The group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is nearing its conclusion, with several nations already securing their places in the Round of 32 as the race for the knockout stage intensifies.
Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, and five-time world champions Brazil are among the teams that have booked their spots. Co-hosts the United States, Mexico and Canada have also progressed, while France and Norway are expected to confirm qualification later on Friday.
England remain well placed to advance from Group L and can secure top spot with victory over Panama in their final group-stage match. The Three Lions will then discover their Round of 32 opponents once the remaining groups are completed.
Meanwhile, Scotland face an uphill battle to reach the knockout rounds after suffering consecutive defeats to Morocco and Brazil.
Confirmed FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Fixtures
All kick-off times are in BST.
Saturday, June 28
- 8:00 pm – South Africa vs Canada (Los Angeles)
Sunday, June 29
- 6:00 pm – Brazil vs Japan (Houston)
- 9:30 pm – Germany vs Best Third-Placed Team from Groups A, B, C, D or F (Boston)
Monday, June 30
- 2:00 am – Netherlands vs Morocco (Monterrey)
- 6:00 pm – Ivory Coast vs Group I Runners-up (Dallas)
- 10:00 pm – Group I Winners vs Best Third-Placed Team from Groups C, D, F, G or H (New Jersey)
Tuesday, July 1
- 2:00 am – Mexico vs Best Third-Placed Team from Groups C, E, F, H or I (Mexico City)
- 5:00 pm – Group L Winners vs Best Third-Placed Team from Groups E, H, I, J or K (Atlanta)
- 9:00 pm – Group G Winners vs Best Third-Placed Team from Groups A, E, H, I or J (Seattle)
Wednesday, July 2
- 1:00 am – United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (San Francisco)
- 8:00 pm – Group H Winners vs Group J Runners-up (Los Angeles)
Thursday, July 3
- 12:00 am – Group K Runners-up vs Group L Runners-up (Toronto)
- 4:00 am – Switzerland vs Best Third-Placed Team from Groups E, F, G, I or J (Vancouver)
- 7:00 pm – Australia vs Group G Runners-up (Dallas)
- 11:00 pm – Argentina vs Group H Runners-up (Miami)
Friday, July 4
- 2:30 am – Group K Winners vs Best Third-Placed Team from Groups D, E, I, J or L (Kansas City)
With several group-stage matches still to be played, the remaining Round of 32 fixtures will be confirmed once all group standings are finalized. The expanded 48-team tournament has already produced several surprises, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling knockout phase.
