CBS Sports projects 2026 World Cup knockout bracket as group stage concludes

With the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaching its conclusion, CBS Sports has published a projection of the Round of 32 bracket based on current standings as of Wednesday, June 24. The tournament structure dictates that the knockout phase will comprise 32 teams, consisting of the 12 group winners, 12 runners-up, and the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups.

Several high-profile projected matchups have been identified in the early bracket. Brazil, projected as Group C winners, are set to face Japan, the Group F runners-up, at NRG Stadium in Houston on June 29. In East Rutherford, France, expected to top Group I, will meet Sweden, who are projected as Group F third-placed teams, at MetLife Stadium on June 30.

The United States, projected to finish as Group D winners, are slated to play Bosnia and Herzegovina, a third-placed team from Group B, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on July 1. Bosnia and Herzegovina currently sits on four points with a negative goal difference and remains in contention for one of the final spots in the knockout phase.

Other notable projected fixtures include Germany, expected to win Group E, facing Paraguay, a third-placed team from Group D, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on June 29. The Netherlands, projected as Group F winners, are set to encounter Morocco, expected as Group C runners-up, at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico on June 29.

As the final group matches unfold, specific scenarios remain active. Morocco requires a victory against Haiti in their final group match to secure advancement and potentially finish top of Group C. Meanwhile, the United States men’s national team prepares for their final group stage fixture against Turkiye, with Christian Pulisic expected to return from a short-term calf injury.