Race for the Trophy Enters a New Phase
The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, bringing an end to the group phase and the start of football’s win-or-go-home battles.
Canada became the first team to reach the Round of 16 after edging South Africa 1-0 in the opening Round of 32 match. A stoppage-time winner sealed a historic victory and kept the co-host nation’s World Cup campaign alive.
Full Round of 32 Line-Up Confirmed
With the group stage complete, all 32 remaining teams now know their path to the final. The expanded tournament format means every match from this point is a straight knockout, with the winners progressing and the losers heading home. Several heavyweight clashes are still to come, including Portugal against Croatia, Brazil versus Japan, England’s meeting with DR Congo, and Colombia’s showdown with Ghana.
Ghana’s Attention Turns to Colombia
The Black Stars return to action on July 3, when they face Colombia for a place in the Round of 16 after qualifying as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
With the bracket now locked in, every fixture carries even greater significance as teams chase a place in the quarter-finals and, ultimately, the World Cup title.
