World Cup 2026: Round of 32 wrapped up, Round of 16 matchups confirmed

The first knockout round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is in the books. After the Round of 32 concluded across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, 16 teams have been sent home. The list of eliminated sides includes Germany, Sweden, South Africa, Netherlands, Croatia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Senegal, Japan, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, DR Congo, Cape Verde, Australia, Algeria, and Ghana. Now the tournament shifts to the Round of 16, with the first matches kicking off today, July 4. The schedule spans four days — July 4 through July 7 — with games held at venues in all three host nations. The bracket is set, and every remaining team knows its path forward. This edition of the World Cup is historic, co-hosted by three countries, and the knockout stage is already delivering drama. Fans are eager to see which eight teams will emerge from the next round.