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.