World Cup 2026 simulator maps 495 possible knockout routes
The expanded 48-team tournament will feature a 32-side knockout phase, with a new simulator illustrating how group finishing positions determine opponents across 495 bracket combinations.
France
World Cup 2026: France and Messi Dominate Group Stage as Knockout Phase Begins
France and Argentina head into the last 16 as leading contenders, with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi delivering headline performances during a group phase that saw Mexico achieve perfection.
Nagelsmann weighs changes as Germany prepare for Paraguay knockout test
Julian Nagelsmann is considering tactical adjustments for Germany’s World Cup last-32 meeting with Paraguay on Monday, as the 2014 champions return to knockout football after a 12-year absence.
USMNT drawn against Bosnia and Herzegovina in World Cup Round of 32
Mauricio Pochettino’s tournament hosts begin their knockout phase journey against World Cup debutants Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara on 1 July.
Dembélé hat-trick drives France as Cape Verde make World Cup history
France maintained their perfect World Cup record with a 4-1 win over Norway thanks to an Ousmane Dembélé hat-trick, while Cape Verde reached the knockouts at their first tournament.
2026 World Cup: Predicted Lineups Revealed for the Round of 32
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup heads into the Round of 32, we look at the predicted lineups for key contenders, including African giants and global superstars.
Milan Agree Record €70m Ramos Deal, Como Secure Paz from Real Madrid
AC Milan are poised to complete a club-record €70 million deal for Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain, while Como have beaten Inter to secure Nico Paz from Real Madrid for €60 million.
Netherlands Draw Morocco as World Cup Round of 32 Fixtures Confirmed
The 2026 World Cup knockout phase is taking shape with five Round of 32 fixtures confirmed, including a heavyweight meeting between the Netherlands and Morocco at Estadio Monterrey.
Dembélé hat-trick secures top spot for France as Norway rotate heavily
Ousmane Dembélé scored a first-half hat-trick as France defeated a much-changed Norway 4-1 in Boston to win World Cup Group I. The victory books Les Bleus a last-32 tie in New Jersey while Norway must regroup before facing Côte d’Ivoire.
Scotland cling to 0.07% World Cup survival chance as group stage concludes
Scotland’s World Cup hopes rest on Ghana beating Croatia by three goals plus favourable results in Groups J, K and I to sustain their 0.07% survival probability.