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    The elimination bracket for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is taking shape. It starts with the round of 32, which lasts from June 28 to July 3.

    What is the format of the World Cup knockouts?

    The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, together with the eight best third-place finishers, advance to the knockout round.

    The elimination phase begins with the round of 32, which was introduced at a World Cup following the tournament’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams.

    The quarterfinals, semifinals, and a third-place playoff will follow the round of 16. The final is on July 19.

    The tournament schedule is broken down into stages as follows:

    • Group stage: June 11 to June 27
    • Round of 32: June 28 to July 3
    • Round of 16: July 4-7
    • Quarterfinals: July 9-11
    • Semifinals: July 14-15
    • Bronze medal match: July 18
    • Final: July 19

    What are the rule changes for the tie-breaker criteria at the 2026 World Cup?

    2026-fifa-world-cup-standings
    Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    For the first time at a World Cup, FIFA has replaced goal difference with head-to-head records as the primary tiebreaker for teams tied on points.

    Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia, and Jordan have been eliminated because they were unable to catch the third-placed teams in their respective groups, having lost to them.

    Tiebreaker criterion for World Cup groups

    According to FIFA’s tournament rules, if two or more teams in the same group are tied on points at the end of the group stage, the ranking will be determined using the following criteria, in the order listed below:

    Step one: The highest number of points gained in group matches. The teams concerned had a higher goal difference in their group matches (head-to-head).

    The most goals scored in group matches between the teams (head-to-head).

    Step two: Superior goal difference over all group matchups. The highest number of goals scored across all group matches.

    Highest team conduct score (players and team officials) based on the number of yellow and red cards received.

    If the teams still cannot be separated, the following criteria apply:

    Step three: The two or more teams with the same number of points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA world rankings.

    The criteria for the top eight-rated teams

    The top eight clubs among those placed third will be decided as follows:

    • The highest number of points earned in all group matches.
    • Goal difference over all group matchups.
    • Most goals scored across all group matchups.

    The highest team conduct score (players and officials) is based on the number of yellow and red cards received in all group matches.

    The two or more teams with the same number of points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA world rankings.

    Which teams have reached the World Cup round of 32?

    Mexico (Group A)

    The co-hosts were the first to advance to the knockout round after defeating South Korea 1-0 on Thursday, June 18. The Mexicans began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in a tumultuous tournament opening.

    USA (Group D)

    The United States was the second team to advance to the knockout round, owing to a 2-0 victory over Australia on Friday, June 19, which put them atop Group D. The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 to start their campaign.

    Germany (Group E)

    On Saturday, June 20, Germany defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 to become the third team to advance to the round of 32. The Germans, who failed to go beyond the group stage in Russia 2018 and four years ago in Qatar, began their tournament with a 7-1 demolition of Curacao.

    Argentina (Group J)

    Argentina advanced to the last round with a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday, June 22, as Lionel Messi scored twice to become the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 18 goals.

    Argentina’s captain also scored his first hat-trick of the tournament in their 3-0 victory over Algeria. Argentina, the reigning champions, are guaranteed first place in Group J.

    France (Group I)

    Pre-tournament favourites France advanced to the round of 32 with a 3-0 win over Iraq later on Monday, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice. The 2018 world champions defeated Senegal 3-1 to begin their tournament, with Mbappe scoring twice.

    Norway (Group I)

    Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 in their second game of the competition, securing their spot in the knockout rounds. The Norwegians, who returned to the World Cup after 28 years, began their campaign with a 4-1 thrashing of Iraq.

    Which teams have been knocked out of the World Cup 2026?

    Haiti (Group C)

    Haiti was the first team to be eliminated from the World Cup after losing 3-0 to Brazil on Friday, June 19. In their first tournament since 1974, they fell 1-0 to Scotland in the first game.

    Turkey (Group D)

    Turkiye swiftly followed suit, withdrawing from the competition after a 1-0 loss to 10-man Paraguay later on Friday. They also suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to Australia in the first group match, their first appearance at the tournament in 24 years.

    Tunisia (Group F)

    Tunisia was the third team to be eliminated, falling 4-0 against Japan on Saturday, June 20. The defeat came shortly after they suffered a crushing 5-1 defeat to Sweden in the opening.

    Tunisia was the first African side to win a World Cup match, defeating Mexico in 1978, although they have never advanced past the group stage.

    Jordan, (Group J)

    Jordan, one of four debutants at the event, was eliminated on Monday, June 22, after losing 2-1 to Algeria in their second group encounter. The Asian team also fell 3-1 to Austria in their first game.

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