World Cup 2026 Bracket: Last 32 Fixtures and Routes to Final

The World Cup 2026 knockout bracket is now set, with the tournament moving into the Round of 32 after the end of the group stage.

This is the first World Cup played under the expanded 48-team format, meaning the knockout stage begins one round earlier than in previous editions. The top two nations from each group have been joined by the eight best third-placed sides, leaving 32 teams still in contention.

Offering more room for upsets.

England will face DR Congo, Brazil meet Japan, Argentina take on Cape Verde and Portugal have been handed one of the standout ties of the round against Croatia.

There are also several dangerous-looking games elsewhere in the bracket, including France against Sweden, Belgium against Senegal, Germany against Paraguay and the United States against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The Round of 32 begins on June 28, with the final scheduled for July 19.

England and Brazil are the two names that immediately shape one side of the bracket.

Thomas Tuchel’s side topped Group L and now face DR Congo in the Round of 32. Win that, and England will meet either Mexico or Ecuador in the last 16.

Beyond that, the route could bring a quarter-final against Brazil. Carlo Ancelotti’s side start against Japan, with Ivory Coast or Norway waiting in the next round if they progress.

Brazil will be favourites to come through that path, but Japan are not a soft landing. Their recent World Cup record has shown they can trouble elite nations in one-off knockout games, which makes that tie one of the more dangerous first tests for a seeded side.

Argentina are on the opposite side of the bracket. The holders open against Cape Verde, one of this year’s debut nations, with Australia or Egypt next if they advance.

That quarter also includes Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia and Ghana. It gives Argentina a route without one of the usual European giants early on, but still one filled with physical, organised sides who could make the game awkward if Argentina are not sharp.

Portugal and Spain have the clearest early collision course.

Portugal face Croatia in one of the strongest Round of 32 ties, while Spain meet Austria. If both win, they meet in the last 16.

That would be one of the biggest games of the early knockout stage, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal potentially facing a Spain side trying to turn a strong route into a serious run.

The United States also remain alive, but their path is difficult. They face Bosnia-Herzegovina first, before a possible last-16 tie against Belgium or Senegal.

Belgium bring tournament experience, while Senegal offer pace and power. The co-hosts have a route that could quickly become one of the more demanding in the draw.

Germany and France are in a similar position. Germany play Paraguay and France face Sweden, with the winners due to meet in the last 16 if both favourites get through.

That would remove one major contender before the quarter-finals and reshape the top half of the bracket. A strong Netherlands side are also in that area, starting against Morocco before a possible meeting with South Africa or Canada.

The new format adds another layer to all of this. The eventual champions will have to play eight matches instead of seven, so squad depth, recovery and rotation are going to carry more weight than ever.

The bracket has given the World Cup its shape. England and Brazil could be heading towards the first heavyweight quarter-final, whilst Portugal and Spain may meet even earlier. Germany or France could be forced out early. Argentina’s route looks different, but not empty of danger, while the United States have a hard path on home soil.

The group stage decided who survived. The knockout stage now decides who can turn the draw into a run all the way to New Jersey.