Round of 16 knockout match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 between the runners-up of Groups D and G. The tie is scheduled for Friday 3 July 2026 as the expanded 48-team tournament reaches the last sixteen across the USA, Canada and Mexico.
What is the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16?
The Round of 16 is the second knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. The new format features 48 teams across 12 groups of four, with the top two and eight best third-placed finishers advancing to a Round of 32. The 16 winners of those ties then meet at this stage, playing single-leg knockout matches with extra time and penalties if required. Every team at this point has already won one knockout match.
This fixture is a meeting of two group runners-up. Second-placed teams often bring momentum and match sharpness into the bracket, having been tested through a competitive group stage and a Round of 32 tie.
When is the match?
Kick-off is on Friday 3 July 2026. Round of 16 matches are played across several days with staggered start times to maximise global television audiences. Exact kick-off time is confirmed once the bracket is set.
Where is the match played?
The tournament uses 16 venues in three countries. US host cities include New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Dallas (AT&T Stadium), Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), Houston (NRG Stadium), Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Miami (Hard Rock Stadium), Seattle (Lumen Field), San Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium), Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field) and Boston (Gillette Stadium). Canada hosts matches in Toronto (BMO Field) and Vancouver (BC Place). Mexico contributes Estadio Azteca, Estadio Akron and Estadio BBVA.
Key Contenders
Group G and Group D runners-up could include any of the tournament’s top or mid-ranked nations. Candidates across this fixture include Argentina, France, Brazil, England, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands and other European or South American sides depending on the group draw.
Runner-up versus runner-up ties tend to be tactical, cagey affairs, with both sides aware of the fine margins separating them from the quarter-finals. Set-piece execution, goalkeeping and bench depth often decide the result.
How to Watch
BBC and ITV share UK coverage, with every match broadcast free to air and streamed on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. FOX Sports carries English-language rights in the US, with Telemundo and Peacock covering Spanish-language broadcasts. In Canada, CTV, TSN and RDS share rights. Australia’s primary broadcaster is Optus Sport, with SBS showing selected matches free to air. beIN Sports covers France, the Middle East and North Africa.
History and Records
Round of 16 ties have consistently produced some of the World Cup’s most memorable moments, from Argentina’s extra-time win over Switzerland in 2014 to England’s penalty shootout victory over Colombia in 2018. The 2026 edition marks the first 48-team World Cup, expanding the tournament from 64 to 104 matches across a 39-day window. Brazil remain the most successful World Cup nation with five titles, followed by Germany and Italy with four each. Argentina are the reigning champions.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets are sold through FIFA’s official portal at FIFA.com/tickets. The ticketing programme includes a random selection draw, first-come-first-served sales windows and last-minute availability. Round of 16 tickets typically range from several hundred to over a thousand US dollars depending on category and venue. Hospitality packages are handled by Match Hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the match kick off?
Friday 3 July 2026. Kick-off time is confirmed once the bracket is finalised.
Where is the match played?
At one of 16 host venues across the USA, Canada and Mexico.
How can I watch the match?
BBC or ITV in the UK, FOX Sports and Telemundo in the US, CTV/TSN in Canada.
Who won the last World Cup?
Argentina, defeating France on penalties in the 2022 final in Qatar.