World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage: Results, Fixtures & Key Insights

World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Overview

The knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup has been full of surprises and intense moments. Spain has already secured a spot in the final after a commanding 2–0 victory over France in the first semi-final. Tonight, England faces Argentina in Atlanta to decide who will meet La Roja on Sunday. The losing team will contend with France for third place.

Round of 32 Highlights

• South Africa vs Canada: Canada won 1–0 with a late goal by Eustáquio at 90+2 minutes at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood.
• Brazil vs Japan: Brazil edged Japan 2–1 thanks to goals from Casemiro and Martinelli at NRG Stadium, Houston.
• Germany vs Paraguay: A 1–1 draw after extra time with Havertz scoring for Germany and Enciso for Paraguay at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough.
• Netherlands vs Morocco: Also 1–1 after extra time; Gakpo netted for Netherlands and Diop for Morocco at Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe.
• Ivory Coast vs Norway: Norway triumphed 2–1 with Haaland scoring a late winner at AT&T Stadium, Arlington.
• France vs Sweden: France dominated 3–0 with Mbappé scoring twice and Barcola once at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford.
• Mexico vs Ecuador: Mexico claimed a 2–0 victory at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
• England vs DR Congo: England advanced 2–1 with two goals from Kane at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.
• Belgium vs Senegal: Belgium won 3–2 in extra time at Lumen Field, Seattle.
• United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: The US won 2–0 at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara.
• Spain vs Austria: Spain won 3–0 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood.
• Portugal vs Croatia: Portugal squeezed past Croatia 2–1 at BMO Field, Toronto.
• Switzerland vs Algeria: Switzerland secured a 2–0 win at BC Place, Vancouver.
• Australia vs Egypt: A 1–1 draw after extra time at AT&T Stadium, Arlington.
• Argentina vs Cape Verde: Argentina prevailed 3–2 in extra time at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens.
• Colombia vs Ghana: Colombia edged out Ghana 1–0 at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City.

Round of 16 Results

• Canada vs Morocco: Morocco dominated 3–0 at NRG Stadium, Houston.
• Paraguay vs France: France narrowly won 1–0 on a penalty by Mbappé at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.
• Brazil vs Norway: Norway shocked Brazil 2–1 with Haaland scoring twice at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford.
• Mexico vs England: England edged Mexico 3–2 with late goals at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
• Portugal vs Spain: Spain clinched a late 1–0 win at AT&T Stadium, Arlington.
• United States vs Belgium: Belgium won convincingly 4–1 at Lumen Field, Seattle.
• Argentina vs Egypt: Argentina narrowly beat Egypt 3–2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.
• Switzerland vs Colombia: A goalless draw after extra time at BC Place, Vancouver.

Quarter-finals Summary

• France vs Morocco: France won 2–0 at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough.
• Spain vs Belgium: Spain advanced 2–1 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood.
• Norway vs England: England edged Norway 2–1 after extra time at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens.
• Argentina vs Switzerland: Argentina won 3–1 after extra time at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City.

Semi-finals Update

• France vs Spain: Spain secured a 2–0 win with goals from Oyarzabal and Porro at AT&T Stadium, Arlington.
• England vs Argentina: Set for tonight at 8:00pm BST at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.

Third-Place Play-off & Final Schedule

• Third Place: France versus the loser of England vs Argentina, July, 10:00pm BST at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens.
• Final: Spain versus the winner of England vs Argentina, July, 8:00pm BST at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford.

Key Betting Observations

Spain has been the most consistent side. Led by Luis de la Fuente, they have never trailed in knockout games. Their tight defense allowed only two goals in five matches while scoring in every knockout fixture.

Jude Bellingham stands out for England. His knack for scoring crucial late goals helped England survive tough knockout ties. Yet, their pattern of scraping through shows some vulnerability.

Argentina displays strong attacking depth but has faced several close calls, with three knockout games needing extra time. Messi remains key but the physical demands might affect their upcoming match against England.

Erling Haaland was the deadliest scorer before Norway’s exit, netting clutch goals in the final minutes of matches against Ivory Coast and Brazil. France will likely focus heavily on containing him in the third-place game.

France must manage morale for the third-place game after a heavy semi-final loss to Spain. Despite their talent and Mbappé’s five goals, bouncing back could be a challenge.

Author Profile

Sofia is a Madrid-based sports journalist with a Master's in Sports Journalism. Beginning her career at Marca, she covered La Liga extensively. Now writing for Tips.GG, Sofia offers continental perspectives on football, focusing on tactical details and emotional stories. An Atlético Madrid fan, she also creates the award-winning "Beyond the Touchline" blog series exploring football’s cultural impact. Outside journalism, she enjoys tennis and capturing fan culture through photography.