The knockout round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on June 29 with three marquee fixtures that will determine which teams advance to the quarter‑finals. Kickoff times, venues and broadcast details have been confirmed, giving fans a clear picture of what to expect across the schedule.
Brazil's Momentum
Brazil enters the knockout stage as the clear favorite, listed at -300 to defeat Japan. The Brazilian side topped Group C with two convincing 3‑0 victories over Haiti and Scotland, showcasing a potent attack and a defense that has not been breached since 1982. Star forward Vinicius Junior is expected to be the decisive factor, and the team’s unbeaten group run adds confidence heading into the match.
Germany, priced at -700 to overcome Paraguay, finished first in Group E with wins against Curacao and Ivory Coast. The German lineup will feature a blend of experience and emerging talent, including Deniz Undav, Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz and captain Manuel Neuer. Their dominant group performance positions them as one of the tournament favorites, and a victory over Paraguay would reinforce their status as a leading contender.
Netherlands and Morocco
The Netherlands, slight favorites against Morocco, finished first in Group F with wins over Sweden and Tunisia. Key figures such as Brian Brobbey, Cody Gakpo, Virgil Van Dijk and Frenkie De Jong will look to guide the Dutch side through a tightly contested match. Morocco, bolstered by the attacking duo of Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi, finished second in Group C and reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup, adding a narrative of resurgence.
The knockout round will continue through July 3, with three games scheduled each day, allowing teams ample recovery time while maintaining fan engagement. The United States will next face Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 in the Round of 32, extending the tournament’s global footprint across North America.
Historical context adds intrigue: Brazil’s group stage dominance since 1982 and Germany’s reputation as a perennial favorite amplify the stakes of their respective matchups. Meanwhile, Morocco’s 2022 semifinal run fuels optimism that they can cause another upset against the Dutch.
With odds reflecting the perceived strength of each side, the upcoming fixtures promise a blend of tactical brilliance, individual brilliance and high‑pressure drama. Fans worldwide will be watching closely as the tournament progresses toward its decisive stages.