Round of 32
Runner-up Group A vs Runner-up Group B
Apple Calendar adds a reminder 60 minutes before kickoff.
What is the Round of 32?
The Round of 32 is the first knockout round of the 2026 World Cup, and it is new for this tournament.
Knockout means lose 1 match and you go home, so every game has a winner and a loser.
It has 16 matches, played from June 28 to July 3, 2026.
Teams reach this round by finishing in the top 2 of their group, or as 1 of the 8 best 3rd-placed teams, which is how 32 teams move on from the group stage.
If the score is level after 90 minutes, the teams play 30 more minutes called extra time.
If it is still level after extra time, a penalty shootout decides who wins and moves on to the Round of 16.
- Date
- Sunday, June 28
- Kickoff Time
- 12:00 (Los Angeles time)
- Stage
- Round of 32
- Stadium
- SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
Common questions
When is the Round of 32 played?
The 16 matches are played from June 28 to July 3, 2026.
How do teams reach the Round of 32?
The top 2 teams from each of the 12 groups qualify, plus the 8 best 3rd-placed teams. That adds up to 32 teams.
What happens if a Round of 32 match ends in a draw?
There must be a winner. The teams play 30 minutes of extra time, and if the score is still level, a penalty shootout decides it.