The 2026 World Cup knockout stage advanced on Monday, with Round of 16 fixtures continuing across host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Sixteen nations competed to reach the quarter-finals following the conclusion of the group phase.

Germany entered the knockout rounds among the favourites after advancing from their group. Manager Rudi Völler warned over the weekend that midfield lapses could prove costly, telling reporters the team could not afford the defensive errors that nearly undid them in the group stage.

England also progressed and faced continued scrutiny following their group fixtures, while several smaller footballing nations sought to extend surprise runs. The expanded 48-team format has produced a crowded and unpredictable knockout bracket, with venues including New York, Dallas, Mexico City and Toronto staging fixtures.

Iran's football federation urged FIFA to address what it called unfair treatment of its players and staff during their group-stage participation, describing the situation as "really terrible" and demanding the governing body intervene.

FIFA said the knockout schedule would continue through the week, with quarter-final places determined as the field narrows toward the final in July. Organisers reported strong attendance across host stadiums.