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The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage features a single-elimination format consisting of 32 total matches, including a third-place playoff. Beginning directly after the group stage on June 28, the tournament expands for the first time into a Round of 32, followed by the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the Final on July 19. A total of 32 teams advance to this phase—the top two finishers from each of the 12 groups alongside the eight best third-place teams. Under this structure, any match tied at the end of 90 minutes of regulation will proceed to 30 minutes of extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout to determine who advances.
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