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The Round of 32 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set, featuring 32 teams after the group stage ended on June 27. The new format advances the top two from each of 12 groups plus eight best third-placed teams. FIFA has introduced head-to-head records as the primary tiebreaker for level-point teams.
Cape Verde became the smallest nation by population to reach the World Cup knockout stage after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia. The island nation of 530,000 people advanced with three draws, setting up a round-of-32 clash against Argentina in Miami on 3 July.
The 2026 World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, enters the knockout round with 32 teams, including debutants like Cape Verde. The round of 32 runs from June 28 to July 3, followed by the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final on July 19. A full schedule and list of qualified teams have been released.
As of June 27, 28 teams have officially qualified for the World Cup 2026 round of 32, with six spots still open. The tournament introduces a new 32-team knockout stage and revised tie-breaking criteria prioritizing head-to-head results.
Australia secured their place in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup with a goalless draw against Paraguay, finishing second in Group D with four points. It is the third time in seven World Cup appearances they have advanced past the group stage.
Japan earned a place in the World Cup knockout stage after a 1-1 draw with Sweden. The result secured a top-two finish in their group, continuing their strong recent World Cup tradition.
Ivory Coast defeated Curacao 2-0 in the final Group E match on June 25, powered by a brace from Nicolas Pepe, to qualify for the World Cup round of 16 for the first time in history. Pepe scored in the 7th and 64th minutes, with assists from Yan Diomande and Ibrahim Sangare. Ivory Coast will face the runner-up of Group I in the knockout round.
South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Thapelo Maseko scored in the 63rd minute to secure second place in the group, setting up a meeting with Canada.
Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-2 in their final Group B match, earning four points and a strong chance to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Goals from teenager Kerim Alajbegovic, an own goal, and Ermin Mahmic sealed the win. Qatar, eliminated at the group stage again, saw veteran Hassan Alhaydos exit in tears due to injury.
