when does world cup knockout round start

The 2026 World Cup knockout round starts on June 28, 2026 , with the Round of 32 beginning the day after the group stage ends.

Schedule

• Group stage ends: June 27, 2026.

• Knockout stage begins: June 28, 2026.

• First knockout round: Round of 32.

Quick note

For the U.S., one report says its Round of 32 match is set for July 1 at Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area.