The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered its most exciting phase, with the expanded 48-teams tournament delivering thrilling matches from the Round of 32 to the semi-finals.
The first semi-final has already produced a finalist, as Spain defeated France 2-0 to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final. Meanwhile, England and Argentina are set to contest the second semi-final for the remaining place in the championship match.
Here’s everything you need to know about the knockout stage, including complete results, upcoming fixtures, and the road to the final.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Overview
| Stage | Status |
|---|---|
| Round of 32 | Completed |
| Round of 16 | Completed |
| Quarter-finals | Completed |
| Semi-finals | One completed |
| Third-place Playoff | Upcoming |
| Final | Upcoming |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 14 July 2026 | France vs Spain | Spain 2-0 France |
| 15 July 2026 | England vs Argentina | Upcoming |
Spain became the first team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Final after producing an impressive performance against France.
The second semi-final promises another blockbuster clash as England take on reigning world champions Argentina.
Quarter-Final Results
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 11 July | Argentina vs Switzerland | Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (AET) |
| 11 July | Norway vs England | England 2-1 Norway (AET) |
| 10 July | Spain vs Belgium | Spain 2-1 Belgium |
| 9 July | France vs Morocco | France 2-0 Morocco |
The quarter-finals featured two matches that required extra time, highlighting the fine margins separating the world’s best teams.
Round of 16 Results
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 7 July | Switzerland vs Colombia | 0-0 (Switzerland won 4-3 on penalties) |
| 7 July | Argentina vs Egypt | Argentina 3-2 Egypt |
| 6 July | United States vs Belgium | Belgium 4-1 USA |
| 6 July | Portugal vs Spain | Spain 1-0 Portugal |
| 5 July | Mexico vs England | England 3-2 Mexico |
| 5 July | Brazil vs Norway | Norway 2-1 Brazil |
| 4 July | France vs Paraguay | France 1-0 Paraguay |
| 4 July | Canada vs Morocco | Morocco 3-0 Canada |
The Round of 16 delivered several memorable moments, including Norway’s upset victory over Brazil and Switzerland’s dramatic penalty shootout win against Colombia.
Round of 32 Results
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 3 July | Colombia vs Ghana | Colombia 1-0 Ghana |
| 3 July | Argentina vs Cabo Verde | Argentina 3-2 (AET) |
| 3 July | Australia vs Egypt | 1-1 (Egypt won 4-2 on penalties) |
| 2 July | Switzerland vs Algeria | Switzerland 2-0 Algeria |
| 2 July | Spain vs Austria | Spain 3-0 Austria |
| 2 July | Portugal vs Croatia | Portugal 2-1 Croatia |
| 1 July | USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina | USA 2-0 Bosnia |
| 1 July | Belgium vs Senegal | Belgium 3-2 (AET) |
| 1 July | England vs DR Congo | England 2-1 DR Congo |
| 30 June | Mexico vs Ecuador | Mexico 2-0 Ecuador |
| 30 June | France vs Sweden | France 3-0 Sweden |
| 30 June | Ivory Coast vs Norway | Norway 2-1 Ivory Coast |
| 29 June | Netherlands vs Morocco | 1-1 (Morocco won 3-2 on penalties) |
| 29 June | Germany vs Paraguay | 1-1 (Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties) |
| 29 June | Brazil vs Japan | Brazil 2-1 Japan |
| 28 June | South Africa vs Canada | Canada 1-0 South Africa |
The newly introduced Round of 32 added even more excitement to the expanded World Cup format, giving fans additional knockout drama before the traditional Round of 16.
Upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Fixtures
| Stage | Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-final | 15 July | England vs Argentina | Atlanta Stadium |
| Third-place Playoff | 18 July | France vs Loser of ENG/ARG | Miami Stadium |
| Final | 19 July | Spain vs Winner of ENG/ARG | New York New Jersey Stadium |
Spain Reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
Spain have been one of the tournament’s most consistent teams.
Their knockout journey includes:
- Round of 32: Spain 3-0 Austria
- Round of 16: Spain 1-0 Portugal
- Quarter-final: Spain 2-1 Belgium
- Semi-final: Spain 2-0 France
Spain have conceded very few goals while maintaining an effective attacking style, making them deserving finalists.
Who Will Join Spain in the Final?
The second semi-final between England and Argentina features two football powerhouses with contrasting styles.
England have shown resilience, winning back-to-back knockout matches after extra time.
Argentina, meanwhile, continue their title defense with an experienced squad and have overcome difficult opponents throughout the tournament.
The winner will face Spain in the FIFA World Cup Final on 19 July 2026.
FAQ:
Spain became the first finalist team after defeating France 2-0 in the first semi-final of FIFA 2026.
The FIFA 2026 final is scheduled on 19 July 2026 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Spain will face the winner of the England vs Argentina semi-final.
The third-place playoff will be played on 18 July 2026 in Miami.
Spain, France, England, and Argentina.
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