The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is beginning to take shape, with several nations already confirming their places in the Round of 32 while others continue battling for qualification during the final round of group-stage matches.
The expanded 48-team tournament has introduced a brand-new Round of 32, where the top two teams from each of the 12 groups are joined by the eight best third-placed finishers.
The first confirmed Round of 32 fixtures is South Africa vs Canada, which has been locked in as a knockout clash. Other pairings already guaranteed on the schedule include Brazil vs the runners-up of Group F, Germany vs one of the best third-placed teams, Mexico vs a best third-placed qualifier, Switzerland vs another best third-placed team, and Argentina vs the runners-up of Group H.
Several remaining fixtures will only be confirmed once the final group-stage matches conclude. The knockout bracket promises plenty of blockbuster encounters, with traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Mexico, the United States and Switzerland already knowing they will feature in the next round.
Originally published by NotJustOk.