World Cup Round of 32: Full Fixtures, Kick-Off Times and Knockout Bracket

The group stage is over and the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is officially underway.

For the first time in tournament history, the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup features a Round of 32, with 16 knockout matches taking place across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

South Africa’s historic campaign came to an end after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Canada, while the remaining teams now battle for a place in the Round of 16.

Related Article: Bafana Bafana’s historic World Cup run ends with heartbreaking late defeat

Completed Round of 32 match

• Canada 1-0 South Africa

Round of 32 fixtures (SAST)

Monday, 29 June

• Brazil vs Japan – 19:00
• Germany vs Paraguay – 22:30

Tuesday, 30 June

• Netherlands vs Morocco – 03:00
• Ivory Coast vs Norway – 19:00

Wednesday, 1 July

• France vs Sweden – 23:00
• Mexico vs Ecuador – 04:00
• England vs DR Congo – 18:00

Thursday, 2 July

• Belgium vs Senegal – 22:00
• USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina – 02:00
• Spain vs Austria – 21:00

Friday, 3 July

• Portugal vs Croatia – 01:00
• Switzerland vs Algeria – 05:00
• Australia vs Egypt – 20:00

Saturday, 4 July

• Argentina vs Cape Verde – 00:00
• Colombia vs Ghana – 03:30

Biggest knockout clashes to watch

Several potential blockbuster encounters could await in the Round of 16.

If Germany and France both progress, they are set for a heavyweight European showdown.

Spain and Portugal are also on course for a mouth-watering Iberian derby should both nations win their Round of 32 matches.

Canada, after eliminating South Africa, will face the winner of Netherlands versus Morocco.

Mexico faces a difficult test against Ecuador, while the United States begins its knockout campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Knockout rules

Unlike the group stage, every match must produce a winner.

If teams are level after 90 minutes:

• 30 minutes of extra time will be played.
• If the score remains level, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout.

Fans can follow the knockout stages through local broadcasters, including SABC Sport.

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