World Cup 2026 knockout bracket drawn: Dutch-Morocco, Portugal-Croatia headline round of 32

Groups wrapped, knockouts begin

The expanded group phase, the largest in World Cup history with 48 teams, is over. Thirty-two sides have progressed to the single-elimination bracket, with matches scheduled from 28 June through the early hours of 4 July. The round of 32 opens on Sunday evening (Greek time) when South Africa face Canada.

The heavy European half

One side of the bracket is loaded with UEFA powerhouses. Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and Belgium all landed on the same half, setting up a brutal road to the semi-finals. Among the standout ties: the Netherlands meet a dangerous Morocco side, Portugal must get past Croatia, Spain take on Austria, France clash with Sweden, and Germany open against Paraguay.

South American favourites on the other side

Brazil and Argentina headline the opposite half. Brazil begin against Japan, while defending champions Argentina were drawn against Cape Verde, the surprise debutants of the tournament. Other notable pairings include England v DR Congo, Ivory Coast v Norway, Mexico v Ecuador, and Australia v Egypt. The bracket also features Switzerland-Algeria and Colombia-Ghana.

The road to New York

The round of 16 runs from 4 to 7 July, followed by the quarter-finals from 9 to 12 July. The semi-finals are set for 14 and 15 July, with the final taking place in New York on 19 July.

What to watch

Several match-ups pit established nations against rising teams. Cape Verde’s first-ever knockout appearance against Argentina is one storyline, while the European-heavy half guarantees a series of high-profile collisions before the final. A possible semi-final bracket could see two of Germany, France, Spain or the Netherlands squaring off, whereas the other semi-final might feature Brazil against the winner of England’s quarter.