Johann Cruyff, one of the greatest players in history, dribbling at the World Cup in 1974.
Johann Cruyff, one of the greatest players in history, dribbling at the World Cup in 1974. STF/AFP/Getty Images
This bit is now pretty simple because the knockout stages work just like any other bracket in any other sport. The winner goes through to the next round. So, it would go: Round of 32, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and the final (though there is also a third-place match for the losers of each semifinal).
This is the first time we’ve had a Round of 32 at the World Cup, due to the increased number of teams. Only 16 nations will exit the group stage.
The rules of a knockout game are the same but, naturally, there can’t be any draws. So, if a match is tied after 90 minutes, then there will be 30 minutes of extra time – split into two 15-minute periods with a very short interval in between.
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A FIFA World Cup trophy is displayed at the Akron Stadium, where it arrived as the second part of its tour in Zapopan, Mexico on February 28, 2026. (Photo by ULISES RUIZ / AFP via Getty Images)
A FIFA World Cup trophy is displayed at the Akron Stadium, where it arrived as the second part of its tour in Zapopan, Mexico on February 28, 2026. (Photo by ULISES RUIZ / AFP via Getty Images)
Ulises Ruiz/AFP/Getty Images
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If there is still a tie after that, then we go to the dreaded penalty shootout. Each team will take five penalties each, with the team scoring the most winning the match. If no one misses in those first 10 attempts – or if each team scores the same amount – then we head to a knockout scenario until someone eventually does come out on top.
You’ve got to be a certain type of someone to enjoy the tension and drama of a penalty shootout. Personally, I love them…
Who might win?
It’s very unlikely for there to be an upset at the World Cup. There’s just too many quality teams for an underdog to go all the way – sorry to any USMNT fans out there.
The champion is likely to be one of the top teams – think France, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, England or Portugal. But, that being said, there will be plenty of surprises along the way.
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LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy on Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero’s shoulders after the team’s victory during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by David Ramos – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy on Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero’s shoulders after the team’s victory during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by David Ramos – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
David Ramos/FIFA/Getty Images
