The FIFA World Cup 2026 is in an exciting stage, with the official Round of 32 bracket confirmed. After the group stage ended on June 26, football lovers in the region are keenly monitoring the knockout stages of the historic 48-team edition of the Asia Cup. Each game is a vehicle to who will go to the next round and who will come home, leading to a spike in interest on the full bracket as well as local inception dates.
It is difficult for the fans from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia and Malaysia to follow games played in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the current time difference making it tough to keep up. With the conversion of the official FIFA schedule to ICT and WIB, it will be a lot easier to plan the viewing during the evening.
Why the Round of 32 Is Different in 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to feature 48 countries as it prepares to create a new Round of 32 before the traditional Round of 16. Qualified teams won’t make a direct trip to the final, however, but will instead have to clear one final playoff round before they get there, thereby extending their road to the finale.
The expanded format has added to the competitive nature of the games, more opportunities for the underdog teams and several blockbuster games come early to previous tournaments.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Match Schedule
Check the table tabulated below for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Match Schedule in ICT/WIB timings.
| Match | Date | ICT (UTC+7) | WIB (UTC+7) |
| Japan vs Brazil | June 29 | 08:00 PM | 08:00 PM |
| Argentina vs Group Runner-up | June 30 | 10:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| England vs Group Runner-up | July 1 | 08:00 PM | 08:00 PM |
| Spain vs Group Runner-up | July 2 | 09:00 PM | 09:00 PM |
| Australia vs Egypt | July 3 | 07:00 PM | 07:00 PM |
| Other Round of 32 fixtures | June 29 – July 4 | Various times | Various times |
Biggest Matches to Watch
Japan vs Brazil is one of the most captivating and exhilarating contests to watch. With the match captivating the entire Asian continent and Japan hoping to upset one of the world’s most successful teams, there’s a tremendous amount of hype. It is expected to attract one of the biggest SE Asian audiences for a round of 32 match.
Another closely-watched match-up is Australia vs. Egypt. Australia is one of the last remaining AFC sides and hopes of many AFC supporters to see an Asian side carry on to the depths of the tournament.
But besides All-Star teams such as Argentina, England, Spain, France, Portugal and Germany the knockout brackets feature traditional football giants as well, which may mean that there will be a few big name matches in the later rounds.
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Why Are India Rights Delayed?
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Can an Asian Team Reach the Quarter-finals?
The tournament has been expanded to increase Asian team’s opportunities as never before. Japan are in a strong position as they enter the knockout stage, along with Australia who will have a good chance on the basis of the round of 32.
If either side progressed then they would make their way into the Round of 16 before encountering another tough draw to secure a spot in the quarter-finals. Many fans of AFC soccer are hoping for another deep run with the team’s performances improving in recent World Cups.
FAQs
When is the Round of 32?
After the group stage, the Round of 32 stage will take place from the 29th to the 4th of June 2026.
What are the Asian teams in Round of 32 in Euro NDPF 2021 Qualifier Group?
Japan and Australia will face up to each other in the knockout round and will face Brazilian and Egyptian teams.
Where to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Southeast Asia?
Official broadcast partners are available in certain countries only. Fans, please, make sure to tune in to your local TV stations and a licensed streaming provider for live coverage of all the Rounds of 32 matches.
