FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Schedule: Argentina, France, Portugal in focus as Canada first into last 16

France’s Kylian Mbappe (left), Argentina’s Lionel Messi (center) and Norway’s Erling Haaland. (AP photo) The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially moved into the knockout stages after concluding a record-breaking group stage, with Canada setting the tone with a dramatic win in Sunday’s opening round of 32 match.Stephen Eustaquio’s stoppage-time winner inspired Canada to a historic 1-0 victory over South Africa and sent Jesse Marsch into an emotional celebration as Les Rouges reached the round of 16 for the first time in their World Cup history. Moments after the final whistle, the Canadian coach gathered his players on the field and gave an impassioned salute.“You are Canadian heroes today! Canadian heroes for the future children of this country who play this sport,” Marsch shouted. “You never lost faith. You went for it, point by point, moment by moment.”Canada now faces a blockbuster Round of 16 match against either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston this weekend as the elimination bracket begins to take shape.

The knockout stage begins after a record-setting group stage

The tournament’s expanded format saw unprecedented numbers, with 48 teams competing in 72 group stage matches before 32 countries progressed to the Round of 32. The group stage produced a record 215 goals and featured 999 players in action. Africa achieved its strongest ever representation in the knockout stage with nine CAF nations advancing, while seven teams – including Canada, Cabo Verde, South Africa and DR Congo – reached the round of 32 for the first time in history.

FFA World Championship Schedule for the week (June 29 – July 5)

Sixteen Round of 32 matches will be played this week, with draws across North America, before the tournament moves into the Round of 16 this weekend.DateTeams VenueTime (IST)29. JuneSouth Africa vs CanadaLos Angeles12:30 AMBBrazil vs JapanHouston10:30 PMJune 30 Germany vs ParaguayBoston2:00 Holland vs MoroccoMonterrey6:30 AMICoast of Concord vs NorwayDallasJuly 7 AMMJersey vs.NorwayDallas10:30:30 PM EcuadorMexico City 6:30 AMEngland vs. CongoAtlanta 9:30 PM July 2 Belgium vs Senegal Seattle 1:30 AM USA vs Bosnia San Francisco 5:30 AM July 3 Spain vs Austria Los Angeles 12:30 AM Portugal vs Croatia Toronto 4:30 AM AlgeriaaVancous vs AM Egypt Dallas 11:30 AM July 4 Argentina vs. Cabo VerdeMiami 3:30 AMColombia Vs. GhanaKansas City7:00 AMCanada vs. TBD (Round of 16) Houston10:30 a.m. July 5TBD vs. TBD (Round of 16)Philadelphia2:30