2026 World Cup Knockout Stage Set: 32 Teams Advance, Deschamps and Ronaldo Set Records

Group Stage Concludes for the 2026 World Cup

According to Главком: The group stage of the 2026 World Cup has wrapped up, determining the 32 nations that will compete in the Round of 32. The tournament's final group matches took place on June 28, with the knockout rounds kicking off later that Sunday evening. Among the teams advancing are the host nations-the United States, Canada, and Mexico-alongside defending champions Argentina, who remain in contention.

Round of 32 Match Schedule

The first knockout match, featuring South Africa versus Canada, is set for June 28. This phase concludes on July 4 with a clash between Colombia and Ghana. A total of 16 matches are scheduled across various venues, including several in the United States.

New records were set during the group stage. France manager Didier Deschamps now holds the World Cup record for most wins by a coach, with 17 victories, surpassing the previous mark held by Germany's Helmut Schön. Additionally, Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cups, extending a streak that began in 2006.

In other news, FIFA has approved the participation of Russia's youth national team in the Under-15 World Cup, set to take place in Azerbaijan this fall. This development highlights the ongoing growth of youth football, offering young athletes a platform to compete internationally.

• June 28, 10:00 PM – South Africa vs. Canada
• June 29, 8:00 PM – Brazil vs. Japan
• June 29, 11:30 PM – Germany vs. Paraguay
• June 30, 4:00 AM – Netherlands vs. Morocco
• June 30, 8:00 PM – Ivory Coast vs. Norway
• July 1, 12:00 AM – France vs. Sweden
• July 1, 4:00 AM – Mexico vs. Ecuador
• July 1, 7:00 PM – England vs. DR Congo
• July 1, 11:00 PM – Belgium vs. Senegal
• July 2, 3:00 AM – United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
• July 2, 10:00 PM – Spain vs. Austria
• July 3, 2:00 AM – Portugal vs. Croatia
• July 3, 6:00 AM – Switzerland vs. Algeria
• July 3, 9:00 PM – Australia vs. Egypt
• July 4, 1:00 AM – Argentina vs. Cape Verde
• July 4, 4:30 AM – Colombia vs. Ghana

The knockout stage promises high drama and intense competition, as the advancing teams have shown strong form. Renowned figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Deschamps add star power and excitement to the tournament. This World Cup also serves as a stage for emerging talent, such as Russia's youth squad at the Under-15 World Cup, showcasing the sport's global development.

As the excitement builds for the knockout rounds, fans can explore the confirmed matchups in the Round of 32. This phase promises thrilling encounters as teams vie for a spot in the next stage of the tournament. For a detailed breakdown of all match pairings and what to expect, check out the full schedule in our article on the Round of 32 matchups.