vs Sweden — June 30 (New York New Jersey Stadium)

Mexico vs Ecuador — June 30 (Mexico City Stadium)

England vs DR Congo — July 1 (Atlanta Stadium) 

Belgium vs Senegal — July 1 (Seattle Stadium) 

United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina — July 1 (San Francisco Bay Area Stadium) 

Spain vs Austria — July 2 (Los Angeles Stadium) 

Portugal vs Croatia — July 2 (Toronto Stadium) 

Switzerland vs Algeria — July 2 (BC Place, Vancouver) 

Australia vs Egypt — July 3 (Dallas Stadium) 

Argentina vs Cape Verde — July 3 (Miami Stadium) 

Colombia vs Ghana — July 3 (Kansas City Stadium)

Several blockbuster fixtures are expected to capture global attention, including Brazil against Japan, Netherlands versus Morocco, Portugal against Croatia, Belgium against Senegal and France against Sweden.

With a place in the Round of 16 on the line, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 fixtures promise high-stakes football as teams continue their quest to lift the most prestigious trophy in world football.