2026 FIFA World Cup schedule highlights and Canada's knockout matchup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, entered its final group‑stage day on June 26. Six matches were slated, including New Zealand versus Belgium in Vancouver at 8 p.m., Egypt versus Iran in Seattle, France versus Norway in Boston and Saudi Arabia versus Cabo Verde in Houston. The results of these games determine the 32 teams advancing to the knockout stage, which runs from June 28 to early July.
Canada’s men’s team, after a 2‑1 loss to Switzerland, will face South Africa in a Round‑of‑32 knockout match on June 28 in Los Angeles – the first ever World Cup knockout appearance for the Canadian men’s side. Coach Jesse Marsch and captain Alphonso Davies are expected to lead the squad, with Davies hoping to return from a hamstring injury.
The tournament features new rules such as three‑minute hydration breaks each half to protect players from heat and a five‑second throw‑in limit to curb time‑wasting. These changes, along with the expanded 48‑team format, shape the historic competition.