The FIFA World Cup 2026 has officially entered its most exciting phase as the Round of 16 begins after an action-packed group stage. Hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the tournament has already delivered several memorable moments, surprise performances, and dramatic finishes.
With 48 teams participating in the expanded FIFA World Cup format for the first time, only 32 nations have earned a place in the knockout stage. Every match from now onwards is a do-or-die contest, where one defeat means elimination from football’s biggest tournament.
In this article, check the complete FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 schedule, qualified teams, fixtures, match timings, venues, and everything you need to know.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Begins
The knockout stage officially starts on 28 June 2026 and continues until 3 July 2026, after which the winners will advance to the quarter-finals.
Unlike the group stage, there are no second chances in the Round of 16. If a match remains level after 90 minutes, it will proceed to:
- Extra Time (30 Minutes)
- Penalty Shootout (if required)
Every match promises high-quality football as some of the world’s strongest football nations battle for a place in the quarter-finals.
Canada Become First Team to Reach the Round of 16
Co-host Canada became the first team to book a place in the Round of 16 after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over South Africa.
Stephen Eustáquio scored the decisive goal deep into stoppage time (90+2′), sending the home fans into celebration and keeping Canada’s dream World Cup campaign alive.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Full Schedule
Sunday, 28 June
South Africa vs Canada
- Result: South Africa 0-1 Canada
- Winner: Canada
Monday, 29 June
Brazil vs Japan
- Venue: Houston Stadium, USA
- Kick-off: 12:00 Local Time
Germany vs Paraguay
- Venue: Boston Stadium, USA
- Kick-off: 4:30 PM Local Time
Netherlands vs Morocco
- Venue: Estadio Monterrey, Mexico
- Kick-off: 7:00 PM Local Time
Tuesday, 30 June
Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway
- Venue: Dallas Stadium, USA
France vs Sweden
- Venue: NY/NY Stadium, USA
Mexico vs Ecuador
- Venue: Mexico City Stadium, Mexico
Wednesday, 1 July
England vs Congo DR
- Venue: Atlanta Stadium, USA
Belgium vs Senegal
- Venue: Seattle Stadium, USA
USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, USA
Thursday, 2 July
Spain vs Austria
- Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, USA
Portugal vs Croatia
- Venue: Toronto Stadium, Canada
Switzerland vs Algeria
- Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
Friday, 3 July
Australia vs Egypt
- Venue: Dallas Stadium, USA
Argentina vs Cabo Verde
- Venue: Miami Stadium, USA
Colombia vs Ghana
- Venue: Kansas City Stadium, USA
Teams Qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16
The Round of 16 features some of the biggest football nations along with a few surprise qualifiers.
Qualified teams include:
- Canada
- Brazil
- Japan
- Germany
- Paraguay
- Netherlands
- Morocco
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Norway
- France
- Sweden
- Mexico
- Ecuador
- England
- Congo DR
- Belgium
- Senegal
- United States
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Spain
- Austria
- Portugal
- Croatia
- Switzerland
- Algeria
- Australia
- Egypt
- Argentina
- Cabo Verde
- Colombia
- Ghana
- South Africa (eliminated after defeat to Canada)
Knockout Stage Format
The FIFA World Cup follows a straight knockout format from the Round of 16 onwards.
The progression is:
- Round of 16
- Quarter-finals
- Semi-finals
- Third Place Play-off
- Final
Only one team will eventually lift the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy.
When Are the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-finals?
The winners of the Round of 16 fixtures will qualify for the Quarter-finals, scheduled from 4 July to 7 July 2026. From there, only eight teams will remain in the race for the FIFA World Cup trophy.