{"id":513,"date":"2026-06-28T08:57:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-28T08:57:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/?p=513"},"modified":"2026-06-28T08:57:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-28T08:57:22","slug":"fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/","title":{"rendered":"FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage: Format, Bracket, Schedule, Rules &amp; How It Works"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage<\/strong> marks the beginning of the tournament&#8217;s most exciting phase, where every match becomes a winner-takes-all battle. After an action-packed group stage featuring 48 teams, the world&#8217;s biggest football tournament now enters the knockout rounds, where a single defeat means elimination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, <strong>32 teams<\/strong> have qualified for the knockout stage under the expanded 48-team format. With an additional Round of 32, fans will enjoy more blockbuster matches, dramatic penalty shootouts, and unforgettable moments on the road to the final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this guide, you&#8217;ll learn everything about the <strong>FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage<\/strong>, including the format, bracket, match schedule, qualification rules, tie-break procedures, and title favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#Round_of_32_Schedule_Fixtures\" >Round of 32 Schedule &amp; Fixtures<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#Round_of_16_Fixtures_July_4%E2%80%937\" >Round of 16 Fixtures (July 4\u20137)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#Later_Stages_Overview\" >Later Stages Overview<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#How_Does_the_2026_World_Cup_Knockout_Stage_Work\" >How Does the 2026 World Cup Knockout Stage Work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#FIFA_World_Cup_2026_Knockout_Stage_Rules\" >FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Rules<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#The_Knockout_Bracket_Path_to_the_Final\" >The Knockout Bracket: Path to the Final<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#Knockout_Stage_Predictions_and_Favorites\" >Knockout Stage Predictions and Favorites<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#What_Makes_the_2026_Knockout_Stage_Special\" >What Makes the 2026 Knockout Stage Special?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#Tips_for_Following_the_Knockout_Stage\" >Tips for Following the Knockout Stage<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#FAQ_FIFA_World_Cup_2026_Knockout_Stage\" >FAQ: FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#What_is_the_format_of_the_2026_World_Cup_knockout_stage\" >What is the format of the 2026 World Cup knockout stage?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#When_does_the_knockout_stage_start_and_end\" >When does the knockout stage start and end?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#How_many_teams_advance_to_the_knockout_stage\" >How many teams advance to the knockout stage?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#Where_is_the_2026_World_Cup_final\" >Where is the 2026 World Cup final?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#Can_matches_end_in_a_draw_during_knockouts\" >Can matches end in a draw during knockouts?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Round_of_32_Schedule_Fixtures\"><\/span>Round of 32 Schedule &amp; Fixtures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s the complete Round of 32 in table format:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-accent-background-color has-background\"><thead><tr><th>Date<\/th><th>Match<\/th><th>Venue<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Sun, 28 June 2026<\/td><td>South Africa vs Canada<\/td><td>Los Angeles Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mon, 29 June 2026<\/td><td>Germany vs Paraguay<\/td><td>Boston Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mon, 29 June 2026<\/td><td>Netherlands vs Morocco<\/td><td>Estadio Monterrey<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mon, 29 June 2026<\/td><td>Brazil vs Japan<\/td><td>Houston Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tue, 30 June 2026<\/td><td>France vs Sweden<\/td><td>New York New Jersey Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tue, 30 June 2026<\/td><td>C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire vs Norway<\/td><td>Dallas Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tue, 30 June 2026<\/td><td>Mexico vs Ecuador<\/td><td>Mexico City Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wed, 1 July 2026<\/td><td>England vs Congo DR<\/td><td>Atlanta Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wed, 1 July 2026<\/td><td>USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/td><td>San Francisco Bay Area Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wed, 1 July 2026<\/td><td>Belgium vs Senegal<\/td><td>Seattle Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Thu, 2 July 2026<\/td><td>Portugal vs Croatia<\/td><td>Toronto Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Thu, 2 July 2026<\/td><td>Spain vs Austria<\/td><td>Los Angeles Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Thu, 2 July 2026<\/td><td>Switzerland vs Algeria<\/td><td>BC Place, Vancouver<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fri, 3 July 2026<\/td><td>Argentina vs Cabo Verde<\/td><td>Miami Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fri, 3 July 2026<\/td><td>Colombia vs Ghana<\/td><td>Kansas City Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fri, 3 July 2026<\/td><td>Australia vs Egypt<\/td><td>Dallas Stadium<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Round_of_16_Fixtures_July_4%E2%80%937\"><\/span>Round of 16 Fixtures (July 4\u20137)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-accent-background-color has-background\"><thead><tr><th>Date<\/th><th>Match (Winners from Round of 32)<\/th><th>Venue<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Sat, 4 July<\/td><td>Winner 74 vs Winner 77<\/td><td>Philadelphia Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sat, 4 July<\/td><td>Winner 73 vs Winner 75<\/td><td>Houston Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sun, 5 July<\/td><td>Winner 76 vs Winner 78<\/td><td>New York New Jersey<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sun, 5 July<\/td><td>Winner 79 vs Winner 80<\/td><td>Mexico City Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mon, 6 July<\/td><td>Winner 83 vs Winner 84<\/td><td>Dallas Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mon, 6 July<\/td><td>Winner 81 vs Winner 82<\/td><td>Seattle Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tue, 7 July<\/td><td>Winner 86 vs Winner 88<\/td><td>Atlanta Stadium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tue, 7 July<\/td><td>Winner 85 vs Winner 87<\/td><td>BC Place, Vancouver<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Later_Stages_Overview\"><\/span>Later Stages Overview<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quarter-finals<\/strong> (July 9\u201311): Winners of Round of 16 matches in four games. <br><strong>Semi-finals<\/strong> (July 14\u201315): Two matches at major venues (Dallas &amp; Atlanta). <br><strong>Third-Place Match<\/strong>: July 18, Miami Stadium. <br><strong>Final<\/strong>: July 19, MetLife Stadium, New York New Jersey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_the_2026_World_Cup_Knockout_Stage_Work\"><\/span>How Does the 2026 World Cup Knockout Stage Work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The knockout stage is pure single-elimination: lose once, and you&#8217;re out. No more group points or draws in the standings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Qualification to Knockouts<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Top 2 teams from each of the 12 groups (24 teams)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plus the 8 best third-placed teams across all groups<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This creates a 32-team field for the Round of 32.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Format Changes for 2026<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New Round of 32 (last 32 teams)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Followed by Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, Third-Place Match, and Final<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The bracket is fixed after the group stage to avoid teams from the same group meeting too early and to balance paths. Group winners generally face third-placed teams in the Round of 32, while some runners-up face each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FIFA_World_Cup_2026_Knockout_Stage_Rules\"><\/span>FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Rules<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding the rules helps you follow the drama:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>90 minutes of regular time<\/strong>: If tied, proceed to extra time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extra time<\/strong>: Two 15-minute halves (30 minutes total). Substitutions allowed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Penalty shootout<\/strong>: If still level after extra time, penalties decide the winner. This is the first time penalties appear in the tournament (no shootouts in groups).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No away goals rule<\/strong>: It&#8217;s a neutral-venue tournament.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>VAR and technology<\/strong>: Continues to ensure fair decisions in high-stakes matches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Third-place match<\/strong>: Played before the final to determine bronze medalists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Matches are played across iconic venues in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Knockout_Bracket_Path_to_the_Final\"><\/span>The Knockout Bracket: Path to the Final<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The bracket is designed for fairness. After the Round of 32, winners advance to the Round of 16 on July 4\u20137, with quarter-finals on July 9\u201311, semi-finals on July 14\u201315, the third-place match on July 18, and the <strong>final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium<\/strong> in New Jersey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One side of the bracket features powerhouses like Brazil, Germany, France, and England, while the other includes Argentina, Spain, Portugal, and others. The exact quarter-final and semi-final paths depend on who wins earlier matches, but the structure prevents early clashes between top teams from the same group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fans love filling out brackets \u2014 it&#8217;s a great way to engage with friends and family during the tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Knockout_Stage_Predictions_and_Favorites\"><\/span>Knockout Stage Predictions and Favorites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Predicting the World Cup is always challenging, but here are insights based on current form and historical performance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Top Contenders<\/strong>: France, Brazil, Spain, England, Argentina, and Germany remain strong favorites to reach the later stages. France has been dominant, while Brazil and Argentina bring attacking flair.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dark Horses<\/strong>: Hosts USA and Mexico could benefit from home support. Teams like Netherlands, Portugal, and Belgium have the experience to go far.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential Upsets<\/strong>: Third-placed teams like Sweden or Paraguay entering the knockouts can be dangerous, as seen in past tournaments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early expert models give Spain and France high chances, but one bad day in knockouts can end a campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watch for star players shining under pressure \u2014 moments like these define World Cup legends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Makes_the_2026_Knockout_Stage_Special\"><\/span>What Makes the 2026 Knockout Stage Special?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The expanded format means more matches, more teams, and more opportunities for surprising runs. With 32 knockout games, fans get nearly two weeks of non-stop action. The inclusion of more nations from all confederations adds global flavor and competitive balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Venues like MetLife, SoFi, and Azteca (or equivalents) will host electric atmospheres, boosting dwell time for viewers glued to screens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_Following_the_Knockout_Stage\"><\/span>Tips for Following the Knockout Stage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Track live scores and highlights on official FIFA apps or trusted broadcasters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use bracket predictors to simulate outcomes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pay attention to fatigue \u2014 teams playing extra time and penalties may struggle in subsequent rounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enjoy the third-place match; it&#8217;s often an open, entertaining game.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-bd-time-schedule-pdf\/\">FIFA World Cup 2026 Bangladesh Time Schedule PDF \u2013 Full Match Fixtures in BST<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_FIFA_World_Cup_2026_Knockout_Stage\"><\/span>FAQ: FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1782635570747\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_format_of_the_2026_World_Cup_knockout_stage\"><\/span><strong>What is the format of the 2026 World Cup knockout stage?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It starts with a Round of 32 (32 teams), then Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, third-place match, and final. All matches are single-elimination with extra time and penalties if needed.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1782636279875\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_does_the_knockout_stage_start_and_end\"><\/span><strong>When does the knockout stage start and end?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It begins on June 28, 2026, with the Round of 32 and concludes with the final on July 19, 2026.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1782636305392\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_teams_advance_to_the_knockout_stage\"><\/span><strong>How many teams advance to the knockout stage?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>32 teams: 24 from group tops\/tops (1st and 2nd) plus 8 best third-placed teams.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1782636323871\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_is_the_2026_World_Cup_final\"><\/span><strong>Where is the 2026 World Cup final?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.metlifestadium.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MetLife Stadium<\/a> in East Rutherford, New Jersey (New York New Jersey area).<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1782636337724\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_matches_end_in_a_draw_during_knockouts\"><\/span><strong>Can matches end in a draw during knockouts?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No \u2014 tied matches go to extra time and then penalties. There are no draws in the knockout phase.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage promises thrilling football as the world&#8217;s best teams battle for glory in a high-pressure, winner-takes-all environment. Whether you&#8217;re a casual fan or a dedicated follower, this is where legends are made and hearts are broken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay tuned for every goal, save, and penalty. Who will lift the trophy on July 19? Share your predictions in the comments and enjoy the beautiful game!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage marks the beginning of the tournament&#8217;s most exciting phase, where every match becomes a winner-takes-all battle. After an action-packed group stage featuring 48 teams, the world&#8217;s biggest football tournament now enters the knockout rounds, where a single defeat means elimination. For the first time in FIFA World Cup &#8230; <a title=\"FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage: Format, Bracket, Schedule, Rules &amp; How It Works\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/fifa-world-cup-2026-knockout-stage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage: Format, Bracket, Schedule, Rules &amp; How It Works\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":515,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[21],"class_list":["post-513","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-football","tag-fifa-world-cup"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/513","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=513"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/513\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":516,"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/513\/revisions\/516"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/515"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=513"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=513"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=513"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}