World Cup 2026 knockout fixtures, results and group-stage standings

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is kicking into high gear as the thrilling group stage concludes, ushering in the high-stakes knockout rounds today, June 28. After weeks of intense competition, the tournament's expanded 48-team format has already delivered surprises and standout performances, with powerhouses like Argentina and Germany advancing, while some hopefuls saw their campaigns cut short. The 32 remaining teams now face a brutal single-elimination path, starting with the brand-new Round of 32. This edition, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has been a spectacle, breaking attendance records with its larger-than-ever field of nations. The new format, which saw 12 groups of four teams vie for spots, including the top eight third-place finishers, created unexpected drama right up to the final whistle of the group stage. The U.S. Men's National Team, for example, successfully topped Group D, setting up a crucial Round of 32 clash. Lionel Messi of Argentina, with 6 goals, has already set the scoring charts ablaze, hinting at the individual brilliance that will define these do-or-die encounters. With the margin for error now zero, the Round of 32 promises immediate fireworks. Today's action begins with a North American derby featuring South Africa against co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles, followed by other tantalizing matchups like Brazil versus Japan on Monday and the USA taking on Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday. These fixtures mark the start of a relentless march towards the Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and ultimately, the grand Final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where only one nation will lift the coveted trophy.