The glitz and pageantry of the 104-match group stage are over. As the calendar flips to July 1, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has firmly entered the most electrifying phase of the tournament: the single-elimination knockout rounds.
While the expanded 48-team format offered new stories and record-breaking goal tallies, the “last action” on the pitch has proven that the real drama is only now unfolding .
The 32-Team Round of 32: A New Chapter
For the first time, the World Cup’s first knockout round features 32 teams—the size of the entire tournament in previous editions . The expanded format delivered a mixed bag in the group stage. While it allowed for feel-good stories like Cape Verde and Curacao to make their mark, it also reduced some of the jeopardy for major nations, with 18 group matches being decided by three or more goals .
Yet, as FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, “the best is yet to come.” The knockout rounds began with a flurry of action on June 29 and 30, setting the stage for the high-stakes matches of July 1 .
Stars Align: Mbappé and Haaland Power Through
The action on the pitch on July 1 was defined by the world’s biggest stars stepping up.
Norway’s Historic Win: In a thrilling contest in Dallas, Norway secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout victory, defeating Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 . After Antonio Nusa opened the scoring, the Ivorians equalized through a stunning strike from substitute Amad Diallo. But, as he so often does, Erling Haaland proved the difference. The Norwegian striker scored the winner in the 85th minute, pouncing on a cross to send his nation into the Round of 16 . They will now face a daunting test in a resurgent Brazil.
France’s Commanding Display: In New Jersey, Kylian Mbappé reminded the world why he is the tournament’s most feared player. The French captain was unstoppable in a 3-0 dismantling of Sweden, scoring twice to lead his team to victory .
This performance was a milestone moment for Mbappé. By scoring his ninth career goal in World Cup knockout matches, he surpassed the legendary Brazilian duo of Leônidas and Ronaldo Nazário to become the all-time top scorer in the knockout stages . With 18 total World Cup goals, he is now just one behind Lionel Messi’s all-time record of 19 .
Hosts Advance
The co-hosts are also making their presence felt. Mexico, buoyed by a raucous home crowd at the Mexico City Stadium, advanced after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ecuador . The U.S. and Canada also successfully navigated their first knockout match, setting up intriguing matchups in the Round of 16. The “American path” is now set, with the U.S. facing a potential run through Seattle, Los Angeles, and Arlington if they continue winning .
Controversy Off the Pitch: The Visa Crisis
While the on-field action has been spectacular, the 2026 World Cup has been dogged by a significant off-field controversy regarding U.S. immigration policy. The most high-profile incident involved Omar Artan, a Somali referee who was denied entry into the United States despite being selected by FIFA to officiate at the tournament .
Artan was subjected to an 11-hour interrogation at Miami airport before being put back on a plane, a move that has sparked widespread criticism. Former England striker Ian Wright called it a “World Cup of chaos,” and anti-discrimination group Fare questioned whether FIFA or the U.S. government is truly running the tournament .
These fears have materialized in a broader context, with teams like Iran and Iraq experiencing severe difficulties securing visas for players and staff, challenging the fundamental principle that any team that qualifies for the World Cup must have access to the host country .
What’s Next: The Road to the Final
With the Round of 32 underway, the tournament is now a sprint. The first knockout round will be completed over the next few days, leading into the Round of 16.
The bracket is set, and the possibility of a blockbuster final is very real. Argentina and France, who gave us an epic final in 2022, are on opposite sides of the draw, meaning a rematch could be on the cards in East Rutherford on July 19 .
As of July 1, France has already booked its spot in the next round. With 50 matches remaining, the “last action” of each game now carries the weight of elimination. The World Cup is officially in its most thrilling phase.
