Which teams are in the World Cup round of 32, and what’s the schedule?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered its decisive phase as the expanded 48-team tournament prepares to move from the group stage into the newly introduced Round of 32. With the group matches nearing completion, 28 nations have already secured their places in the knockout rounds, while the remaining qualification spots will be decided in the final round of group fixtures.

The 2026 tournament has marked a historic milestone for world football as it is the first World Cup to feature 48 participating nations. The expanded format has created more opportunities for emerging football nations, producing several memorable performances and allowing new teams to make history on the global stage.

Under the new competition format, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups automatically qualify for the knockout stage. They are joined by the eight best third-placed teams across all groups, completing a field of 32 teams that will battle for football’s biggest prize.

The introduction of the Round of 32 adds another exciting chapter to the World Cup, increasing the number of high-stakes elimination matches before the traditional Round of 16.

The knockout competition officially begins on June 28 and will continue through July 3 before progressing to the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, the third-place playoff, and ultimately the World Cup Final on July 19.

So far, 28 countries have officially booked their places in the knockout stage after impressive performances during the group phase. Those teams include Colombia, Argentina, France, Norway, Germany, the United States, Mexico, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, Morocco, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Australia, Spain, Cape Verde, Paraguay, Egypt, England, Ghana, Portugal, Belgium, and Senegal.

Among the biggest stories of the tournament has been the remarkable rise of Cape Verde, which has become one of the smallest nations ever to reach the World Cup knockout rounds. Their historic qualification has captured worldwide attention and highlighted the growing competitiveness of international football.

Hosts Canada have also thrilled home supporters by advancing beyond the group stage, setting up an exciting Round of 32 encounter against South Africa. The match promises to be one of the headline fixtures as Canada looks to continue its memorable World Cup campaign in front of passionate home fans.

Traditional football powerhouses such as Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Spain, England, Portugal, Belgium, and the Netherlands have all successfully navigated the group stage and remain among the favourites to challenge for the championship.

The knockout schedule features several mouthwatering contests. The opening match on Sunday, June 28, will see South Africa take on Canada at Los Angeles Stadium.

Action continues on Monday, June 29, with Brazil facing Japan in Houston, Germany meeting Paraguay in Boston, and the Netherlands taking on Morocco in Monterrey, Mexico.

On Tuesday, June 30, Ivory Coast will play Norway in Dallas before France meets Sweden in one of the most anticipated matches of the Round of 32 in New York New Jersey Stadium. Mexico will also begin its knockout campaign against one of the highest-ranked third-place qualifiers.

Wednesday’s schedule includes the United States facing Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco, while two additional group winners will take on qualified third-place teams once the final standings are confirmed.

Thursday’s action will feature Spain against the runners-up from Group J, Switzerland against another third-place qualifier in Vancouver, and a clash between the second-placed teams from Groups K and L in Toronto.

The final day of the Round of 32 on Friday, July 3, will see Australia play the runners-up from Group G, while defending champions Argentina prepare for an intriguing meeting with tournament surprise package Cape Verde. Two remaining fixtures will be confirmed once all group standings have been finalized.

Following the completion of the Round of 32, the tournament will move into the Round of 16 from July 4 to July 7. The quarterfinals are scheduled for July 9 to July 11, followed by the semifinals on July 14 and 15. The third-place playoff will be played on July 18 before the world champions are crowned in the final on July 19.

With the group stage producing dramatic finishes, surprise qualifiers, and memorable performances from both established football powers and emerging nations, anticipation continues to build as the FIFA World Cup enters its knockout phase. Every remaining match will now be a winner-takes-all contest, where one mistake could end a nation’s dream while another memorable performance could bring them one step closer to lifting the most prestigious trophy in international football.

Courtesy: aljazeera