The knockout phase of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to begin, with 32 teams advancing to the round of 32 after the group stage. Favorites like France, Spain, England, and Argentina made it through, along with surprise sides Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Cape Verde, in their first-ever World Cup appearance, drew all three of their group-stage matches to advance and will face Argentina in the round of 32. The Democratic Republic of the Congo also made it through for the first time in their second World Cup appearance.
The round of 32 will include 13 teams from Europe, five from South America, and two from Asia. The most notable team that failed to advance was Uruguay, who were No. 16 in the FIFA rankings entering the tournament.
The round of 32 schedule includes matches such as Netherlands vs. Morocco, France vs. Sweden, and Argentina vs. Cape Verde. The tournament also features an intriguing race for the Golden Boot, with Lionel Messi leading the pack with six goals.
The round of 16 runs July 4-7, with the quarterfinals scheduled for July 9-11. The first semifinal is scheduled for July 14 in Arlington, with the second to be played the following day in Atlanta.
