Tap here to see the full World Cup knockout bracket and every remaining team’s path to the final. It’s now win-or-go-home time at the 2026 World Cup. The tournament is shifting gears to the knockout phase after a thrilling and historic group stage came to an end Saturday with DR Congo, Austria, and Algeria securing the final remaining berths in the last 32. Austria and Algeria both advanced after closing out the group stage with an astounding 3-3 draw. Sasa Kalajdzic’s 96th-minute equalizer sent Austria
through in Group J and simultaneously eliminated Iran, which was on course to advance as a third-place finisher had Algeria held on for the win. The dramatic finish locked in all the last-32 matchups. The round of 32 features some heavyweight tilts, including a duel between Portugal and Croatia that will see former Real Madrid teammates (and current national team captains) Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric go head-to-head in Toronto. There’s an enticing game between Norway and the Ivory Coast, while the Netherlands’ clash with
Morocco also stands out. The elimination phase begins Sunday when Canada and South Africa meet. That will be the first-ever men’s World Cup knockout match for both nations. Round of 32 Sunday, June 28 Monday, June 29 Tuesday, June 30 Wednesday, July 1 Thursday, July 2 Friday, July 3 The knockout bracket is noticeably lopsided, with Germany, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Belgium all together on the same side. The United States and Canada, two of the tournament co-hosts, also find themselves on that
side of the bracket. Portugal’s inability to win Group K means eternal rivals Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are on opposite sides of the bracket, and can only meet in the World Cup final. Had the Selecao won their group, Portugal and Argentina would’ve been on course for a blockbuster showdown in the quarterfinals. The reigning champion Argentines will feel very confident about their chances of making another deep run after landing in arguably the most favorable portion of the bracket. However, the Albiceleste could have
to go through either Brazil or England to get back to the title game. The remaining 32 teams are all chasing a place in the tournament final, which is being held at MetLife Stadium on July 19. Tap here to see the full World Cup knockout bracket and every remaining team’s path to the final.
2026 World Cup, knockout bracket, last 32, Austria vs Iran, Sasa Kalajdzic, Algeria 3-3, Canada vs South Africa, Ronaldo vs Modric, Portugal vs Croatia, Netherlands vs Morocco, Norway vs Ivory Coast, Germany France Spain bracket
Germany France Spain on the same side?? That’s rigged or what. Like how is that even fair lol
Wait Canada vs South Africa is first knockout for both? Kinda wild. Also why do they always schedule these games at weird times, like Sunday morning??
That Austria 3-3 thing was insane but I’m confused—does that mean Algeria got eliminated because of a tie? Or because Iran didn’t win their match? Feels like someone said one team went through but then it’s like nope.
Ronaldo vs Modric in Toronto sounds amazing but I swear these brackets always favor the teams that already think they’re champions. And MetLife Stadium on July 19?? I’m gonna pretend I understand the ‘lopsided’ part like okay sure, France and Netherlands gonna carry the whole thing or whatever.