World Cup 2026 Knockout Drama Begins as Round of 32 Fixtures Are Unveiled

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered a historic new phase as the full Round of 32 fixtures have been confirmed, marking the beginning of the knockout stage in the tournament’s expanded 48-team format.

The round opens on June 28 with an exciting clash between South Africa and Canada in Los Angeles, as both sides battle for a place in the Round of 16.

Heavyweights Brazil, Germany, France, England, Argentina, Spain, and Portugal are all in action, setting up what promises to be a thrilling knockout phase.

One of the standout fixtures sees England face surprise package Democratic Republic of the Congo, who reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history after an impressive group-stage campaign.

African teams have made a strong statement in the competition, with Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and DR Congo all progressing to the last 32, highlighting the continent’s growing strength on the global stage.

The knockout matches will be played across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the tournament final scheduled for July 19 at the MetLife Stadium.

With every match now a win-or-go-home battle, fans around the world are bracing for drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments as the race to lift football’s biggest prize intensifies.