The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded on June 28, 2026, after 72 matches played over 15 days across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded tournament, featuring 48 teams for the first time, saw 32 nations advance to the round of 16, the first knockout round.
Notable teams advancing include defending champions Argentina, host nations USA, Canada, and Mexico, as well as traditional powers Brazil, Germany, France, and Spain. Surprise qualifiers include Morocco, who topped their group, and debutants Canada, who secured a knockout spot.
The round of 16 matches begin on June 29, 2026, with the first match scheduled at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The knockout stage will continue through to the final on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium.
FIFA confirmed the match schedule and venues for the round of 16 on June 28, with all matches to be played across 12 stadiums in the three host nations. The tournament has drawn record attendance, with over 3 million tickets sold for group stage matches.
