World Cup 2026
Round of 32
The knockout stage begins July 1. 32 of the 48 nations who survived the groups fight to stay alive. In the new expanded World Cup format, there's no second chance in the Round of 32.
📝 New Format: Round of 32 Explained
Teams Enter
12 groups of 4. Top 2 from each group (24 teams) + 8 best 3rd-place finishers = 32 teams advance.
Match Days
Jul 1-6 — 32 matches in 6 days across USA, Mexico and Canada. Multiple matches per day in the new format.
Advance
Winners of each Round of 32 tie advance to the Round of 16. No replays, no second chances — one match, winner takes all.
🎬 World Cup 2026 Highlights
@nerevolution’s Matt Turner is ready for his 2nd @fifa World Cup! 🧤
Danley Jean Jacques is ready to ball out at the World Cup with Haiti!🇭🇹⚽️
Messi Makes Mark Against Mexico #shorts #worldcup #argentina
FULL MATCH: Portugal v Netherlands | 2006 FIFA World Cup
Cavani Classic Lifts Uruguay Past Portugal | 2018 FIFA World Cup
![Future, Tyla, FIFA Sound - Game Time (FIFA World Cup 2026™) [Official Music Video]](https://i3.ytimg.com/vi/JLucCHwY-2c/hqdefault.jpg)
Future, Tyla, FIFA Sound - Game Time (FIFA World Cup 2026™) [Official Music Video]
📋 Analysis & Previews
World Sevens brings high-octane chaos before the World Cup fever hits
May 29, 2026
Cristian Volpato makes a high-stakes call ahead of the World Cup
May 29, 2026
Neymar's World Cup status in doubt after training camp medical emergency
May 29, 2026
Top 10: Defining FIFA World Cup Moments of the 21st Century
May 29, 2026
Switzerland are the most dangerous sleeper in this World Cup
May 29, 2026
Dejan Kulusevski misses World Cup cut due to lingering Tottenham injury
May 28, 2026
Tonight is the last stand for the clubs before the World Cup madness begins
May 28, 2026
Mauricio Pochettino's post-World Cup pivot to AC Milan
May 28, 2026
📰 World Cup 2026 News
Thomas Tuchel leaves door open for Max Dowman World Cup call-up
· Mirror Football
FIFA confirms historic World Cup 2026 broadcast rule change allowing fans to watch matches for FREE on YouTube
· The Sun
It’s a knockout: why are there so many goals in the Champions League? | Jonathan Wilson
· The Guardian
All you need to know about 2027 Women's World Cup
· BBC
World Cup 2026: FIFA strike 'game-changing' deal as politician addresses boycott talks
· Mirror Football
Man United boss Michael Carrick backs England trio for recalls, insisting recent form should earn them places in pre-World Cup squad
· Daily Mail
The England World Cup 2026 away kit is out - and this is the one we've wanted for YEARS
· FourFourTwo
World Cup 2026: Argentina – the 'nasty' holders who have a 'new role' for Lionel Messi
· Mirror Football
It's Neymar vs Ancelotti: Brazil's 'sad and upset' £198m superstar 'can't stay silent' after ex-Real Madrid boss put his World Cup dream in doubt
· Daily Mail
Here is the surprise Burnley star among the Premier League's top forwards... who could make a late run for the World Cup
· Daily Mail
Michael Carrick backs THREE Man Utd stars to return to England squad ahead of World Cup
· Mirror Football
Man Utd and Newcastle ready to battle for TWO Ligue 1 sensations set to dazzle at World Cup
· TeamTalk
Brentford, the World Cup and an itch to return to Gaelic football
· BBC
Fifa sanctions Nigeria and DR Congo over World Cup play-off
· BBC
Fifa will not agree to move Iran’s World Cup matches from US to Mexico
· The Guardian
FIFA to impose new radical rule on women's national teams ahead of 2027 World Cup
· Mirror Football
The England World Cup 2026 home kit is out - and it might just be Nike's best ever
· FourFourTwo
England squad reaction – Trent Alexander-Arnold snubbed in final team before World Cup 2026
· Mirror Football
Anthony Gordon is no longer just a makeshift striker - and he may have solved England and Thomas Tuchel's biggest World Cup headache, writes CRAIG HOPE
· Daily Mail
Fox recruits soccer icon for World Cup TV role after failing to land David Beckham and Jurgen Klopp
· Daily Mail