The knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup is nearly set.
14 of the 16 spots in the round of 16 have been set, with 12 teams already locked into their matches for the knockout stage. Entering the final day of group play, both Brazil and Portugal have qualified, but whether they advance as winners of their respective groups, or as runners-up, is still to be determined.
Here are the scenarios for both Group G and Group H entering the final day of group play.
Both Portugal and Brazil will advance as winners of their respective groups with a victory, or a draw, in their final matches of group play. Each nation can also win their group with a loss, but that would require favorable results from the other final match in each group. Ghana, South Korea, Uruguay, Switzerland, Cameroon, and Serbia all have a chance at solidifying a place in the round of 16 on the final day of group play.
With the knockout round largely settled, we have a very good idea of the bracket for the rest of the World Cup.
Here is a look at the schedule for the round of 16 and beyond, along with television information for each match.
Round of 16
The knockout round begins on Saturday, with the United States — fresh off their thrilling win over Iran to advance — taking on the Netherlands. United States supporters are hoping that Christian Pulisic is available for that match after suffering a “pelvic contusion” while scoring the critical goal.
The other match on Saturday will see Lionel Messi try and keep his dreams of a World Cup alive as Argentia takes on Australia.
Saturday, December 3
Netherlands vs United States, 10:00 a.m. ET, FOX
Argentina vs Australia, 2:00 p.m. ET, FOX
Sunday sees two of the more impressive nations in action, as both England and France take the stage in the round of 16. France squares off with Poland, who advanced after holding on against Argentina in their final match of group play, while England tangles with Senegal, who rebounded from a loss in their opening match to the Netherlands by defeating both Qatar and Ecuador.
Sunday, December 4
France vs Poland, 10:00 a.m. ET, FOX
England vs Senegal, 2:00 p.m. ET, FOX
Japan, thanks to a thrilling victory over Spain in the final match of group play, advances as the winners of Group E. Their reward? A date with Croatia, who finished as runners-up in Group F, and conceded just once in three matches. The winner of that match will take on the winner of the match between Brazil and South Korea, both teams having advanced due to Friday’s results.
Monday, December 5
Japan vs Croatia, 10:00 a.m. ET, FOX
Brazil vs South Korea, 2:00 p.m. ET, FOX
Morocco and Spain open round of 16 action on Tuesday. Spain advanced despite their loss to Japan on Thursday, thanks to their 7-0 thumping of Costa Rica to open group play, which saw them through over Germany on goal differential. They’ll take on a Moroccan side which won their group, shocking Belgium 2-0 along the way. The winner of that match will square off with the winner of the match between Portugal and Switzerland.
Tuesday, December 6
Morocco vs Spain, 10:00 a.m. ET, FOX
Portugal vs Switzerland, 2:00 p.m. ET, FOX
Quarter-finals
Friday, December 9
Japan/Croatia Winner vs Brazil/South Korea Winner, 10:00 a.m. ET, FOX (Match 57)
Netherlands vs Argentina, 2:00 p.m. ET, FOX
Saturday, December 10
Morocco/Spain Winner vs Portugal/Switzerland Winner 10:00 a.m. ET, FOX (Match 59)
England/Senegal Winner vs France/Poland Winner, 2:00 p.m. ET, FOX (Match 60)
Semi-finals
Tuesday, December 13
Match 57 Winner vs Netherlands/Argentina Winner 2:00 p.m. ET, FOX (Match 61)
Wednesday, December 14
Match 59 Winner vs Match 60 Winner, 2:00 p.m. ET, FOX (Match 62)
Third Place Match
Saturday, December 17
Match 61 Loser vs Match 62 Loser, 10:00 a.m. ET, FOX
World Cup Final
Sunday, December 18
Match 61 Winner vs Match 62 Winner, 10:00 a.m. ET, FOX
This post will be updated as teams advance.
