2026 World Cup bracket already takes shape of knockout stage. The group stage has left the first round of the round of 32 of the new format, with 32 teams alive and a particularly sensitive route for Spain: Austria first; Portugal or Croatia next if La Roja overcomes the Los Angeles tie.
Spain will play against Austria on Thursday, July 2, in Los Angeles. Portugal will face Croatia in Toronto on the same day. The winners of both matches will face each other in the next round, according to the knockout stage schedule.
The bracket also brings other high-profile matchups: Argentina - Cape Verde, Brazil - Japan, France - Sweden, England - DR Congo, Colombia - Ghana, and Mexico - Ecuador. The round of 32 starts on June 28 and runs until July 3.
Spain's path in the World Cup
Spain's route begins against Austria. It's a favorable matchup in name, but uncomfortable in style: Austria comes in as runner-up in Group J after drawing 3-3 with Algeria and qualifying in a highly tense night.
If La Roja advances, the next obstacle will be Portugal or Croatia. There, the level of competition suddenly increases. Portugal arrives with Cristiano Ronaldo and doubts after their draw against Colombia; Croatia appears once again with the same old pattern: start slow, survive, and become dangerous when the knockout stage arrives.
The good side for Spain is that they avoid Argentina in the first tie. The bad side is that their path could quickly become tougher if Portugal, Croatia, or teams that arrive less brilliant, but with a lot of tournament experience, appear.
The most powerful round of 32 matchups
Argentina will play Cape Verde in Miami. It's the matchup with the most narrative: Messi and the world champions against a debutant team that has made history in their first World Cup.
Colombia, first in Group K, will face Ghana. Portugal, second, will play Croatia. England, leader of Group L, will have DR Congo as their opponent. France will face Sweden and Brazil will face Japan.