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Round of 32 begins at 2026 World Cup with South Africa versus Canada
The knockout stage opened Sunday with one match scheduled. South Africa faces co-host Canada in Inglewood, California. Forty-eight teams played 72 group-stage matches before the field was cut to 32.
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The round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opened Sunday with a single match. South Africa meets co-host Canada in Inglewood, California. After 72 group-stage matches involving 48 teams across 12 groups, the tournament field has been reduced to 32 teams. The remaining sides now play single-elimination games.
Match schedule Only one game is listed for Sunday.
Additional round-of-32 matches are expected on following days. The tournament continues until a champion is determined.
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