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Last updated: June 22, 2026
As the 2026 World Cup group stage nears its conclusion, attention turns to the knockout rounds. With the expanded 48-team format, a new Round of 32 awaits, and the race for the trophy is heating up. Here is what to expect from the knockout stage.
For the first time, the World Cup features a Round of 32. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, plus the eight best third-placed sides, advance to this opening knockout round, which begins June 28. From there, it is straight single-elimination football to the final.
Defending champions Argentina, powered by Lionel Messi’s record-equalling form, are among the favourites. France, Spain, Brazil, England, and Germany all carry serious title hopes. Each has shown strengths in the group stage, and each will fancy a deep run.
Morocco, semi-finalists in 2022, have impressed again. The host nations, USA, Mexico, and Canada, all have home advantage. Japan and Switzerland have looked dangerous. In knockout football, anything can happen.
Knockout matches are single elimination. If tied after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time follow, then a penalty shootout if still level. There is no second chance, one bad day and a team is out. That pressure is what makes the World Cup knockouts so dramatic.
From the Round of 32, teams progress through the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals, before the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. A team must win seven knockout-stage matches in total to lift the trophy in the expanded format.
Demand for jerseys peaks during knockout runs. Get your team’s kit before they sell out, browse the 2026 World Cup national team collection. Read our standout moments guide to relive the group stage.
The 2026 World Cup introduces a new Round of 32, the first knockout stage in the expanded 48-team format. From there, the tournament runs Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, all single-elimination, with extra time and penalties to break ties.
Argentina, France, Spain, Brazil, England, and Germany all carry serious title ambitions. The teams that manage squad depth across seven potential matches, and stay disciplined in tight knockout games, usually go furthest.
The knockout draw could produce mouthwatering clashes, defending champions Argentina against France, or Spain against Brazil. Every round narrows the field and raises the stakes, with reputations made and broken in single matches.
The final is July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Reaching it requires surviving four or five knockout rounds, a test of nerve, depth, and quality. Read our host cities guide to follow the journey.
Read our stars to watch guide and shop your team’s kit in our 2026 World Cup collection before the knockouts heat up.
The new Round of 32 begins June 28, 2026, after the group stage concludes on June 27.
Seven: Round of 32, Round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final, and final, in the expanded 48-team format.
Argentina, France, Spain, Brazil, England, and Germany are among the favourites heading into the knockout rounds.