World Cup enters knockout phase as Round of 32 line-up confirmed

TLE Desk: The 2026 FIFA World Cup has moved into the knockout stage after the conclusion of the group phase, with the Round of 32 set to begin on Sunday featuring several heavyweight clashes and a number of first-time achievers.

Co-host Canada will launch the knockout rounds against South Africa in Southern California in a historic meeting, with both nations reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

The United States, whose two-match winning run ended with defeat to Turkey, will face Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara on 1 July. Bosnia advanced as the third-placed side from Group B, while the winner will face either Belgium or Senegal in the last 16.

Mexico, unbeaten and yet to concede a goal in the tournament, return to the Estadio Azteca to take on Ecuador on 30 June after topping their group with a perfect nine points and a 6-0 goal difference.

Tournament favourites France also completed the group stage with three victories and will face Sweden on 30 June. The winners of that tie are set to meet either Germany or Paraguay in the next round.

Defending champions Argentina, inspired by Lionel Messi’s record-breaking performances, have been drawn against Cape Verde on 3 July. Five-time world champions Brazil will meet Japan on 29 June after the Samurai Blue finished runners-up in Group F.

Germany, despite suffering a late defeat after already securing first place in their group, remain favourites against Paraguay. The Netherlands will take on Morocco, who remain in contention to become the first African nation to win the World Cup.

Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, face Croatia on 2 July after finishing second in their group, while Spain will play Austria in another high-profile Round of 32 encounter.

England booked top spot in their group thanks to a victory over Panama and will now meet Congo on 1 July. Belgium, meanwhile, take on Senegal after finishing first in their section with an emphatic victory over New Zealand.

Norway, spearheaded by Erling Haaland, face Ivory Coast after coach Ståle Solbakken rested several first-team players in the final group match against France.

Switzerland have been paired with Algeria, while Colombia, who topped their group ahead of Portugal, will face Ghana on 3 July.

With the group stage producing dramatic finishes, surprise qualifiers and record-breaking individual performances, the World Cup now enters its decisive phase, where every match is a knockout contest and defeat means elimination.