The World Cup 2026 has officially begun its knockout phase, with matches taking place on Tuesday, June 30. This marks the first time in history that the tournament will be held across three countries—Mexico, Canada, and the United States—and also features an expanded format with 48 participating teams. The increased number of teams has led to more matches overall, totaling 104 games, compared to previous editions. Unlike past tournaments where the quarterfinals were the initial stage of the knockout rounds, this year’s competition begins with the Round of 16, as the top two teams from each of the twelve groups, along with the eight best third-place finishers, advance directly to this stage.
The opening day of the knockout phase includes three matches scheduled for Tuesday evening. The first game kicks off at 7:00 PM Spanish peninsula time between Ivory Coast and Norway. Later that night, France faces Sweden at 11:00 PM, followed by a match at 3:00 AM between Mexico and Ecuador. These fixtures highlight the global nature of the tournament, bringing together teams from diverse regions and backgrounds.
In Spain, viewers have multiple options to follow these matches. All World Cup matches are broadcast exclusively on DAZN, which is available through subscription platforms such as Movistar Plus+ and Orange TV. Additionally, public broadcaster Televisión Española (TVE) will air all matches involving the Spanish national team, as well as the most notable game of each day, including the ones on Tuesday, until the final. For the specific matches on Tuesday, the Ivory Coast vs. Norway game will be shown on DAZN Mundial, while the France vs. Sweden encounter will be broadcast on both La 1 and DAZN Mundial. The Mexico vs. Ecuador match will also be available via DAZN Mundial.
This edition of the World Cup sees several new participants making their debut in the knockout stages. Among them are Uzbekistan, Jordan, Cape Verde, and Curaçao. Notably, Cape Verde managed to progress beyond the group stage, becoming the only one of these newcomers to achieve that feat. Meanwhile, some traditional footballing nations have been absent for consecutive years, with Italy missing for the third straight time and Nigeria for the second. Other notable absences include Costa Rica, Denmark, Serbia, Poland, and Cameroon, despite their participation in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams has brought about significant changes in how the competition is structured. With more teams qualifying, the knockout stage starts earlier than usual, allowing for a longer duration of the tournament. This change has also meant that the qualification process involves more matches, with teams needing to perform consistently over a longer period to secure a spot in the finals.
As the World Cup progresses into its knockout phase, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the matches that will determine who advances further in the competition. The presence of emerging teams alongside established powerhouses adds an element of unpredictability to the tournament, making it even more exciting for spectators. The combination of new venues, increased participation, and a broader geographic spread ensures that the 2026 World Cup promises to be a unique and memorable event in the history of international football.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift towards the upcoming matches and the potential upsets they might bring. As teams battle for progression, the narrative of the tournament continues to evolve, offering fans a compelling story throughout the remainder of the competition.
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