Overview
- The group stage finished on June 27, producing six final matches that finalized Groups J, K and L and set the field for the Round of 32.
- The knockout phase begins June 28 with South Africa vs Canada as the opening match and runs through July 3 under the new 48‑team bracket that advances two teams per group plus eight best third‑place sides.
- Sporting surprises include Cape Verde qualifying for the first time for the Round of 32, South Africa reaching the knockouts for the first time, Belgium winning Group G and Egypt advancing after a 1‑1 draw with Iran.
- Local stadium moments have drawn political attention, most notably Seattle’s Egypt‑Iran game coinciding with Pride events where rainbow flags were allowed inside the venue under FIFA fan rules, testing host‑city coordination and diplomatic pushback.
- Broadcasters and logistics are under pressure because of the compressed schedule; in the U.S. all matches air on FOX/FS1 and stream on FOX One while organizers face ticketing, visa and quick‑turnaround concerns that will shape how the knockouts play out.