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.