The Socceroos are through. Turkey are celebrating. Germany have qualified despite a defeat. The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature a round of 32 — a knockout stage that begins after the group phase, replacing the traditional round of 16 that has been used since 1986. This expansion to 48 teams has reshaped the tournament, giving more nations a chance to reach the knockout rounds and adding an extra layer of drama and complexity.
In 2026, the World Cup expanded from 32 to 48 teams, divided into 16 groups of three. Each team plays two group matches rather than three. The top two from each group — 32 teams in total — advance to a new round of 32, a single-elimination knockout stage that leads to the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. This is the first time a World Cup has had a round of 32; previous tournaments with 32 teams jumped straight to a round of 16 after the group stage.
“Explaining the new 2026 World Cup round of 32 knockout phase.”
The change was introduced to give more countries a taste of World Cup football and to increase the number of high-stakes matches. The round of 32 acts as a bridge between the group stage and the traditional knockout rounds, offering a second chance for teams that might have struggled in the groups and a potential banana skin for group winners.
For UK readers, this matters because England will be playing in the round of 32 if they qualify from their group. The Three Lions remain in control of their own destiny ahead of their final group game against Panama, as reported by the Standard. The new format means England could face a trickier early knockout opponent than in previous tournaments, as the round of 32 includes second-placed teams from the groups, some of whom may be strong sides that narrowly missed out on winning their group. It also means the road to the final now requires four knockout victories instead of three, increasing the squad depth required.
Q: How does the round of 32 work? The round of 32 is a single-elimination knockout stage featuring the 16 group winners and 16 group runners-up from the initial 48-team group phase. Matches are played over a few days, with winners advancing to the round of 16.
Q: Which teams have reached the round of 32 so far? Confirmed qualifiers include Australia (as Group D runners-up), Turkey (Group D winners), and Germany (Group winners). Other teams are still being decided as group stages conclude. For example, Belgium are well placed to finish second in Group G, which would set up a last-32 tie against the Group D runners-up (Australia).
Q: When and where are the round of 32 matches played? The round of 32 matches take place immediately after the group stage ends, in late June 2026. They are held across various stadiums in the host nations (USA, Canada, Mexico). Specific dates and venues depend on the final group standings.
The round of 32 will be completed by early July 2026, after which the round of 16 commences. The knockout bracket is predetermined by the group pairings, so teams know their potential path before the groups end. For instance, England’s potential opponents in the round of 32 will depend on their finishing position in their group and the result of other groups.