The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered its final stage after a near-complete group stage, with Canada making a stunning comeback to win the opening round of 32 on Sunday.Stephen Eustáquio’s stoppage-time winner inspired Canada to a 1-0 win over South Africa, sending Jesse Marsch into an emotional celebration as Les Rouges reached the Round of 16 for the first time in their World Cup history. Moments after the final whistle, the Canadian coach gathered his players on the field and paid tribute.“You guys are the heroes of Canada today! The Canadian heroes of the future children of this country who play this game,” Marsch shouted. You have not lost faith. You followed it, point by point, minute by minute.Canada now faces a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston this weekend, as the knockout stage begins.
The Knockout phase begins after breaking the team records
The expanded competition has produced unprecedented numbers, with 48 teams competing in 72 matches before 32 countries reached the 32nd round. The group stage yielded 215 goals, with 999 players taking part. Africa managed to make its strongest showing ever in the last round as nine CAF nations progressed, while seven teams – including Canada, Cabo Verde, South Africa and DR Congo – reached the Round of 32 for the first time in history.
FAFA World Cup schedule for the week (29 June – 5 July)
16 Round of 32 games will be played this week, with previews spread across North America before the tournament enters the Round of 16 at the weekend.
| Dates | Groups | Place | Time (IST) |
| 29 June | South Africa vs Canada | Los Angeles | 12:30 AM |
| Brazil vs Japan | Houston | 10:30 p.m | |
| 30 June | Germany vs Paraguay | Boston | 2:00 A.M |
| Netherlands vs Morocco | Monterrey | 6:30 A.M | |
| Ivory Coast vs Norway | Dallas | 10:30 p.m | |
| 1 July | France vs Sweden | New Jersey | 2:30 AM |
| Mexico vs Ecuador | Mexico City | 6:30 A.M | |
| England vs Congo | Atlanta | 9:30 p.m | |
| 2 July | Belgium vs Senegal | Seattle | 1:30 A.M |
| USA vs Bosnia | San Francisco | 5:30 A.M | |
| 3 July | Spain vs Austria | Los Angeles | 12:30 AM |
| Portugal vs Croatia | Toronto | 4:30 A.M | |
| Switzerland vs Algeria | Vancouver | 8:30 A.M | |
| Australia vs Egypt | Dallas | 11:30 p.m | |
| 4 July | Argentina vs Cape Verde | Miami | 3:30 A.M |
| Colombia vs Ghana | Kansas City | 7:00 A.M | |
| Canada vs TBD (Round of 16) | Houston | 10:30 p.m | |
| 5 July | TBD vs TBD (Round 16) | Philadelphia | 2:30 AM |
