when does the fifa world cup round of 16 start?
The FIFA World Cup round of 16 starts on Saturday, July 4, 2026, and runs through Tuesday, July 7, 2026. The first knockout games in that round begin right after the round of 32 ends on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Quick Scoop
- Start date: July 4, 2026.
- End date: July 7, 2026.
- The round follows the knockout-stage opener window from June 28 to July 3.
What that means
If you’re tracking a specific team, its round of 16 match will fall somewhere in that July 4–7 window depending on the bracket placement. For example, some reports noted Canada’s round of 16 match is scheduled for July 4 in Houston.
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Round of 32 | June 28 to July 3, 2026 |
| Round of 16 | July 4 to July 7, 2026 |