Teams confirmed for 2026 World Cup knockout stage announced

FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Format and Qualification Criteria Revealed

The knockout stage format for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been completed, with the round of 32 set to take place from June 28 to July 3. The top two teams in each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-place finishers, will advance to the knockouts.

According to FIFA’s rules, if two or more teams in the same group are equal on points after the group stage ends, the following criteria will be applied to determine the ranking. The criteria include:

• Step one: If the teams are still tied, head-to-head records will be used as the primary tie-breaker.
• Step two: If the teams cannot be separated using head-to-head records, goal difference will be considered.
• Step three: The eight best third-place finishers will be determined based on a specific ranking system.

As of June 28, several teams have qualified for the knockouts. Mexico, cohosts of the tournament, topped Group A with a 1-0 win over South Korea. The United States secured their spot in the last 32 with a 2-0 win over Australia. Germany also advanced after a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast.

Argentina sealed their ticket to the knockouts with a 2-0 victory over Austria, while France secured a place in the round of 32 with a 3-0 win over Iraq. Norway and Colombia have also qualified for the knockouts, along with Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and several other teams.

The knockout phase will proceed as follows: the round of 32 (June 28-July 3), followed by the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and a playoff for third place. The final match is scheduled to take place on July 19.

Source: Al Jazeera