Overview
The Round of 32 is a completely new stage in World Cup history. With 48 teams in the group phase, 32 teams advance to this first knockout round -- double the number that previously entered the Round of 16.
This stage consists of 16 single-elimination matches played over four days. The winners advance to the Round of 16. There is no extra time or penalty shootout bypass -- every match must produce a winner on the day.
The bracket is predetermined based on group finishing positions. Group winners and the best third-placed teams are seeded to avoid each other in this round where possible.
Format
- 16 matches over 4 days
- Single elimination (no second chances)
- 90 minutes, then extra time if needed, then penalty shootout
- Seeded bracket based on group stage finishing positions
- Group winners face third-placed qualifiers
- Group runners-up face runners-up from other groups
Venues
8 venues host matches in this stage. Tap any city for the full tipping guide.
MetLife Stadium
New York / NJ · 82,500 capacity
AT&T Stadium
Dallas · 80,000 capacity
SoFi Stadium
Los Angeles · 70,240 capacity
NRG Stadium
Houston · 72,220 capacity
Hard Rock Stadium
Miami · 65,326 capacity
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta · 71,000 capacity
Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia · 69,176 capacity
Arrowhead Stadium
Kansas City · 76,416 capacity
Key Facts
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