The 2026 World Cup is down to the last 32 teams, and for the first time in the tournament's history, the knockout phase begins with a round of 32 rather than a round of 16. The expansion from 32 to 48 teams has reshaped the competition: each of the 12 groups sends its top two finishers plus the eight best third‑placed teams into the last 32. The knockout matches are single‑elimination, with the final set for 19 July at MetLife Stadium near New York City.
England face DR Congo in their last‑32 tie, while holders Argentina take on surprise package Cape Verde. Cape Verde have already become one of the stories of the tournament, thanks largely to their 40‑year‑old goalkeeper Josimar 'Vozinha' Dias, who kept clean sheets against Spain and Saudi Arabia. Another shock came from Ecuador, who beat Germany in the group stage – a result only 597 of more than 56,000 predictor‑game users correctly forecast. Ecuador's bullish, high‑energy style has won admirers, with midfielder Pedro Vite emblematic of their approach.
“A guide to the 2026 World Cup knockout stage, format, key teams and players.”
So why the expanded format? Fifa wanted to give more nations a chance to play on the biggest stage, and it has worked: both Canada and South Africa reached the knockout stage for the first time. Canada, one of the co‑hosts, beat South Africa 1‑0 in the last 32 thanks to a stoppage‑time goal by Stephen Eustáquio. South Africa had surprised many by finishing second in Group A after taking South Korea too lightly, according to BBC Sport's Chris Sutton.
The knockout bracket promises intriguing matchups. Germany face Paraguay in Boston, with the four‑time winners strong favourites. Brazil play Japan in Houston, and BBC commentator Ali Bruce‑Ball considers Japan his dark horses. France, who have been labelled "the team to beat" by Chris Sutton, are yet to play their last‑32 game. The French squad includes Kylian Mbappé, who – alongside Lionel Messi of Argentina and Erling Haaland – made the Mirror's team of the tournament so far.
For UK readers, England's path is the main focus. Thomas Tuchel's side have kept back‑to‑back clean sheets since recalling Manchester City defender John Stones, who had been left out of the opening game against Croatia. The manager has delivered a new message to the squad as the knockout rounds begin. England must get past DR Congo, a team that has already exceeded expectations. The Three Lions' progress will be watched closely, but they face stiff competition from France, Argentina and Japan, who are all playing attractive football.
Q: How does the 2026 World Cup knockout stage work? For the first time, 32 teams advance from the group stage – the top two from each of the 12 groups, plus the eight best third‑placed teams. The round of 32 is single‑elimination, leading to a round of 16, quarter‑finals, semi‑finals and the final on 19 July.
Q: Which teams are the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup? France are widely considered the team to beat, with Kylian Mbappé in superb form. Holders Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, are also strong contenders. Brazil, Germany and England are among the other traditional powers, but Japan and Cape Verde have emerged as potential dark horses.
Q: Who are the standout players of the tournament so far? Goalkeeper Vozinha of Cape Verde has been pivotal, making seven saves against Spain and keeping two clean sheets. England's John Stones has shored up the defence, while Japan's left‑back Nakamura has impressed with his attacking play. Ecuador's Pedro Vite and Netherlands right‑back (and soon‑to‑be Real Madrid player) have also caught the eye.
What happens next? The last‑32 matches are being played from late June into early July, with the round of 16 set to begin around 5 July. England's game against DR Congo is one of the most anticipated ties. If they win, they could face a potential quarter‑final against France or another heavyweight. The tournament's expanded format means more games and more opportunities for shocks, but also a tighter schedule – the semi‑finals and final will all be in July. For now, fans are watching to see if Cape Verde can continue their fairy tale, whether Ecuador can repeat their giant‑killing, and whether England can navigate a tricky knockout path.