The World Cup 2026 bracket and knockout fixtures are shaping up, with the last 32 teams confirmed and the rest of the tournament's schedule outlined. Here's a breakdown of the matches and potential routes to the final.
Last 32 Line-up
The confirmed teams in the last 32 are as follows:
- World Cup last 32 schedule
- Sunday June 28: South Africa vs Canada, 8pm - Los Angeles, USA
- Monday June 29: Brazil vs Group F runners-up, 6pm - Houston, USA
- Germany vs Group A/B/C/D/F third place, 9.30pm - Foxborough, USA
- Tuesday June 30: Group F winners vs Morocco, 2am - Guadalupe, Mexico
- Group E runners-up vs Group I runners-up, 6pm - Arlington, USA
- Group I winners vs Group C/D/F/G/H third place, 10pm - New Jersey, USA
- Wednesday July 1: Mexico vs Group C/E/F/H/I third place, 2am - Mexico City, Mexico
- Group L winners vs Group E/H/I/J/K third place, 5pm - Atlanta, USA
- Group G winners vs Group A/E/H/I/J third place, 9pm - Seattle, USA
- Thursday July 2: USA vs Group B/E/F/I/J third place, 1am - Santa Clara, USA
- Group H winners vs Group J runners-up, 8pm - Los Angeles, USA
- Friday July 3: Group K runners-up vs Group L runners-up, 12am - Toronto, Canada
- Switzerland vs Group E/F/G/I/J third place, 4am - Vancouver, Canada
- Group D runners-up vs Group G runners-up, 7pm - Arlington, USA
- Argentina vs Group H runners-up, 11pm - Miami, USA
- Saturday July 4: Group K winners vs Group D/E/I/J/L third place, 2.30am - Kansas City, USA
England's Route
England's route to the final is looking promising, with a potential last-16 tie against Mexico in Mexico City on Monday July 6 at 1am UK time. Brazil and Argentina are potential last-eight opponents, while Spain could lie in wait in the semi-finals.
Scotland's World Cup Dreams
Scotland's World Cup dreams are hanging by a thread after their heavy defeat to Brazil. They can only progress to the last 32 as one of the top eight third-placed sides, and are in severe danger of being knocked out once the group stage is completed.
Third-Place Battle
The third-place battle is also shaping up, with Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, Morocco, USA, Germany, Argentina, France, Norway, and Colombia already qualified for the knockout rounds.
Group D
The United States became the second host nation to progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup after beating Australia 2-0 in their second group game. Both Australia and Paraguay sit on three points and face each other in the final group game.
Group E
Germany secured top spot and booked their place in the knockouts after two wins from two. Ivory Coast are still well placed to qualify, while Ecuador need to beat Germany and hope Curacao secure an unlikely win against Ivory Coast.
Group F
The Netherlands sit at the top on four points and will top the group with a win over already-eliminated Tunisia. Japan and Sweden are in a battle for second place, with the winner definitely qualifying for the knockout stages.
Group G
Egypt are top and will officially qualify for the round of 32 if they avoid defeat to Iran, while Belgium need to beat New Zealand and overturn a two-goal swing in goal difference to secure top spot.
Group H
Spain need to avoid defeat to Uruguay to qualify for the round of 32, while Cape Verde must better Uruguay's result to finish in the top two.
Group I
France and Norway are both through as top two teams, with a showdown in Boston to see who finishes top. Senegal and Iraq have a shoot-out to see who can give themselves a chance as one of the top eight third-placed teams.
Group J
Argentina are through as group winners, while Algeria and Austria have a showdown to see who finishes second in the group.
Group K
Colombia and Portugal have a showdown in Miami to see who finishes as Group K winner, while DR Congo face Uzbekistan knowing a win would seal third with four points.
Group L
England's automatic progression into the knockout stages has been delayed by their 0-0 draw with Ghana, but Thomas Tuchel's side are still on course to qualify as group winner.
