How does the 2026 World Cup knockout stage work? Everything to know

[ASFN Admin]

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with round-of-32 action on Thursday, as nations from around the globe battle for a place in the round of 16 on soccer’s grandest stage.

In the knockout stage, each match is a single-elimination contest to determine who advances and who sees their World Cup journey end in heartbreak. The victors will earn their place in the round of 16, keeping their championship hopes alive.

So far, 10 teams have secured their spots in the next round: Belgium, Brazil, Canada, England, France, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Paraguay and the United States. As the round of 16 matchups begin to take shape, all eyes are on the final two days of round of 32, which will determine the complete tournament bracket.

Here’s an up-to-date look at how the FIFA World Cup round of 16 bracket is unfolding, including which teams have advanced and when they will play next.

More: What World Cup games are today? Round of 32 schedule Thursday

How does the FIFA World Cup knockout stage work?​

The FIFA World Cup knockout stage is a win-or-go-home format that begins with the round of 32 teams competing in a single-elimination bracket, culminating in the final.

If a match is tied after 90 minutes of regulation play, it proceeds to 30 minutes of extra time, split into two 15-minute halves. Should the deadlock persist, the match proceeds to a penalty shootout, and the winner advances to the next round.

Who is in the FIFA World Cup round of 16?​

As of July 2, 10 teams have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16, and only six more spots remain.

• Belgium
• Brazil
• Canada
• England
• France
• Mexico
• Morocco
• Norway
• Paraguay
• United States

World Cup round of 16 schedule​

All times Eastern and fixtures according to fifa.com:

Saturday, July 4​

• Canada vs. Morocco, 1 p.m. at NRG Stadium in Houston
• Paraguay vs. France, 5 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia

Sunday, July 5​

• Brazil vs. Norway, 4 p.m. at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
• Mexico vs. England, 8 p.m. at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City

Monday, July 6​

• Winner of Portugal/Croatia vs. winner of Spain/Austria, 3 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
• United States vs. Belgium 8 p.m. at Lumen Field in Seattle

Tuesday, July 7​

• Winner of Argentina/Cape Verde vs. Winner of Australia/Egypt, noon, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
• Winner of Switzerland/Algeria vs. Winner of Colombia/Ghana, 4 p.m. at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada

Thursday, July 9​

• Winner match 89 vs. Winner match 90, 4 p.m. at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts

Friday, July 10​

• Winner match 93 vs. Winner match 94, 3 p.m. at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How does the 2026 World Cup knockout stage work? Everything to know

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