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World Cup 2026 Round of 32

June 28 - July 3

World Cup 2026 Round of 32

18 games
DateMatchupTime (ET)RoundVenueStatus
Sun, Jun 2810:00 PMGroup JArrowhead StadiumScheduled
Sun, Jun 2810:00 PMGroup JAT&T StadiumScheduled
Sun, Jun 283:00 PMRound of 32SoFi StadiumScheduled
Mon, Jun 291:00 PMRound of 32NRG StadiumScheduled
Mon, Jun 294:30 PMRound of 32Gillette StadiumScheduled
Tue, Jun 309:00 PMRound of 32Estadio AztecaScheduled
Tue, Jun 301:00 PMRound of 32AT&T StadiumScheduled
Tue, Jun 305:00 PMRound of 32MetLife StadiumScheduled
Wed, Jul 19:00 PMRound of 32Levi's StadiumScheduled
Wed, Jul 112:00 PMRound of 32Mercedes-Benz StadiumScheduled
Wed, Jul 14:00 PMRound of 32Lumen FieldScheduled
Thu, Jul 28:00 PMRound of 32BC PlaceScheduled
Thu, Jul 23:00 PMRound of 32SoFi StadiumScheduled
Thu, Jul 27:00 PMRound of 32BMO FieldScheduled
Fri, Jul 311:00 PMRound of 32Arrowhead StadiumScheduled
Fri, Jul 32:00 PMRound of 32AT&T StadiumScheduled
Fri, Jul 36:00 PMRound of 32Hard Rock StadiumScheduled
Sat, Jul 49:30 PMRound of 32Arrowhead StadiumScheduled

World Cup 2026 Round of 32 — FAQs

What is the World Cup Round of 32?

The Round of 32 is the first knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup — a completely new addition to the tournament structure. 32 teams play 16 single-elimination games; the 16 winners advance to the Round of 16.

When does the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 take place?

The Round of 32 runs from June 28 through July 3, 2026 — six days of elimination games starting the day after the group stage concludes.

How many teams play in the World Cup Round of 32?

32 teams compete: the top two from each of the 12 groups (24 teams) plus the 8 best third-place finishers.

Is the Round of 32 new to the World Cup in 2026?

Yes. The Round of 32 did not exist at any World Cup from 1998–2022. It was introduced exclusively for the expanded 48-team format.

How do teams qualify for the Round of 32?

The top two from each group advance automatically (24 teams). The remaining 8 spots go to the best third-place finishers across all 12 groups, ranked by points, goal difference, and goals scored.

How are Round of 32 matchups determined?

FIFA's bracket formula pairs group winners against runners-up and third-place qualifiers from non-identical groups to avoid immediate rematches of group-stage opponents.

What stadiums are hosting Round of 32 games?

Round of 32 games spread across venues in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The exact stadium allocations will be in the official full match schedule.

What channel is the Round of 32 on?

In the USA, Round of 32 games air on Fox, FS1, FS2 (English) and Telemundo/Universo (Spanish). USA games and marquee matchups are expected on the Fox broadcast network.

Is there extra time and penalties in the Round of 32?

Yes. If tied after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time is played. If still tied, a penalty shootout decides the winner.

What happens to the losers of the Round of 32?

Eliminated. There is no second chance — every game from the Round of 32 onward is single-elimination.

How many Round of 32 games are there?

16 games in the Round of 32.

When did the last World Cup have a Round of 32?

No prior modern World Cup has featured a true 32-team first knockout round. The 2026 format is unprecedented in the 48-team era.