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World Cup Knockout Stage Set as FIFA Confirms Round of 32 Fixtures

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The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins Sunday with 32 teams battling for a place in the Round of 16 after an exciting group stage across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The first match will see South Africa face co-host Canada at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday, 28th June.

Monday's schedule features Brazil against Japan in Houston before Germany take on Paraguay in Boston.

On Tuesday, the Netherlands will meet Morocco in Monterrey, Côte d'Ivoire will play Norway in Dallas, while France face Sweden at New York/New Jersey Stadium.

The remaining fixtures include the United States against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday, 2nd July, in San Francisco Bay Area.

Friday's matches will see Australia play Egypt in Dallas and defending champions Argentina face Cabo Verde in Miami.

Other confirmed ties include England against DR Congo, Spain against Austria, Portugal against Croatia, Switzerland against Algeria, Belgium against Senegal, Colombia against Ghana and Mexico against Ecuador.

The expanded 48-team World Cup has produced several surprises, with nine African nations reaching the knockout stage, a record for the continent, while traditional powers such as Brazil, Germany, France and Argentina have also advanced.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi said after sealing qualification, "Every match from now on is like a final.

"We know one mistake can send you home."

England manager Thomas Tuchel also warned against underestimating the knockout stage, saying his team must "stay focused because every opponent deserves respect."

FIFA's new Round of 32 format means every remaining team is now just five wins away from lifting football's biggest prize.

The knockout phase runs through 3rd July before the Round of 16 begins on 4th July. The tournament will conclude with the final at New York/New Jersey Stadium on 19th July.

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