2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32: Teams, Schedule, Bracket & Format
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a new chapter in football history. For the first time, forty-eight nations will compete across the United States, Canada and Mexico. This expanded format means more matches and more excitement for fans worldwide.
The Round of 32 starts the knockout phase where every match decides who continues the dream of becoming world champion. Fans will see the biggest names and rising stars battle in high-energy stadiums across North America.
This guide explains everything about the 2026 World Cup Round of 32. You’ll learn how the format works, which teams qualify, the full schedule, bracket details and how to get official tickets.
How the Round of 32 Works (Format)
The Round of 32 begins right after the group stage ends. This stage introduces knockout football for the expanded 48-team World Cup. Only the strongest nations move forward while the rest go home.
Each of the twelve groups sends its top two teams to the next round. That makes twenty-four spots. The final eight places go to the best third-place teams from all groups. FIFA uses points, goal difference, and goals scored to decide which third-place teams advance.
Once the 32 teams are confirmed, they enter a fixed knockout bracket. Every match has a winner and a loser. The score stays level after ninety minutes sometimes. The game goes to extra time and then penalties if needed.
The Round of 32 matches will run from June 28 to July 3, 2026. Games will be hosted in stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico. This round marks the start of true elimination football where every moment counts.
World Cup Round of 32 Teams
The 2026 World Cup brings together forty-eight national teams. Only thirty-two will reach the knockout phase. These teams will include the top two finishers from each of the twelve groups and the eight best third-placed sides.
FIFA will release the full list of qualifiers right after the group stage ends. Fans can expect both traditional powerhouses and fresh surprises in this mix. This section will be updated with the confirmed list of qualified nations once group play finishes.
2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Schedule
The Round of 32 takes place from June 28 to July 3, 2026, across North America. Fans can expect two to three matches per day during this stage. Each result decides who moves into the Round of 16.
| Date | Team | Match | Time (EST) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Jun. 28 | Runner-up Group A vs. Runner-up Group B | 73 | TBD | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood |
| Mon, Jun. 29 | Winner Group E vs. 3rd Group A/B/C/D/F | 74 | TBD | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough |
| Mon, Jun. 29 | Winner Group F vs. Runner-up Group C | 75 | TBD | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey |
| Mon, Jun. 29 | Winner Group C vs. Runner-up Group F | 76 | TBD | NRG Stadium, Houston |
| Tue, Jun. 30 | Winner Group I vs. 3rd Group C/D/F/G/H | 77 | TBD | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford |
| Tue, Jun. 30 | Runner-up Group E vs. Runner-up Group I | 78 | TBD | AT&T Stadium, Arlington |
| Tue, Jun. 30 | Winner Group A vs. 3rd Group C/E/F/H/I | 79 | TBD | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| Wed, Jul. 01 | Winner Group L vs. 3rd Group E/H/I/J/K | 80 | TBD | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| Wed, Jul. 01 | Winner Group D vs. 3rd Group B/E/F/I/J | 81 | TBD | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara |
| Wed, Jul. 01 | Winner Group G vs. 3rd Group A/E/H/I/J | 82 | TBD | Lumen Field, Seattle |
| Thu, Jul. 02 | Runner-up Group K vs. Runner-up Group L | 83 | TBD | BMO Field, Toronto |
| Thu, Jul. 02 | Winner Group H vs. Runner-up Group J | 84 | TBD | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood |
| Thu, Jul. 02 | Winner Group B vs. 3rd Group E/F/G/I/J | 85 | TBD | BC Place, Vancouver |
| Fri, Jul. 03 | Winner Group J vs. Runner-up Group H | 86 | TBD | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens |
| Fri, Jul. 03 | Winner Group K vs. 3rd Group D/E/I/J/L | 87 | TBD | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City |
| Fri, Jul. 03 | Runner-up Group D vs. Runner-up Group G | 88 | TBD | AT&T Stadium, Arlington |
World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Bracket (Current Scenario)
The Round of 32 bracket maps the path toward the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It connects every knockout match and shows who each team could face in later rounds. The winner of Match 73 will face the winner of Match 74 in the Round of 16. This flow continues until only two teams remain for the final on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
The bracket updates in real time after every game. A printable version will be available for quick reference during the knockout rounds.
Round of 32 Tickets – Price & How to Buy
Tickets for the Round of 32 will be among the most in-demand in the entire World Cup. Fans can buy tickets only through FIFA’s official ticketing portal at FIFA.com/tickets.
FIFA has not confirmed exact prices yet. Based on past tournaments, expect standard tickets to start around $150 to $300 USD. Prices vary by stadium and seat category. Major venues like MetLife Stadium, AT&T Stadium, or SoFi Stadium may cost more.
Create a FIFA account and register for ticket updates. Purchase only from official FIFA channels. Avoid third-party resellers. Travelers from outside North America should plan for entry visas and book hotels early near their match city.
WC 2026 Round of 32 FAQs
Can a team that finishes third in their group still win the World Cup?
Yes. Eight third-place teams advance to the Round of 32. These teams have the same chance as any other qualifier once the knockout stage begins. Past World Cup history shows that underdogs can make deep tournament runs.
What happens if a Round of 32 match ends in a tie?
No match can end in a tie during the knockout stage. Teams play 30 minutes of extra time split into two 15-minute halves. The match goes to a penalty shootout if the score remains level after extra time.
Will VAR be used in the Round of 32?
Yes. Video Assistant Referee technology will be active for all knockout stage matches. VAR reviews goals, penalties, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity.
Can I watch Round of 32 matches on free TV?
Broadcasting rights vary by country. Many nations will have free-to-air coverage through public broadcasters. Check your local TV listings closer to the tournament for confirmed channels and streaming options.
How long is halftime during Round of 32 matches?
Halftime lasts 15 minutes for all World Cup matches. This applies to both regular knockout games and those that go to extra time.
Do away goals count in the Round of 32?
No. The away goals rule does not exist in World Cup knockout matches. Both teams play at neutral venues. The match result depends only on the final score after 90 minutes, extra time or penalties.
The Round of 32 launches the knockout phase where every match matters. Keep this guide bookmarked for updates on teams, schedules, and bracket results as the tournament unfolds.
