Group Stage Recap: The Upsets, the Heroes, and What’s Next
The expanded 48-team format has delivered non-stop action since the tournament kicked off on June 11. Here’s where things stand:
🇺🇸 USMNT: Group D Winners — Round of 32 Bound
The US men’s national team clinched Group D with six points after beating Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0). Despite a 3-2 loss to Turkey on Thursday night — where head coach Mauricio Pochettino rested several key starters carrying yellow cards — the Americans still topped the group.
Key takeaways from the US group stage:
- Scored 8 goals — the most by the US in any World Cup group stage ever
- Christian Pulisic returned from a calf injury, looking sharp against Turkey
- Auston Trusty and Sebastian Berhalter scored their first World Cup goals
- Pochettino’s squad rotation paid off — no suspensions carried into knockout play
The US will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, July 1 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA (8 PM ET).
Today’s Matches (Saturday, June 27)
The final group stage matches conclude today with Groups J, K, and L:
| Group | Match | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | Panama vs. England | MetLife Stadium (NJ) | 5 PM |
| L | Croatia vs. Ghana | Lincoln Financial Field (PA) | 5 PM |
| K | Colombia vs. Portugal | Hard Rock Stadium (FL) | 7:30 PM |
| K | FIFA Playoff 1 vs. Uzbekistan | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (GA) | 7:30 PM |
| J | Algeria vs. Austria | Arrowhead Stadium (MO) | 10 PM |
| J | Jordan vs. Argentina | AT&T Stadium (TX) | 10 PM |
Biggest Upsets So Far
- Ecuador beat Germany 2-1 — eliminating the 2014 champions in Group E
- Turkey 3-2 USA — though the US still advanced as group winners
- Morocco held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their Group C opener
- Belgium 5-1 New Zealand — De Bruyne and Lukaku showed they’re still world-class
- Cape Verde held Spain 0-0 — the tiny island nation making history on debut
Round of 32: Full Schedule
The knockout stage begins Sunday, June 28 with 16 matches over six days:
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 28 | Runner-up A vs. Runner-up B | SoFi Stadium (LA) | 3 PM |
| June 29 | Winner C vs. Runner-up F | NRG Stadium (Houston) | 1 PM |
| June 29 | Winner E vs. 3rd A/B/C/D/F | Gillette Stadium (Foxborough) | 4:30 PM |
| June 29 | Winner F vs. Runner-up C | Estadio BBVA (Monterrey) | 9 PM |
| June 30 | Runner-up E vs. Runner-up I | AT&T Stadium (Arlington) | 1 PM |
| June 30 | Winner I vs. 3rd C/D/F/G/H | MetLife Stadium (NJ) | 5 PM |
| June 30 | Winner A vs. 3rd C/E/F/H/I | Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) | 9 PM |
| July 1 | Winner L vs. 3rd E/H/I/J/K | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) | 12 PM |
| July 1 | Winner G vs. 3rd A/E/H/I/J | Lumen Field (Seattle) | 4 PM |
| July 1 | 🇺🇸 USA vs. Bosnia 🇧🇦 | Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara) | 8 PM |
| July 2 | Winner H vs. Runner-up J | SoFi Stadium (LA) | 3 PM |
| July 2 | Runner-up K vs. Runner-up L | BMO Field (Toronto) | 7 PM |
| July 2 | Winner B vs. 3rd E/F/G/I/J | BC Place (Vancouver) | 11 PM |
| July 3 | Runner-up D vs. Runner-up G | AT&T Stadium (Arlington) | 2 PM |
| July 3 | Winner J vs. Runner-up H | Hard Rock Stadium (Miami) | 6 PM |
| July 3 | Winner K vs. 3rd D/E/I/J/L | Arrowhead Stadium (KC) | 9:30 PM |
What’s Next?
After the Round of 32, the tournament narrows to the Round of 16 (July 4–7), followed by Quarterfinals (July 9–11), Semifinals (July 14–15), and the Final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
Can the USMNT make history on home soil? Will Brazil bounce back? Can France repeat? The answers start coming starting Sunday.
More World Cup Coverage
Check out our other World Cup 2026 articles:
- World Cup 2026 Roundup: France Top Group with Dembélé Hat-Trick, Germany Stunned by Ecuador
- Belgium’s Old Guard Turns Back the Clock: 5-1 Rout Sends Red Devils Into World Cup Knockouts
- Cape Verde Make History as World Cup 2026 Group Stage Reaches Thrilling Conclusion
FAQ
Did the US get eliminated from the World Cup?
A: No. Despite losing 3-2 to Turkey, the US had already secured Group D with wins over Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0). They advance to face Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1.
Where can I watch World Cup 2026 matches?
Matches are broadcast on FOX and FS1 in the US, with streaming available on fuboTV, YouTube TV, and other services.
How does the 48-team knockout format work?
The top two teams from each of the 12 groups advance (24 teams), plus the eight best third-place finishers — making a 32-team knockout bracket. The knockout rounds are single elimination.
When is the World Cup final?
The 2026 World Cup final is on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey at 3 PM ET.
Final Verdict
The 2026 World Cup has already delivered everything fans could ask for — goals, massive upsets, and new nations making their mark. With the knockout stage about to begin, the pressure is on. Grab your snacks, set your reminders, and enjoy the ride.
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