2026 FIFA World Cup Bracket: Round of 32 Results, Schedule & Scores
The knockout stage starts June 28. Here's the full 2026 World Cup bracket — Round of 32 through the Final — with results updated each round.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage begins June 28. For the first time, 32 teams compete in a Round of 32 before the field narrows to 16, then 8, then the Final on July 19 in New York/New Jersey. Here's the full bracket — updated each round.
For live audio coverage of every knockout match, follow along on Scoutcast.ai — personalized briefings surface the matchups and storylines relevant to the teams you follow.
How the 2026 World Cup bracket works
The 2026 tournament expanded from 32 to 48 teams across 12 groups (A–L). In each group, the top two finishers advance automatically. The eight best third-place finishers across all 12 groups also advance — giving 32 teams in the knockout bracket.
Unlike previous World Cups, there is no round of 16 as the first knockout stage. The Round of 32 is the new entry point, and a team must now win four matches — not three — to reach the Final.
Knockout schedule
| Round | Dates | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | June 28 – July 2 | 16 matches |
| Round of 16 | July 4 – July 5 | 8 matches |
| Quarterfinals | July 8 – July 9 | 4 matches |
| Semifinals | July 12 – July 13 | 2 matches |
| Third-place match | July 16 | 1 match |
| Final | July 19 | MetLife Stadium, NJ |
Round of 32 results
The 32-team bracket is seeded based on group stage finishing positions. Group winners face third-place qualifiers; group runners-up face other third-place qualifiers. Results will be added as each match is played (June 28 – July 2).
Check Scoutcast's World Cup schedule page for daily match times and venue details.
Round of 16
The Round of 16 runs July 4–5. Winners of each Round of 32 pairing advance. Results updated after July 5.
Quarterfinals
Four matches on July 8–9 determine the semifinalists. The bracket half that contained the Group A/B/C/D side plays separately from the Group E–L side through to the semifinal.
Semifinals
July 12 and July 13. The two winners meet in the Final; the two losers play for third place on July 16.
2026 World Cup Final
July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — the largest-capacity stadium in the tournament. Kickoff is 6 PM ET. Coverage on Fox (English) and Telemundo (Spanish).
Scoutcast.ai will publish a match-day audio briefing the morning of the Final covering both squads' paths through the bracket, key absences, and what to watch. Follow on the app →
Want the best app for following the World Cup? See our roundup: Best sports apps for the 2026 World Cup.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2026 World Cup knockout stage start?
The Round of 32 — the first knockout round — begins June 28, 2026. The bracket runs through the Final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
How does the 2026 World Cup bracket work?
48 teams competed in 12 groups. The top two from each group (24 teams) plus the eight best third-place finishers (8 teams) advanced to the Round of 32 — the new first knockout stage in the expanded format. From there it's single-elimination: Round of 32 → Round of 16 → Quarterfinals → Semifinals → Final.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup bracket?
32 teams enter the knockout bracket. The 2026 tournament expanded from 32 to 48 total participants, with a group stage that whittles the field to 32 for the single-elimination bracket.
Where is the 2026 World Cup Final?
The Final is July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — the largest venue in the tournament at roughly 82,000 capacity.
Where can I watch the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds?
Fox Sports carries English-language broadcast rights in the US; Telemundo carries Spanish-language rights. Streaming is available via Fox Sports app and Peacock (Telemundo matches). Scoutcast.ai delivers a morning audio briefing on match days covering team news and what to watch.
Last updated June 27, 2026