FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Schedule Begins to Take Shape

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is entering its decisive phase, with the group stage drawing to a close and the knockout rounds looming. The expanded 48-team tournament will soon be reduced to 32, setting the stage for a high-stakes Round of 32 where every match could be a team's last.

As the final group fixtures unfold, the potential paths to the final are becoming clearer. The full lineup for the Round of 32 is not yet confirmed, but the schedule of matches has been announced, with games set to take place across multiple host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Among the highlighted matchups, Group A runners-up will face Group B runners-up on June 28 in Los Angeles. The following days feature contests such as Group C winners versus Group F runners-up in Houston, and Group E winners against a third-place qualifier in Foxborough. Later matches include Group F winners versus Group C runners-up in Guadalupe, Mexico, and Group E runners-up against Group I runners-up in Arlington, Texas.

Fans can follow all the action through extensive coverage across BBC platforms, including TV, iPlayer, 5 Live, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app, and the newly launched BBC Sport Football YouTube channel. The BBC promises an unrivalled digital experience, marking a major evolution in how audiences engage with the World Cup.

With the knockout stage set to begin on June 28, anticipation is building for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.