The first knockout duels in the 2026 World Cup and Brazil’s opponents in the round of 16 stage have been defined
The second phase of the 2026 World Cup begins to solidify, introducing a new round of 16 stage that precedes the traditional round of 16. This phase marks the decisive beginning of the knockout matches, where each match is unique, and the first duel has already been confirmed: South Africa against Canada. The inclusion of this additional round changes the usual dynamics of the tournament, raising the stakes from the beginning of the knockout stage.
The news will be constantly updated with the latest information as the remaining duels are officially confirmed by the teams and the championship organization.
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The inaugural clash of this new stage is scheduled for Sunday, June 28th, at 4pm, in the city of Los Angeles. To guarantee a place in the knockout stages, teams need to be among the top two in their respective groups, in addition to the eight best third places in the general classification, which also advance.
First duels confirmed in the 16th round
The first games of the new direct elimination stage of the 2026 World Cup already have dates and times, with some opponents yet to be defined:
- 4pm – South Africa x Canada
- 2pm – Brazil x Japan
- 5:30 pm – Germany x 3rd place in Groups A/B/C/D/F
- 10pm – Netherlands x Morocco
- 2pm – Ivory Coast x 2nd place in Group I
- 6pm – 1st place in Group I x 3rd place in Groups C/D/F/G/H
- 10pm – Mexico x 3rd place in Groups C/E/F/H/I
- 1pm – 1st place in Group L x 3rd place in Groups E/H/I/J/K
- 5pm – 1st place in Group G x 3rd place in Groups A/E/H/I/J
- 9pm – United States x Bosnia
- 4pm – 1st place in Group H x 2nd place in Group J
- 8pm – 2nd place in Group K x 2nd place in Group L
- 00h – Switzerland x 3rd place in Groups E/F/G/I/J
- 3pm – Australia x 2nd place in Group G
- 7pm – Argentina x 2nd place in Group H
- 10:30 pm – 1st place in Group K x 3rd place in Groups D/E/I/J/L
