South Korea2nd · Grp A
Switzerland2nd · Grp B
2026 FIFA World Cup
Knockout Bracket & Predictor
Follow your team's road to the final. Built live from the group standings — every slot upgrades to the real team the moment it is decided. Who qualifies, who they meet next, when and where.
32 teams31 knockout tiesJul 19 final
Projected to lift the trophy
Spain
SpainOur model's pick based on the current standings and FIFA ranking. It re-runs after every result.
The expanded 2026 World Cup ends in a 32-team knockout: the top two from all 12 groups plus the eight best third-placed teams. Below is the complete official bracket — fixed dates, venues and progression — with teams projected from the live standings and FIFA ranking. Jump to any round: Round of 32, Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final.
Confirmed — real team locked inPrediction — projected from standings✓Qualified for the knockouts
Good to know
Knockout bracket FAQ
How does the 2026 World Cup knockout bracket work?
The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, plus the eight best third-placed teams, make a 32-team knockout. From the Round of 32 it is single elimination: Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium.
Can I see my team's route to the final?
Yes — use 'Follow your team' to pick any side and trace its projected road: the Round-of-32 opponent, then round by round to the final, with dates and venues. Each step locks to the real opponent once that match is decided.
Are these match-ups confirmed or predicted?
The bracket structure, dates and venues are official and fixed by FIFA. The teams are projected from the live group standings until the group stage ends — each slot flips to the real team automatically once it is decided.
How are the best third-placed teams chosen?
All 12 third-placed teams are ranked together by points, goal difference, goals scored and goals conceded. The eight best advance and are slotted against group winners using FIFA's predetermined combination table.
