World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage: Why the USMNT’s Historic Run Faces Its Ultimate Test

Knockout Stage Begins at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to a close, and now the tournament is in its knockout phase. The round of 32 is currently underway, with several teams advancing to the round of 16. Among them are the co-hosts Canada and Mexico. The United States will have a chance to follow suit when it faces Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday. Here’s a breakdown of the key matches happening on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

Wednesday’s Round of 32 Matches

England vs. DR Congo

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Time: 9 a.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo

England entered the knockout stage unbeaten but showed signs of sluggishness during the group stage. They drew 0-0 with Ghana and required two second-half goals to beat Panama. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have been instrumental, combining for five of England’s six goals. Jordan Pickford has remained solid between the posts, not conceding a goal since the first half of their opening game.

On the other side, the Democratic Republic of the Congo made history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1974. They advanced by defeating Uzbekistan with three second-half goals.

Belgium vs. Senegal

Where: Lumen Field, Seattle
Time: 1 p.m.
TV: FS1, Telemundo

Belgium, which was unbeaten in the group stage, scored its first goal of the tournament in a 5-1 win over New Zealand. This secured their top spot in the group and a place in the knockout rounds, something they failed to achieve in 2022.

Senegal started with two losses but bounced back with a 5-0 victory over Iraq, giving them the best goal differential among third-place teams. This allowed them to advance to the next stage.

U.S. vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
Time: 5 p.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo

The U.S. won its group, marking the first time they have won twice in the first round since 1930. However, they have only one win beyond the group stage in their history and have not beaten a European team in 12 tries since November 2022.

Bosnia-Herzegovina advanced to the knockout stage for the first time after beating Qatar in their group-stage finale. Ermin Mahmic has contributed two of the team’s five goals.

Thursday’s Round of 32 Matches

Spain vs. Austria

Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
Time: Noon
TV: Fox, Telemundo

Spain did not allow any goals in the group stage, with goalkeeper Unai Simón making just four saves in three shutouts. However, their offensive output was limited, scoring only once outside of a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.

Austria needed a last-minute goal to draw Algeria and finish second in its group, earning a spot in the second round for the first time since 1982. Marko Arnautovic has been key, scoring two of the team’s six goals.

Portugal vs. Croatia

Where: BMO Field, Toronto
Time: 4 p.m.
TV: FS1, Telemundo

This match could be called the “Geritol Cup” due to the age of some players. Portugal, unbeaten in the group stage, finished second with Cristiano Ronaldo becoming the second-oldest male to score in a World Cup. Croatia saw Luka Modric become the oldest player in history to record a World Cup assist.

Croatia, known for reaching the semifinals in the last two tournaments, is looking to continue its success, while Portugal aims to give Ronaldo the one title he’s missing.

Switzerland vs. Algeria

Where: BC Place, Vancouver
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: FS1, Telemundo

Switzerland advanced to the knockout stage for the first time since 2006 after holding off Canada. Midfielder Johan Manzambi, at just 20 years old, has scored three of the team’s seven goals.

Algeria advanced as a third-place team after drawing Austria. Riyad Mahrez, at 35, scored a brace in that game and leads the team with two goals.

Friday’s Round of 32 Matches

Australia vs. Egypt

Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Time: 11 a.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo

Australia finished second in its group behind the U.S. but struggled in the knockout stage, going 195 minutes without a goal. This is the first time since 1974 that the Socceroos have gone scoreless in consecutive World Cup games.

Egypt, also unbeaten in its group, advanced via a goal-differential tiebreaker. Five different players have scored for the Pharaohs, who are playing in the second round for the first time.

Argentina vs. Cape Verde

Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.
Time: 3 p.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo

Argentina has maintained an unbeaten streak of nine games, the longest under one coach since 1986. Lionel Messi extended his record by scoring in seven consecutive World Cup games. He is tied with Kylian Mbappé for the Golden Boot, having scored six of Argentina’s eight goals.

Cape Verde, making its World Cup debut, advanced to the knockout stage with three straight draws. Vozinha, the 40-year-old keeper, kept two clean sheets. It is the smallest country ever to advance from the group stage.

Colombia vs. Ghana

Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo

Colombia advanced as the group winner but scored just once in its final two games. Goalkeeper Camilo Vargas made just five saves. Ghana, returning to the knockout stage for the first time since 2010, advanced as a third-place team.