FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026
Knockout Stage

Track the path from the Round of 32 down to the Final. Matchups will be locked in once the group stage is complete.

Group Stage Knockout Bracket

Round of 32

Round of 16

Quarter Finals

Semi Finals

Third Place Playoff

Final


How the FIFA World Cup Knockout Stage Works

The knockout stage is a single-elimination format. Every match is decisive — the winner advances, and the loser is eliminated from the tournament.

1 Single-Elimination Format

  • Each match is played between two teams
  • The winner advances to the next round
  • The loser is eliminated from the tournament

There are no points or group rankings at this stage.

2 What Happens If a Match is Drawn?

If a knockout match ends in a draw after 90 minutes:

  • Extra Time: 30 minutes (two 15-min halves) are played
  • Penalty Shootout: Each team takes 5 penalties — if still tied, sudden death decides the winner

3 Knockout Rounds

The knockout stage includes the following rounds — each round reduces the number of teams until only two remain in the Final:

  • Round of 32
  • Round of 16
  • Quarter-finals
  • Semi-finals
  • Third-place Play-off
  • Final

4 Third-Place Match

  • Played between the two losing semi-finalists
  • Determines the 3rd and 4th place in the tournament
  • Does NOT affect who wins the World Cup

5 The Final

  • Winners of the two semi-finals face each other
  • The winner becomes the FIFA World Cup Champion
  • If drawn → extra time → penalties

Simple Summary

  • Win = advance
  • Lose = eliminated
  • Draw = extra time → penalties
  • No points system
  • Final decides the champion