The FIFA 2026 World Cup knockout stage begins Sunday in Los Angeles. Thirty-two teams remain after the group stage.
France is a top contender, scoring ten group goals. They face Sweden Sunday. Coach Didier Deschamps' squad, led by Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, aims to avenge their 2022 final loss.
Argentina, powered by tournament top-scorer Lionel Messi's six goals, faces a favorable path to the semifinals. Their knockout run starts against Cape Verde.
Spain, the pre-tournament favorite, opened with a draw but recovered. They meet Austria in the round of 32. A win could set up a clash with Portugal, which struggled in the group stage despite its midfield talent.
Other contenders include England, Brazil, and Germany.