The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its knockout phase after the group stage concluded on Saturday night. Thirty-two teams remain, with matches set to begin Sunday in Los Angeles, where South Africa face co-hosts Canada. The tournament, spread across North America, will see European sides tested early as they pursue continental glory.
European Contenders and Their Paths
France, under Didier Deschamps, have been dominant, scoring ten goals in group wins over Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, have each scored four times. Les Bleus face Sweden, coached by Englishman Graham Potter, in the round of 32. A potential round-of-16 matchup against Germany looms, with Spain possibly awaiting in the semifinals. France's form has been impressive, but the knockout stage will test their depth.
Reigning European champions Spain entered as bookmakers' favorites but drew 0-0 with World Cup debutants Cape Verde in their opener. They recovered with a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia and a 1-0 victory against Uruguay to top their group. Spain face Austria next, with a potential clash against Portugal in the round of 16. Portugal, coached by Roberto Martínez, drew 1-1 with DR Congo and failed to score against Colombia before a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. The squad boasts a strong midfield—Vitinha, João Neves, and Bruno Fernandes—but questions remain about 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo's inclusion after he scored twice against Uzbekistan.
England, led by Thomas Tuchel, topped Group L and face DR Congo in the round of 32. A quarterfinal against Brazil is possible, but England must first overcome Mexico or Ecuador. Brazil, five-time champions, meet Japan before a potential matchup with Norway or Ivory Coast. Germany, four-time winners, have scored ten goals and face Paraguay. The Netherlands, also with ten goals, take on Morocco.
Key Stats and Performers
Lionel Messi leads the Golden Boot race with six goals for Argentina, who topped Group J and face Cape Verde. France's Mbappé and Dembélé, Brazil's Vinícius Júnior, and Norway's Erling Haaland are on four goals each. Germany, France, and the Netherlands have each scored ten goals. FIFA's Power Rankings, which rate players on attacking, creativity, and defending, have Germany's Deniz Undav as the tournament's top performer with three goals and two assists in just 106 minutes.
Argentina, the defending champions, have a favorable path to the semifinals, facing Cape Verde then Australia or Egypt, with Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia, or Ghana in the quarterfinals. The knockout stage promises high drama as European teams aim to assert their dominance.
For more on the tournament, see our analysis of which third-place teams advanced and coverage of Belgium's dominant win over New Zealand.
