The knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is beginning to take shape, with the round of 32 set to commence on June 28 and run through July 3. This marks the first time a 48-team World Cup, expanded from 32, will feature a round of 32, leading into the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final.

The tournament's expanded format sees the top two teams from each of the 12 groups automatically qualify for the knockout phase. Additionally, the eight best third-placed teams will also advance, creating a 32-team knockout bracket. This new structure aims to provide more teams with the opportunity to compete on the global stage.

Several teams have already secured their passage to the next round. Lionel Messi's five goals in two matches have been pivotal in Argentina's progression. While specific team names advancing were not fully detailed in the provided material, the progression of major footballing nations is anticipated as the group stage concludes on June 27.

The implications of the expanded format and the new tie-breaker rules are significant. FIFA is prioritizing head-to-head records over goal difference as the primary tie-breaker for teams level on points, a change from previous tournaments. This could lead to more intricate group stage deciders and potentially alter the final standings.

This year's tournament has also seen its first eliminations. Haiti, Turkiye, Tunisia, Jordan, and Panama have been mathematically ruled out of contention for a third-place spot that would grant them passage to the knockouts. Their inability to advance underscores the competitive nature of the expanded group stage.

The tie-breaker criteria, designed to separate evenly matched teams, involve a tiered system. After points gained in group matches, the head-to-head record between tied teams, including points, goal difference, and goals scored in those specific matches, will be assessed first. Should teams remain inseparable, overall goal difference and goals scored across all group matches will be considered.

Further down the line, the highest team conduct score, based on yellow and red cards, will be used. If a tie persists even after these measures, FIFA's regulations indicate further steps, though the exact criteria for resolving such extreme scenarios were not fully detailed in the source material.

The schedule for the remainder of the tournament is clearly defined, with the round of 16 taking place from July 4-7, followed by the quarterfinals from July 9-11. The semifinals are slated for July 14-15, with the third-place playoff on July 18 and the final on July 19, concluding a month of intense global competition.