World Cup 2026 Knockout Schedule
Round of 32 → Round of 16 → Quarterfinals → Semifinals → Final · Jun 28 – Jul 19
World Cup 2026 Rounds — FAQs
What are the rounds of the 2026 World Cup?
In order: Group Stage Matchday 1 (Jun 11–17), Matchday 2 (Jun 18–23), Matchday 3 (Jun 24–27), Round of 32 (Jun 28–Jul 3), Round of 16 (Jul 4–7), Quarterfinals (Jul 9–11), Semifinals (Jul 14–15), Third Place Match (Jul 18), Final (Jul 19).
When does the 2026 World Cup group stage take place?
The group stage runs June 11–27, 2026, split into three matchdays. Every team plays exactly three games across this window.
When does the Round of 32 start?
The Round of 32 begins June 28, 2026, one day after the group stage concludes, and runs through July 3.
When is the Round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup?
The Round of 16 runs July 4–7, 2026, with two games per day across four days.
When are the 2026 World Cup Quarterfinals?
The Quarterfinals take place July 9–11, 2026. Four games spread across three days.
When are the 2026 World Cup Semifinals?
The two Semifinals are July 14 (AT&T Stadium, Dallas) and July 15 (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta).
When is the 2026 World Cup Final?
Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey — the conclusion of the entire 39-day tournament.
How many rounds are in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage?
Six knockout rounds: Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Third Place Match, and the Final.
Is there a third-place match in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. The Third Place Match is July 18, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami — the day before the Final. The two losing Semifinal teams compete for bronze medals.
What is Matchday 3 and why is it significant?
Matchday 3 is the final round of group games (June 24–27). FIFA requires all games within a group to kick off simultaneously on Matchday 3, preventing situations where the last team to play has an unfair advantage from knowing the other result.
How many games are in each round of the World Cup?
Round of 32: 16 games. Round of 16: 8 games. Quarterfinals: 4 games. Semifinals: 2 games. Third Place: 1 game. Final: 1 game. Total knockout games: 32.
What happens if teams are level after 90 minutes in the knockout stage?
30 minutes of extra time is played (two 15-minute halves). If still level, a penalty shootout determines the winner. There is no away-goals rule at the World Cup.