2026 World Cup: Knockout Stage Kicks Off!

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shifting gears as its intense knockout stage commences on Sunday. South Africa will face Canada in the opening match of the Round of 32. This pivotal phase of the tournament operates under a strict single-elimination format, meaning every game is a do-or-die contest where losers are immediately out.

The complete bracket for the Round of 32 has been confirmed, setting the stage for a series of high-stakes encounters. Major footballing nations such as Germany, Brazil, France, England, Portugal, Spain, and Argentina are all still in the running. A dream final between Lionel Messi's Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal remains a distinct possibility, provided both teams navigate their way through the knockout rounds to reach the championship match.