World Cup Round of 32: Fixtures, Schedule and Teams Moving Forward
Sameer Bhatia June 28, 2026 05:17 PM

The FIFA World Cup Round of 32 is set to take place from 28 June to 3 July across venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Here’s a complete look at the knockout stage as the competition intensifies.

Knockout Round Schedule

Round of 32: 28 June - 3 July
Round of 16: 4-7 July
Quarterfinals: 9-11 July
Semifinals: 14-15 July
Third Place Match: 18 July
Final: 19 July

South Africa (Group A runner-up) vs. Canada (Group B runner-up)
When: Sunday, 28 June | 3 pm ET
Where: Los Angeles Stadium

The opening Round of 32 clash features debutants South Africa and Canada, both boasting MLS players. South Africa’s defence is anchored by Chicago Fire FC’s Mbekezeli Mbokazi, while Canada rely on Orlando City’s goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau and Toronto FC’s fullback Richie Laryea.

Brazil (Group C winners) vs. Japan (Group F runner-up)
When: Monday, 29 June | 1 pm ET
Where: Houston Stadium

Brazil, who have topped their group in every World Cup since 1982, face Japan in a thrilling contest. The five-time world champions are seeking their first title since 2002 with Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha leading the attack. Japan aim to secure their maiden World Cup knockout victory, led by Daichi Kamada and Ritsu Dōan.

Germany (Group E winners) vs. Paraguay (Group D third place)
When: Monday, 29 June | 4:30 pm ET
Where: Boston Stadium

Germany, winners of Group E, take on Paraguay. The four-time champions feature Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané, Florian Wirtz, and Kai Havertz. Paraguay’s midfield includes MLS veterans Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United) and Andrés Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), marking their first World Cup appearance since 2010.

Netherlands (Group F winners) vs. Morocco (Group C runner-up)
When: Monday, 29 June | 9 pm ET
Where: Monterrey Stadium

The Netherlands and Morocco, both finishing the group stage with seven points, meet in a highly anticipated contest. The Dutch, three-time finalists (1974, 1978, 2010), aim for their first World Cup crown under captain Virgil van Dijk and midfielder Frenkie de Jong. Morocco, the first African side to reach a semifinal in 2022, are led by Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari.

Ivory Coast (Group E runner-up) vs. Norway (Group I runner-up)
When: Tuesday, 30 June | 1 pm ET
Where: Dallas Stadium

Ivory Coast enter their first-ever knockout stage after group-stage wins over Ecuador and Curaçao, powered by Nicolas Pépé and Yan Diomande. Norway, in their first World Cup since 1998, have been propelled by Erling Haaland’s four goals.

France (Group I winners) vs. Sweden (Group F third place)
When: Tuesday, 30 June | 5 pm ET
Where: New York New Jersey Stadium

France’s bid for a third World Cup title continues with an explosive attack spearheaded by Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé. Supported by Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, and Rayan Cherki, the 2018 champions face a Swedish side led by Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, with FC Dallas’ Herman Johansson also featuring.

Mexico (Group A winners) vs. Ecuador (Group E third place)

Group A winners Mexico remain at home for their Round of 32 tie against Ecuador. El Tri reached the quarterfinals in both their previous home World Cups (1970, 1986). The squad includes former MLS homegrowns Brian Gutiérrez and Obed Vargas. Ecuador’s midfield is anchored by ex-Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Pedro Vite.

England (Group L winners) vs. DR Congo (Group K third place)
When: Wednesday, 1 July | 12 pm ET
Where: Atlanta Stadium

England remain unbeaten after topping Group L, driven by Harry Kane’s three goals. Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford have also impressed. DR Congo, making their first-ever knockout appearance, rely on Yoane Wissa’s scoring and captain Chancel Mbemba’s defensive leadership.

Belgium (Group G winners) vs. Senegal (Group I third place)
When: Wednesday, 1 July | 4 pm ET
Where: Seattle Stadium

Belgium’s attack is in form after a 5-1 win over New Zealand. Leandro Trossard and Romelu Lukaku lead the line, with Kevin De Bruyne orchestrating play. Senegal, coming off a 5-0 win over Iraq, are led by Ismaila Sarr and Pape Gueye.

United States (Group D winners) vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B third place)
When: Wednesday, 1 July | 8 pm ET
Where: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium

The United States, winners of Group D, remain on the West Coast as they chase their first knockout win on home soil. The USMNT features eight MLS players, including Matt Freese (New York City FC), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), and Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC).

Spain (Group H winners) vs. Austria (Group J runner-up)
When: Thursday, 2 July | 3 pm ET
Where: Los Angeles Stadium

European champions Spain enter strong after topping Group H, with standout performances from Lamine Yamal and Pedri. Austria advanced thanks to Saša Kalajdžić’s dramatic 96th-minute equaliser in a 3-3 draw with Algeria.

Portugal (Group K runner-up) vs. Croatia (Group L runner-up)
When: Thursday, 2 July | 7 pm ET
Where: Toronto Stadium

Portugal progress with a 1W-0L-2D record, including a 5-0 rout of Uzbekistan where Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice—marking goals in a record six World Cups. Croatia, finalists in 2018 and semifinalists in 2022, are led by Luka Modrić and supported by MLS All-Stars Petar Musa (FC Dallas) and Marco Pašalić (Orlando City).

Switzerland (Group B winners) vs. Algeria (Group J third place)
When: Thursday, 2 July | 11 pm ET
Where: Vancouver Stadium

Switzerland topped Group B with a 2-1 win over Canada and now face Algeria, who advanced as one of the best third-placed teams thanks to captain Riyad Mahrez’s brace in their final match.

Australia (Group D runner-up) vs. Egypt (Group G runner-up)
When: Friday, 3 July | 2 pm ET
Where: Dallas Stadium

Australia, following a 2-0 win over Türkiye and a draw with Paraguay, make their third knockout appearance. Defender Lucas Herrington made history as the youngest Australian to start a World Cup match. The Socceroos, led by Aiden O’Neill, face Mo Salah’s Egypt, who are enjoying their best run since 1934.

Argentina (Group J winners) vs. Cape Verde (Group H runner-up)
When: Friday, 3 July | 6 pm ET
Where: Miami Stadium

Lionel Messi guided Argentina to the top of Group J while becoming the tournament’s all-time top scorer. The defending champions meet Cape Verde, led by Columbus Crew’s Steven Moreira. Rodrigo De Paul and Thiago Almada also feature as Argentina aim to defend their title successfully.

Colombia (Group K winners) vs. Ghana (Group L third place)
When: Friday, 3 July | 9:30 pm ET
Where: Kansas City Stadium

Colombia, back after missing the 2022 World Cup, topped Group K behind captain James Rodríguez and Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández. They face Ghana, who advanced from a tough group thanks to goalkeeper Benjamin Asare’s two clean sheets.

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