The Round of 32 marks the first knockout stage of the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup, introducing the world’s first-ever 32-team knockout tournament. This thrilling World Cup 2026 Round of 32 phase will determine which 16 teams advance to compete for continental glory, featuring matches spread across six days in late June and early July across North America’s premier stadiums.
The 2026 World Cup’s expanded 48-team format introduces a revolutionary knockout structure. For the first time in World Cup history, a dedicated Round of 32 will determine half of the tournament’s Round of 16 participants. This stage represents the bridge between the group phase and traditional knockout football, combining the tension of single-elimination matches with the diversity of continental competition.
The Round of 32 features 16 matches showcasing the tournament’s top performers. The bracket structure ensures that group winners face carefully seeded opponents while maintaining geographic balance and tournament momentum. Matches will be contested across eight different North American venues, creating a continental spectacle of football excellence.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Schedule: First Knockout Stage
Table of Contents
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 represents football at its most intense – where dreams are realized and heartbreak follows disappointment. Spread across six days in late June and early July, these 16 matches determine half of the Round of 16 participants, with venues across the tri-nation host region creating a truly continental spectacle.
From the Group Stage opening Los Angeles matchup on June 28 to the final Dallas encounter on July 3, the World Cup 2026 Round of 32 promises non-stop drama, tactical battles, and individual brilliance. Teams must adapt to travel demands, manage squad fatigue, and perform under unprecedented pressure in a single-elimination format.
As football’s greatest tournament reaches its knockout phase, the Round of 32 introduces international audiences to the pulse-pounding intensity of World Cup football. These matches showcase why the beautiful game captures the world’s imagination, as 32 nations compete for survival on the path to ultimate glory.
Round of 32 Tournament Dates and Schedule
Complete World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Timeline
The entire Round of 32 unfolds over six consecutive days, beginning on Sunday, June 28, 2026, and concluding on Friday, July 3, 2026. This compressed schedule creates back-to-back football drama, with multiple matches occurring simultaneously on some dates to ensure fairness and prevent collusion between teams in the same group.
Each day features between two and three matches, strategically distributed across North American venues to accommodate fan bases and minimize player travel. The schedule balances competitive integrity with broadcast scheduling considerations for global audiences.
Round of 32 Schedule – List Full Date-Wise Fixtures, Time & Venue
Excited to find out where and when the action takes place? Check out the complete World Cup 2026 Round of 32 fixtures, as per the latest WC updates from FIFA.
Sunday, June 28, 2026 – Match Day 1
Match 73: Group A Runner-up vs. Group B Runner-up
- Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026
- Time: Afternoon/Early Evening (exact times to be confirmed after draw)
- Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California (Los Angeles Stadium)
- Stadium Capacity: 70,000
- Expected Attendance: High – Regional Mexican and USA fanbases
This opening Round of 32 match features two group runners-up meeting in Southern California. The Los Angeles Stadium’s modern infrastructure and large capacity create an electric atmosphere for the tournament’s first knockout encounter.
Monday, June 29, 2026 – Match Day 2
Match 74: Group E Winner vs. Best Third-Place Team (from Groups A/B/C/D/F)
- Date: Monday, June 29, 2026
- Time: Morning/Midday (estimated 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM local time)
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Stadium Capacity: 65,000
- Expected Attendance: Competitive – European and North American supporters
The first matchup between the winner and third-place team takes place in Boston, with Group E’s winner needing to showcase their dominance against a strong third-place contender. The morning kick-off caters to North American viewers while addressing concerns about the summer heat.
Match 75: Group F Winner vs. Group C Runner-up
- Date: Monday, June 29, 2026
- Time: Late Morning/Midday (estimated 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM local time)
- Venue: Estadio Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
- Stadium Capacity: 87,523
- Expected Attendance: Excellent – Strong Mexican regional support expected
Estadio Monterrey hosts a group winner facing a runner-up from another group, continuing the tournament’s progression into knockout football. The Mexican venue provides passionate fan support for this critical match.
Match 76: Group C Winner vs. Group F Runner-up
- Date: Monday, June 29, 2026
- Time: Evening (estimated 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM local time)
- Venue: NGR Stadium, Houston, Texas
- Stadium Capacity: 72,220
- Expected Attendance: Very High – Strong regional and international fanbases
Houston hosts an evening match featuring a group winner against a runner-up, with timing designed to avoid peak summer heat while accommodating multiple time zones and broadcast schedules.
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 – Match Day 3
Match 77: Group I Winner vs. Best Third-Place Team (from Groups C/D/F/G/H)
- Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
- Time: Evening (estimated 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM local time)
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Stadium Capacity: 82,500
- Expected Attendance: Exceptional – Major metropolitan area draws significant crowds
The New York/New Jersey region’s iconic MetLife Stadium hosts a match between Group I’s winner and a qualifying third-place team. The evening kick-off time accommodates East Coast and European broadcasters while managing heat concerns.
Match 78: Group E Runner-up vs. Group I Runner-up
- Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
- Time: Late Evening (estimated 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM local time)
- Venue: AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Arlington, Texas
- Stadium Capacity: 94,000 (largest in the tournament)
- Expected Attendance: Very High – Texas’s strong football culture ensures strong support
AT&T Stadium in Dallas hosts a runner-up versus runner-up matchup, with the late evening kick-off designed for western broadcast markets. The stadium’s retractable roof and air conditioning allow flexible scheduling options.
Match 79: Group A Winner vs. Best Third-Place Team (from Groups C/E/F/H/I)
- Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
- Time: Afternoon/Early Evening (estimated 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM local time)
- Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
- Stadium Capacity: 83,000
- Expected Attendance: Exceptional – Mexico’s legendary venue brings unparalleled passion
The storied Estadio Azteca hosts a group winner meeting a third-place qualifier in Mexico City. The iconic venue’s unique altitude and passionate crowd create an intimidating environment for opposition teams.
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Match Day 4
Match 80: Group L Winner vs. Best Third-Place Team (from Groups E/H/I/J/K)
- Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
- Time: Evening (estimated 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM local time)
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- Stadium Capacity: 75,000
- Expected Attendance: Very High – Strong regional support, accessible venue
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta hosts a group winner versus third-place team. The modern venue’s climate control and scheduling flexibility allow optimal match conditions.
Match 81: Group D Winner vs. Best Third-Place Team (from Groups B/E/F/I/J)
- Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
- Time: Evening (estimated 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM local time)
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Clara, California
- Stadium Capacity: 71,000
- Expected Attendance: High – West Coast enthusiasm and diverse international communities
Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area hosts an evening match, with West Coast timing accommodating Pacific time zone viewers and evening viewing preferences.
Match 82: Group G Winner vs. Best Third-Place Team (from Groups A/E/H/I/J)
- Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
- Time: Late Evening (estimated 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM local time)
- Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington
- Stadium Capacity: 69,000
- Expected Attendance: High – Pacific Northwest support and international fan communities
Lumen Field in Seattle hosts a late-evening match optimizing Pacific time zone viewing. The Northern location ensures more moderate temperatures even during summer.
Thursday, July 2, 2026 – Match Day 5
Match 83: Group K Runner-up vs. Group L Runner-up
- Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026
- Time: Afternoon (estimated 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM local time)
- Venue: BMO Stadium, Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada
- Stadium Capacity: 45,000
- Expected Attendance: Very High – Canadian passion and diverse international supporters
BMO Field in Toronto hosts a runner-up versus runner-up match, with daytime kick-off accommodating North American broadcasters. Canada’s largest metropolitan area brings enthusiastic crowd support.
Match 84: Group H Winner vs. Group J Runner-up
- Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026
- Time: Evening (estimated 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM local time)
- Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, Inglewood, California
- Stadium Capacity: 70,000
- Expected Attendance: Very High – Southern California’s massive sports-viewing audience
Los Angeles hosts a second Round of 32 match, featuring a group winner against another runner-up. The evening timing suits West Coast audiences and manages summer heat.
Match 85: Group B Winner vs. Best Third-Place Team (from Groups E/F/G/I/J)
- Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026
- Time: Late Evening (estimated 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM local time)
- Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
- Stadium Capacity: 54,000
- Expected Attendance: High – Canadian support and Pacific Northwest fanbases
BC Place in Vancouver hosts a late-evening match, with timing accommodating Pacific time zone viewing and moderate West Coast temperatures.
Friday, July 3, 2026 – Match Day 6 (Final Round of 32 Matches)
Match 86: Group J Winner vs. Group H Runner-up
- Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
- Time: Early Evening (estimated 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM local time)
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
- Stadium Capacity: 65,000
- Expected Attendance: High – South Florida’s diverse international communities and tropical climate
Hard Rock Stadium in Miami hosts the second-to-last Round of 32 match in the afternoon, with warm South Florida conditions and passionate crowds supporting various nations.
Match 87: Group K Winner vs. Best Third-Place Team (from Groups D/E/I/J/L)
- Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
- Time: Early Evening (estimated 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM local time)
- Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
- Stadium Capacity: 76,640
- Expected Attendance: Very High – Arrowhead’s legendary atmosphere and strong regional support
Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City hosts one of the final Round of 32 matches, featuring a group winner meeting a qualifying third-place team. The venue’s passionate crowd creates an intimidating environment.
Match 88: Group D Runner-up vs. Group G Runner-up
- Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
- Time: Late Evening (estimated 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM local time)
- Venue: AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Arlington, Texas
- Stadium Capacity: 94,000
- Expected Attendance: Very High – Texas’s football culture ensures packed attendance
AT&T Stadium in Dallas hosts the final Round of 32 match, featuring two runners-up competing for the last World Cup 2026 Round of 32 spot. The late evening timing accommodates multiple time zones and creates primetime television viewing.
Tournament Format and Bracket Structure
Seeding System Explained
The World Cup 2026 Round of 32 bracket divides 32 teams into eight groups of four, creating matchups that progress to the Round of 16. The seeding system uses FIFA rankings to determine matchups, ensuring competitive balance while maintaining tournament logic.
Bracket Architecture:
- 16 Group Winners: Automatically advance as top seeds in their World Cup 2026 Round of 32 matchups
- 16 Advancing Teams: Comprise 16 runners-up and the 8 best-performing third-placed teams
- Geographic Distribution: Venues strategically placed across North America to manage travel and fan attendance
- No Group Repeats: Teams from the same group cannot meet until at least the quarterfinals
Global Broadcasting Coverage and TV Time Slots
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 receives comprehensive international broadcast coverage:
Major Broadcasting Partners:
- North America: Fox Sports (USA), TSN (Canada), Televisa (Mexico)
- Europe: BBC, ITV (UK), and European broadcasters
- Asia: ESPN International, regional Asian broadcasters
- Worldwide: FIFA+ streaming platform, 200+ territory distribution
FIFA coordinates kick-off times to balance multiple demands:
- Morning Kick-offs: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Eastern US)
- Early Afternoon: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Central/Mountain)
- Evening Kick-offs: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Western US accommodating)
- Late Evening: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Primetime television)
- Very Late: Post-11:00 PM (Accommodating international broadcasters)
Scheduling is influenced by heat management, with air-conditioned domes like those in Atlanta and Dallas hosting afternoon slots, while outdoor venues opt for evening kick-offs.
