Now that we are getting the draws out of the way, a lot of fans are looking for a 2026 FIFA World Cup Blank Knockout bracket. Printable to PDF format for the round of 32 through to the finals. The expanded 48-team format means a new Round of 32 (32 teams advancing: top 2 from each of 12 groups + 8 best thirds), followed by the familiar Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Third-Place Match, and Final. Whether you’re predicting a USMNT deep run at home or Messi’s Argentina repeat, our blank printable bracket is ready for your picks. You can download it now and start filling in as the path to July 19’s championship at MetLife Stadium takes shape.
When do the Full Match Fixtures (Schedules) Get Released?
Full match fixtures are released on December 6th at 12:00 PM ET, assigning exact dates, times, and venues to these knockout matches across 16 North American stadiums. We have the 2026 World Cup schedule posted for you here too. Until then, use this bracket to map potential pathways: Group winners head to one side of the bracket, runners-up to the other, with quadrants protecting top seeds (like Spain or France). Print it out for your office pool, family watch party, or wall.
How Does the 2026 World Cup Knockout Stage Format Work?
The knockout rounds kick off June 28 and run through July 19, 2026, with 40 total matches (up from 16 in 2022). Here’s the flow:
- Round of 32 (June 28–July 3): 16 matches; group winners vs. best thirds/runners-up from other groups.
- Round of 16 (July 4–7): 8 matches; straight winners advance.
- Quarterfinals (July 10–11): 4 matches: at U.S. venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) and Gillette Stadium (Foxborough).
- Semifinals (July 14–15): 2 matches: e.g., MetLife (East Rutherford, NJ) and Hard Rock Stadium (Miami).
- Third-Place Match (July 18): Losers of semis battle for bronze at Hard Rock Stadium.
- Final (July 19): Champions crowned at MetLife Stadium
Bracket seeding follows group position: 1st-placers vs. 3rd-placers, 2nd vs. 2nd/3rd for balance. No replays—extra time and penalties decide ties. (Venues are pre-assigned; exact pairings finalize post-groups.)
2026 FIFA World Cup Blank Knockout Bracket – Printable
Here’s the 2026 FIFA World Cup Blank Knockout bracket for you. It is printable as is, to PDF, or you can save it to PDF format as well. Whatever helps you best follow the action. Once the Group Stage is complete, we’ll update you with a complete 2026 World Cup Bracket.
