The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage decided the biggest football tournament in history. Spain became champions after a 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in the final, while England took third place. This page records the key results and the route to the trophy.
FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage overview
The expanded 48-team competition featured a Round of 32 before the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. That structure produced 32 knockout matches and an eight-game path to the World Cup title.
Key Round of 32 results
- Brazil 2-1 Japan
- France 3-0 Sweden
- England 2-1 Congo DR
- Spain 3-0 Austria
- Argentina 3-2 Cabo Verde after extra time
Several early knockout matches were decided by a single goal or a penalty shoot-out, underlining the pressure created by the new format.
Quarter-finals and semi-finals
- France 2-0 Morocco
- Spain 2-1 Belgium
- England 2-1 Norway after extra time
- Argentina 3-1 Switzerland after extra time
- Spain 2-0 France
- Argentina 2-1 England
Final: Spain 1-0 Argentina
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July 2026. The result gave Spain their second men’s World Cup crown.
What the results mean
Spain’s winning run showed why they were among the leading pre-tournament candidates. For context on those expectations, see our 2026 World Cup top contenders. For a wider tournament recap, visit our FIFA World Cup 2026 review.
Official source
FIFA publishes the complete 2026 knockout bracket and results, including every Round of 32, Round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final score.
FAQ
Who won the 2026 World Cup?
Spain won the 2026 World Cup, beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time.
How many matches were in the tournament?
The 48-team tournament had 104 matches in total.
