And just like that, the group stage has come to a close, and the FIFA 2026 World Cup™ Knockout stage is upon us. Atlanta has three more opportunities to host some of the world's best, including a semifinal match. Here's the scoop on the one already-confirmed matchup as well as who could potentially be heading to the A later down the line:
England vs Democratic Republic of the Congo
Wednesday, July 1 - Round of 32
Atlanta will welcome yet another powerhouse of world football as England comes to town to face the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It may be another matchup with one team heavily favored, but Atlanta has already seen shock results in the group stage.
Don't count the Congo out of things. They're nice and familiar with winning in Atlanta, having defeated Uzbekistan on the way to the knockouts with a 3-1 win just last Saturday. They'll look to carry their momentum over into their tallest task yet, but they've already proven they can hang with some of the best. The African side drew 1-1 with Portugal June 17 in a result that shocked the No. 5 team in the FIFA World Rankings coming into the tournament.
But England does bring an almost overwhelming amount of quality. Up front, 2018 Golden Boot winner Harry Kane, other stars like Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and many more will make Wednesday's affair must-watch. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET tomorrow.
Winner 86 vs Winner 88
Tuesday, July 7 - Round of 16
Though the matchup for the Round of 16 match isn't confirmed just yet, there's a good chance the defending World Champions pay a visit to Atlanta. The match will feature the winner of Argentina vs. Cape Verde and the winner of Australia vs. Egypt
ATLiens will know it's foolish to count out Cape Verde after witnessing their incredible draw against Spain June 15. But Argentina are certainly clicking, and who else but Lionel Messi is leading the charge. The MLS star is still atop the world stage at the age of 39 with a tournament best 6 goals.
Australia and Egypt were both second-place finishers in their groups, and they'll both have a chance to play in Atlanta with a win. Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah and the Egyptians will need to be inventive to break down a tough Aussie defense that conceded just twice in their group stage campaign.
Winner 99 vs Winner 100
Wednesday, July 15 - Semifinal
Now it's time to really look into the future. The match itself maybe be over two weeks away, but why not speculate the two teams that will meet for the biggest international soccer match in Atlanta history?
Argentina will once again be a player to compete in this one, though Colombia could pose a threat to La Albiceleste. On the other side of the bracket bringing a squad to Atlanta sits heavy hitters Brazil and England, though perhaps Norway, Ecuador, or even cohosts Mexico could find themselves making an improbable run.
The bottom line is simple: the July 15 World Cup semifinal will almost certainly be two massive footballing countries, with two massive footballing fanbases, meeting in the heart of Atlanta. With any luck, it'll be a phenomenal match and one that further ignites the Epicenter of Soccer in North America.
