The World Cup’s first-ever round of 32 is officially underway and off to a dramatic start with Germany, Morocco and the Netherlands already out of the tournament.A batch of heavy-hitters begin their knockout journeys this week, many of them in the hopes of winning the World Cup in a few short weeks’ time at MetLife Stadium in the New York suburbs. The list includes oddsmakers’ favorites like France and Spain, who face Sweden and Austria, respectively in the round of 32 while all three host nations are still alive. The U.S. men’s national team continue their journey against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a World Cup newcomer, while Mexico take on Ecuador and Canada are already through after a win over South Africa.There are also a pair of underdogs who are in the midst of a knockout run of their own, though the road will not get easier from here. Weeks after holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw, DR Congo take on England in the round of 32 while newcomers Cape Verde, who tied 0-0 with Spain, now take on reigning champions Argentina.Join in on World Cup fever with CBS Sports Golazo Network’s print-out bracket, which you can news with each and every game.
Format
With the expanded World Cup, the 48 teams were split into 12 groups of four. The top two in each group advanced, but the eight best third-placed teams also advanced to make up the round of 32. At that time, it is also when matches can go to extra time. If a knockout stage match is tied at the end of regulation, two 15-minute periods of extra time will be played, with a penalty shootout to follow if needed.
Wall chart
CBS Sports design
Click here to enlarge and print the blank 2026 FIFA World Cup wall chart.
