2026 FIFA World Cup reaches the round of 32 phase
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, held from June 11 to July 19, has reached its knockout stage with the round of 32 beginning on June 28. FIFA has announced a record total attendance of 3,605,357 spectators, surpassing the previous record of 3,587,538 set in 1994. The tournament has also set a new goal-scoring record with 177 goals recorded by the 15th day, exceeding the 172 goals scored in the entire 2022 tournament. Officials are considering a rule change for penalty shootouts to reduce the influence of coin tosses, potentially requiring only one toss. The tournament features a new 48-team format with 104 matches, and tie-breaking rules have been adjusted to prioritize head-to-head results over total goal difference. Confirmed knockout matchups include South Africa versus Canada, Brazil versus Japan, and Germany versus Paraguay.