The 2026 World Cup enters its first knockout stage this Sunday. For the first time, the 48-team tournament will feature a round of 32, with 32 teams qualifying for the knockout rounds. The competition, which opened on June 11, will culminate in the final on July 19 in New York.
Nine posters have already been identified. Others remain suspended on the final group standings and the best third-placed teams, which will be known on Saturday night/Sunday morning. All matches are broadcast on beIN Sports, with some also available free-to-air on M6, which holds the rights to 54 matches including the entire run of the French national team.
South Africa – Canada: Sunday, June 28, 21:00 PM
Broadcast: M6, beIN Sports 1
The first ticket to the round of 16 is up for grabs. Canada, the co-host nation, has a chance to extend its World Cup run beyond the group stage. South Africa arrives with a self-proclaimed underdog status, having secured qualification in a Group A dominated by Mexico.
Brazil – Japan: Monday, June 29, 19:00 PM
Broadcast: M6, beIN Sports 1
Brazil finished top of Group C, ahead of Morocco on goal difference. Japan, second in Group F, faces the five-time world champions hoping to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the round of 32.
Germany – Paraguay: Monday, June 29, 22:30 PM
Broadcast: M6, beIN Sports 1
Germany secured first place in Group E, despite a defeat against Ecuador in their final match. Paraguay, third in Group D, will face a German side that can no longer afford any slip-ups: from now on, every loss means a return home.
Netherlands – Morocco: Tuesday, June 30, 03:00 AM
Broadcast: beIN Sports 1
The Netherlands, top of Group F, face a strong Morocco side, second in Group C with the same number of points as Brazil. The stakes are high for the Atlas Lions: to confirm their status as a nation capable of competing in knockout matches.
Ivory Coast – Norway: Tuesday, June 30, 19:00 PM
Broadcast: M6, beIN Sports 1
Ivory Coast, second in Group E, faces Norway, second in Group I behind France. Both teams aim to reach the round of 16.
France – Sweden: Tuesday, June 30, 23:00 PM
Broadcast: M6, beIN Sports 1
This is the match for France. They arrive on a high note after a perfect first round: three wins, nine points, eleven goals scored, and only three conceded. Sweden, third in Group F, secured their place after a draw against Japan. For Les Bleus, the challenge is to live up to their status, avoid any upsets, and pave their way to the round of 16.
United States – Bosnia and Herzegovina: Thursday, July 2, 02:00 AM
Broadcast: beIN Sports 1
The United States, top of Group D, continue their World Cup campaign on home soil against Bosnia and Herzegovina, who qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. For one of the host nations, elimination in the round of 32 would be a major disappointment. But against Bosnia and Herzegovina, who prevented Italy from participating in the World Cup, the task will not be easy.
Australia vs. Egypt: Friday, July 3, 20:00 PM
Broadcast: M6, beIN Sports 1
Australia, second in Group D, face Egypt, second in Group G. A match between two teams that emerged from tight groups.
Argentina – Cape Verde: Saturday, July 4, 00:00
Broadcast: beIN Sports 1
The defending champions face a tough challenge against an unexpected opponent. Cape Verde, second in Group H, are playing in their first World Cup and managed to advance from a group that included Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. Against Argentina, the stakes go beyond a simple result: extending their already historic first adventure.
The other posters are yet to be determined.
The final draw is not yet fully known. Several matches remain dependent on the latest standings and the distribution of the best third-placed teams: Mexico – 3rd group C/E/F/H/I, 1st group L – 3rd group E/H/I/J/K, Belgium – 3rd group A/E/H/I/J, Spain – 2nd group J, 2nd group K – 2nd group L, Switzerland – 3rd group E/F/G/I/J and 1st group K – 3rd group D/E/I/J/L.
The full final standings will be revealed sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning…
