# World Cup 2026 Heats Up: Canada Makes History as Knockout Stage Kicks Off
**Posted:** June 29, 2026 | **Category:** Sports News
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is well into its knockout phase, and if the group stage was anything to go by, we’re in for a wild ride across North America. With 32 teams already eliminated and 16 still standing, the tournament has delivered drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments โ none bigger than Canada’s historic run.
## Canada: The Forgotten Hosts No More
While most pre-tournament attention focused on the USA and Mexico, Canada has quietly become the story of the World Cup. Coached by Jesse Marsch, the Canadians had never won a match in the tournament before this year โ now they’re in the Round of 16.
After drawing with Bosnia-Herzegovina in their opener, Canada smashed Qatar 6-0 for their first-ever World Cup win. They followed that up with a dramatic stoppage-time winner against South Africa, secured by Stephen Eustรกquio, to advance to the knockout rounds for the first time in history.
Marsch gathered his team in a midfield huddle after the final whistle and called them “Canadian heroes.” For a nation better known for hockey, this run is nothing short of transformative.
“We’re starting to see people call it football now, not soccer,” one Canadian fan told the BBC. “Canada is becoming a football nation.”
Up next for Canada: a showdown against either the Netherlands or Morocco. Both are ranked in the world’s top seven, but after what we’ve seen, nobody’s counting the Canucks out.
## Knockout Stage โ Key Matchups to Watch
The Round of 32 is packed with heavyweight clashes:
**๐บ๐ธ USA** โ Pochettino’s side finished top of their group despite a 3-2 loss to Turkey. The Americans are finding their rhythm at the right time.
**๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ England vs DR Congo** โ Declan Rice is expected to return from a calf injury for this one in Atlanta. Thomas Tuchel’s side has looked solid, with Jude Bellingham pulling the strings in midfield.
**๐ฆ๐ท Argentina vs Cape Verde** โ The holders are in action against one of the tournament’s surprise packages. Lionel Messi is still breaking records โ he added more to his collection in the group stage win over Jordan.
**๐ซ๐ท France** โ Chris Sutton has called France the “team to beat” at this tournament. Kylian Mbappรฉ and company have been ruthless in the group phase.
**๐ง๐ท Brazil** โ Neymar made his return from injury as a substitute in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland. He’s back, and that’s bad news for everyone else.
## Algeria vs Austria: Conspiracy or Chaos?
One of the most bizarre matches of the tournament saw Algeria and Austria play out a wild 3-3 draw in Kansas City. The result saw both teams progress, sparking conspiracy theories about collusion โ a nod to the infamous “Disgrace of Gijรณn” from 1982, when Austria and West Germany were accused of fixing a result.
Austria boss Ralf Rangnick dismissed the talk: “If Alfred Hitchcock had written such a drama, I probably would have said he was completely mad.”
## Upcoming Matches โ June 29 & 30
| Date | Match | Venue |
|——|——-|——-|
| Mon Jun 29 | Last-32 tie | Boston Stadium |
| Mon Jun 29 | Last-32 tie | Houston Stadium |
| Tue Jun 30 | England vs DR Congo | New York/New Jersey |
| Tue Jun 30 | Last-32 tie | Dallas Stadium |
| Wed Jul 1 | Last-32 ties | Seattle & Mexico City |
| Thu Jul 2 | Austria vs Spain | Los Angeles |
| Fri Jul 3 | Algeria vs Switzerland | Vancouver |
The World Cup final is set for **July 19 at MetLife Stadium** in New Jersey.
## FAQ
### Where can I watch the 2026 World Cup in the US?
In the United States, matches are broadcast on **Fox Sports** (English) and **Telemundo** (Spanish). Streaming is available on **Fox Sports app** and **Peacock** (Spanish coverage).
### When is the USA’s next match?
The USA advanced as group winners. Their next match date and opponent depend on the Round of 32 draw โ check the official FIFA schedule for updates.
### Which teams are favorites to win the World Cup?
France, Brazil, Argentina, and England are the current frontrunners. Canada has emerged as a sentimental favorite as the surprise package of the tournament.
### How does the 2026 World Cup format work?
For the first time, the tournament features **48 teams** in 12 groups of four. The top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to a Round of 32 knockout stage.
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