The knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins after the completion of the group stage. Qualified teams will compete in single-elimination matches to determine the world champion.
The expanded 48-team tournament format introduces a Round of 32, followed by the traditional knockout rounds.
How Teams Qualify for the Knockout Stage
Teams advance from the group stage based on:
Total points earned
Goal difference
Goals scored
Head-to-head results
Additional FIFA tie-breaker rules if required
Knockout Stage Format
Round of 32
Round of 16
Quarter-finals
Semi-finals
Third-place Play-off
Final
Each knockout match is played as a single-elimination fixture:
The winning team advances to the next round
The losing team is eliminated from the tournament
If a match ends level after 90 minutes:
Extra time may be played
A penalty shootout will determine the winner if necessary
Round of 32 (28 June - 3 July 2026)
The Round of 32 features:
The top teams from each group
Additional best-performing qualified teams based on tournament rules
Qualified nations compete for a place in the Round of 16.
Round of 16 (4 July - 7 July 2026)
The 16 remaining teams compete in direct elimination matches. Winners advance to the quarter-finals.
Quarter-finals (9 July - 11 July 2026)
The final eight teams battle for a place in the semi-finals.
Semi-finals (14 July - 15 July 2026)
The four remaining teams compete for qualification to the FIFA World Cup Final.
Third-Place Play-off (18 July 2026)
The two semi-final losing teams compete to determine third place in the tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final (19 July 2026)
The final match of the tournament will determine the FIFA World Cup 2026 champion.