The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is beginning to take shape, with several Round of 32 fixtures now confirmed as the group stage nears its conclusion.
Tournament favourites Brazil, Germany, France and Argentina have all secured places in the next round, while co-hosts the United States and Mexico will continue their campaigns in front of home supporters.
Several qualification spots, however, remain undecided as a number of group winners, runners-up and best third-placed teams are yet to be determined.
Brazil will face Japan in Houston on 29 June, while Germany take on Paraguay later the same day in Boston in two of the standout fixtures of the opening knockout round.
France have been drawn against Sweden in New Jersey, while defending South American champions Argentina will meet Cabo Verde in Miami.
The United States, one of the tournament’s co-hosts, will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco as they seek to extend their run on home soil.
South Africa will open the confirmed Round of 32 schedule against Canada in Los Angeles, while the Netherlands face Morocco in Monterrey.
Other confirmed fixtures include Côte d’Ivoire against Norway in Dallas and Australia’s meeting with Egypt at the same venue.
Tournament organisers said the knockout phase would continue with the Round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals before the final takes place next month at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
“The knockout stage is where the competition truly begins,” tournament organisers said in an update on the schedule.
With several places still to be decided, fans are awaiting the final group matches that will complete the Round of 32 line-up.
Confirmed Round of 32 fixtures
South Africa vs Canada — Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles
Brazil vs Japan — Houston Stadium, Houston
Germany vs Paraguay — Boston Stadium, Boston
Netherlands vs Morocco — Monterrey Stadium, Monterrey
Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway — Dallas Stadium, Dallas
France vs Sweden — New York/New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey
USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina — San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
Australia vs Egypt — Dallas Stadium, Dallas
Argentina vs Cabo Verde — Miami Stadium, Miami
