World Cup Knockout Stage Bracket Overview

The World Cup bracket for the knockout stage is set. It closely resembles an NCAA tournament, although it lacks a selection committee. Slots are predetermined based on group standings.

Foxborough Region

Quarterfinal takes place on July 9 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Round of 32 matchups include:

• No. 12 Germany vs. No. 27 Paraguay
• No. 2 France vs. No. 26 Sweden
• No. 29 South Africa vs. No. 25 Canada (Canada won 1-0 on Sunday)
• No. 7 Netherlands vs. No. 6 Morocco

The Netherlands vs. Morocco matchup means one of the top seven teams will miss the Round of 16. Potential clashes include France and Germany in the Round of 16. Canada already advanced to the Round of 16, beating South Africa.

If seeds hold, France faces Morocco in the quarterfinal.

Inglewood Region

Quarterfinal scheduled for July 10 in Inglewood, California. Round of 32 matchups are:

• No. 8 Portugal vs. No. 13 Croatia
• No. 3 Spain vs. No. 18 Austria
• No. 14 United States vs. No. 30 Bosnia and Herzegovina
• No. 10 Belgium vs. No. 17 Senegal

The U.S. encounters one of the lowest-ranked teams, while Portugal faces a tough start against Croatia, potentially meeting Spain in the next round. The Belgium vs. Senegal winner meets the U.S. match winner in Seattle.

If seeds hold, Spain plays Belgium in the quarterfinal.

Miami Gardens Region

Quarterfinal takes place on July 11 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Round of 32 matchups include:

• No. 5 Brazil vs. No. 16 Japan
• No. 24 Ivory Coast vs. No. 19 Norway
• No. 9 Mexico vs. No. 20 Ecuador
• No. 4 England vs. No. 28 Congo

Mexico and England are favorites in their matches, potentially facing off in Round of 16 at Mexico City. Brazil begins with Japan and may play the Ivory Coast-Norway winner.

If seeds hold, Brazil plays England in the quarterfinal.

Kansas City Region

Quarterfinal set for July 11 in Kansas City, Missouri. Round of 32 matchups are:

• No. 1 Argentina vs. No. 31 Cape Verde
• No. 22 Australia vs. No. 21 Egypt
• No. 15 Switzerland vs. No. 23 Algeria
• No. 11 Colombia vs. No. 32 Ghana

Lionel Messi’s Argentina faces Cape Verde, with Australia or Egypt next. Switzerland vs. Algeria promises goals, as does Colombia vs. Ghana.

If seeds hold, Argentina faces Colombia in the quarterfinal.

Inside the Bracket

Three teams had perfect records in group play: France, Mexico, Argentina. Matchups between unbeaten teams include Netherlands-Morocco, Belgium-Senegal, Brazil-Japan, and Argentina-Cape Verde. High-scoring games anticipated. Mexico-Ecuador might be decided by the first goal, given Mexico’s scoreless group stage and Ecuador’s defense.

Semifinals: Foxborough vs. Inglewood winner in Arlington, Texas, on July 14. Miami Gardens vs. Kansas City winner in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 15. Final at East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.