when does world cup elimination round start

June 28, 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup elimination round starts on June 28, 2026. The knockout phase begins with the new Round of 32 and runs through the final on July 19, 2026.

Quick Scoop

Start date: June 28, 2026.

Format: single-elimination from the Round of 32 onward.

Group stage ends: June 27, 2026.

What that means

Once the group stage ends, the top teams advance and every match becomes do- or-die. That makes June 28 the first day fans can watch the elimination round in the 2026 tournament.

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<table>
  <tr><th>Stage</th><th>Date</th></tr>
  <tr><td>Group stage ends</td><td>June 27, 2026</td></tr>
  <tr><td>Elimination round starts</td><td>June 28, 2026</td></tr>
  <tr><td>Round of 32</td><td>June 28 – July 3, 2026</td></tr>
</table>

The short version: June 28, 2026.