FIFA World Cup 2026: Knockout Stage Begins Today with Historic Round of 32

The knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off tonight after the conclusion of the group stage, which featured 72 matches. The expanded 48-team tournament has now been narrowed down to 32 teams, while 16 nations have been eliminated.

For the first time in World Cup history, the tournament features a Round of 32, introduced as part of the new expanded competition format. Every match from this stage onward will be a do-or-die contest, with the winners advancing and the losers heading home.

Canada and South Africa Make History

The opening Round of 32 fixture will see co-host Canada take on South Africa in what promises to be a historic encounter.

Both nations have reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after finishing as runners-up in their respective groups. Canada advanced from Group B, while South Africa secured second place in Group A.

Although this will be their first-ever World Cup meeting, the two sides have faced each other once before. South Africa defeated Canada 2-0 in an international friendly played in Durban in 2007.

Known by their nickname “Bafana Bafana,” South Africa will be aiming to continue their remarkable World Cup journey, while Canada hopes to capitalize on home support and book a place in the Round of 16.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:45 AM Nepal time on Monday at Los Angeles Stadium in the United States.

The winner will face the victor of the Netherlands vs. Morocco clash in the Round of 16.

FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32 Fixtures (Nepal Time)

June 29 (Asar 15)

• South Africa vs Canada – 12:45 AM
• Brazil vs Japan – 10:45 PM

June 30 (Asar 16)

• Germany vs Paraguay – 2:15 AM
• Netherlands vs Morocco – 6:45 AM
• Ivory Coast vs Norway – 10:45 PM

July 1 (Asar 17)

• France vs Sweden – 2:45 AM
• Mexico vs Ecuador – 6:45 AM
• England vs DR Congo – 9:45 PM

July 2 (Asar 18)

• Belgium vs Senegal – 1:45 AM
• United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina – 5:45 AM

July 3 (Asar 19)

• Spain vs Austria – 12:45 AM
• Portugal vs Croatia – 4:45 AM
• Switzerland vs Algeria – 8:45 AM
• Australia vs Egypt – 11:45 PM

July 4 (Asar 20)

• Argentina vs Cape Verde – 3:45 AM
• Colombia vs Ghana – 7:15 AM

With every knockout match carrying elimination stakes, the battle for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title now enters its most exciting phase.