World Cup 2026 Knockout Bracket: Route to the Final Takes Shape After Group Stage

The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has wrapped up, and the knockout bracket is now locked in. With 32 teams whittled down to 16, the tournament shifts to a straight elimination format, building toward the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Here’s how the round of 16 lines up, with all kick-off times in UK time. **Round of 16** July 4 sees double action in the United States. Houston and Philadelphia will each host a fixture, though the specific matchups are yet to be determined. The following day, New Jersey gets a game. The first confirmed heavyweight clash comes early on July 6 – Mexico vs England at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, kicking off at 1am UK time. Later that evening in Arlington, Texas, Portugal and Spain renew their Iberian rivalry at 8pm. On July 7, the USA take on Belgium in Seattle at 1am. Later in the day, Argentina face Egypt in Atlanta (5pm), while Switzerland meet Colombia in Vancouver at 9pm. **Quarter-finals** From July 9, the quarter-final picture begins to take shape. In Foxborough, the winner between Paraguay and France will face Morocco at 9pm. The next night in Los Angeles, the Portugal/Spain winner takes on the USA/Belgium survivor. A potential blockbuster looms on July 11 in Miami: Norway await the Mexico/England winner at 10pm. Early on July 12 in Kansas City, the Argentina/Egypt winner meets the Switzerland/Colombia winner. **Semi-finals and Final** Both semi-finals are set for massive venues. On July 14 in Arlington, the bottom half of the bracket converges – the winner of the Paraguay/France/Morocco quarter-final faces the survivor from the Portugal/Spain/USA/Belgium side. The second semi-final on July 15 in Atlanta pits the Norway/Mexico/England group against the Argentina/Egypt/Switzerland/Colombia quadrant. All roads lead to the final on Sunday July 19, kick-off 8pm in New Jersey.