2026 FIFA World Cup Round Of 32 Fixtures, Dates & Kick-Off Times Revealed

The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded on Sunday, paving the way for the tournament’s historic first-ever Round of 32 following FIFA’s expansion of the competition from 32 to 48 teams.

According to reports, the expanded format allows the top two teams from each of the 12 groups to qualify automatically for the knockout stage, alongside the eight best third-placed teams, completing a 32-team bracket before the traditional Round of 16.

One of the standout stories of the group stage was the impressive performance of tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The African side secured a place in the knockout phase despite failing to record a victory, becoming the first nation since Chile at the 1998 FIFA World Cup to advance from the group stage with three consecutive draws.

Cabo Verde earned draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, setting up a historic Round of 32 encounter against Lionel Messi-led Argentina.

The tournament also witnessed Egypt qualify for the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history, while DR Congo progressed after defeating Uzbekistan in their decisive final group fixture.

Portugal, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, finished second in Group K following a goalless draw with Colombia. Croatia also secured second place in Group L after defeating Ghana, with England topping the group.

Meanwhile, Uruguay’s elimination ranked among the biggest surprises of the group stage, as the South American giants failed to progress beyond the first round.

The Round of 32 winners will move on to the Round of 16, with the tournament continuing in a straight knockout format through the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final.

The Round of 32 fixtures are scheduled as follows (Kick-off times in WAT): South Africa vs Canada (June 29, 7:30 p.m., Los Angeles); Brazil vs Japan (June 30, 5:30 p.m., Houston); Germany vs Paraguay (June 30, 9:00 p.m., Foxborough); Netherlands vs Morocco (July 1, 1:30 a.m., Guadalajara); Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway (July 1, 5:30 p.m., Arlington); France vs Sweden (July 1, 9:30 p.m., New Jersey); Mexico vs Ecuador (July 2, 1:30 a.m., Mexico City); England vs DR Congo (July 2, 4:30 p.m., Atlanta); Belgium vs Senegal (July 2, 8:30 p.m., Seattle); United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (July 3, 12:30 a.m., Santa Clara); Spain vs Austria (July 3, 7:30 p.m., Los Angeles); Portugal vs Croatia (July 3, 11:30 p.m., Toronto); Switzerland vs Algeria (July 4, 3:30 a.m., Vancouver); Australia vs Egypt (July 4, 6:30 p.m., Arlington); Argentina vs Cabo Verde (July 4, 10:30 p.m., Miami); and Colombia vs Ghana (July 5, 2:00 a.m., Kansas City).