If you're hunting for the 2026 World Cup knockout round TV schedule, game previews and results, you've hit the right spot because the single-elimination chaos is officially underway. The expanded 48-team format promised absolute drama. It delivered immediately. Giants are already dead. Heavyweights are sweating.
Forget about predictable bracket templates. The round of 32 shredded everyone's office pools within forty-eight hours. We have already seen massive soccer empires collapse while historic underdogs punch their tickets to the round of 16. If you plan to watch the rest of this tournament unfold across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, you need to know who plays when, where to watch them, and what to expect from the remaining fixtures.
Here is your clear, unfiltered look at the current state of play.
Live Results and Shocking Exits From the Round of 32
The initial days of the knockout phase provided pure theater. Nobody expected Germany to pack their bags this early. The four-time world champions ran into a stubborn Paraguay squad in Foxborough. After drawing -1 following extra time, the Germans collapsed in a dramatic penalty shootout, missing three spot-kicks. Paraguay held their nerve to win the shootout 4-3. It was Germany's first-ever loss in a World Cup penalty shootout. Think about that history.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands met a similar fate. They drew 1-1 against Morocco, and the African side completely outplayed them in the subsequent shootout to win 3-2.
Co-hosts Canada made their own history. They locked down a tense 1-0 victory over South Africa in extra time thanks to a 92nd-minute strike from Stephen Eustáquio. It marks Canada's first-ever knockout stage win at a men's World Cup, sparking wild celebrations across the country.
Other heavyweights survived by the skin of their teeth. Brazil looked incredibly vulnerable against a disciplined Japan side. It took a 95th-minute winner from Gabriel Martinelli to break Japanese hearts and seal a 2-1 win for Seleção. France had an easier time, dismantling Sweden 3-0 behind a masterclass from Kylian Mbappé. Norway edged past Ivory Coast 2-1, with Erling Haaland inevitably netting the decisive goal in the 86th minute. Finally, co-hosts Mexico controlled their destiny with a convincing 2-0 win over Ecuador in front of a rocking Mexico City crowd.
The 2026 World Cup Knockout Round TV Schedule and Previews
The games are coming fast. All broadcasts in the United States are split between Fox, FS1, and Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo, with streaming available on Peacock and Fox Sports One. All times listed below are Pacific Time to help you coordinate your viewing schedule.
Wednesday July 1 Matches
England vs DR Congo. This is a historic first meeting between these two nations. The Three Lions sailed through the group phase without a loss, but they looked incredibly sluggish doing it. They failed to score in a boring draw with Ghana and needed late goals to put away Panama. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham carry the entire attacking burden right now. DR Congo enters this match with house money. They reached the knockouts for the first time since 1974 by defeating Uzbekistan. Catch this at 9 a.m. Pacific on Fox and Telemundo, live from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Belgium vs Senegal. Two physical powerhouses clash at Seattle Stadium. Belgium advanced after a spectacular brace from Leandro Trossard in their final group match, but Senegal presents a terrifying physical challenge. The African side has a history of ruining European dreams. This kicks off at 1 p.m. Pacific on Fox and Telemundo.
USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Americans face a defining test at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Christian Pulisic and company have the home crowd advantage, but Bosnia is a tactical nightmare to break down. If the USMNT leaves gaps in transition, they will go home early. Watch it at 5 p.m. Pacific on FS1 and Telemundo.
Thursday July 2 Matches
Spain vs Austria. La Roja dominated Group H, finishing with a perfect defensive record. They face an Austrian squad that loves to press high and disrupt rhythm. This match takes place at Los Angeles Stadium at 12 p.m. Pacific on Fox and Telemundo.
Portugal vs Croatia. A European classic in Toronto. Cristiano Ronaldo's squad takes on Luka Modric and his veteran Croatian core. It is likely the final World Cup knockout run for both icons. Expect a chess match. This streams and broadcasts at 4 p.m. Pacific on Fox and Telemundo.
Switzerland vs Algeria. Two highly organized teams face off at BC Place in Vancouver. The Swiss are notoriously tough to beat in early knockout rounds, but Algeria brings immense technical quality. This starts late at 8 p.m. Pacific on FS1 and Telemundo.
Friday July 3 Matches
Australia vs Egypt. The Socceroos travel to Dallas for a date with Egypt. Australia relies heavily on set pieces and defensive grit. Egypt will counter with speed. This begins at 11 a.m. Pacific on Fox and Telemundo.
Argentina vs Cabo Verde. The defending world champions face the ultimate tournament darling. Cape Verde is the smallest nation to ever reach the World Cup knockouts, qualifying out of Group H after a heroic draw with Saudi Arabia. Lionel Messi and Argentina cannot afford to look past them. This kicks off at 3 p.m. Pacific on Fox and Telemundo from Miami Stadium.
Colombia vs Ghana. A spectacular tactical match in Kansas City. Colombia's creative midfield will go head-to-head with Ghana's explosive wingers. This locks down the Friday schedule at 6:30 p.m. Pacific on FS1 and Telemundo.
What Most Analysts Miss About the Expanded Bracket
People keep complaining that 48 teams watered down the tournament. They are wrong. It actually amplified the stress.
Top teams used to coast through the groups knowing a minor slip-up wouldn't kill them. Now, because of the extra round of 32, one bad day sends you home before the tournament even feels real. Look at Germany. Look at the Netherlands. They expected a smooth path. They got a ticket home instead.
The travel factor is also brutal. Teams are flying between Vancouver, Miami, and Mexico City. Recovery times are shorter. Squad depth matters more than individual superstar talent. If a coach refuses to rotate players, their team will collapse by the hour mark in these high-altitude host cities.
Your Immediate Next Steps for Following the Tournament
Do not rely on outdated bracket apps that fail to update during live shootouts. Set your DVR for the early morning games if you live on the West Coast. Make sure your Peacock subscription is active if you prefer the Spanish commentary feed, which has been vastly superior in terms of energy and tactical analysis during this cycle.
The round of 16 matchups start locking in this weekend. Canada is already there. Mexico is there. Brazil and France are waiting. The road to the final at MetLife Stadium is wide open, and the traditional powers no longer hold all the cards. Keep your eyes on the schedule. Turn on television notifications. Do not blink.
