The 2026 FIFA World Cup features a series of Round of 32 matches on Thursday, July 2, as the tournament progresses through its expanded knockout phase across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Fans can watch the action in Spain via DAZN and Movistar Plus+, with select high-profile matches airing on TVE’s La 1. This marks the first time the tournament has utilized a 48-team format, increasing the total match count to 104.
What matches are played today, Thursday, July 2?
Thursday’s schedule consists of the fifth set of Round of 32 fixtures. According to tournament scheduling, three matches are slated for today. These fixtures serve as the penultimate day of the first knockout stage, with the final three matches of the Round of 32 scheduled for Friday, July 3.
The knockout structure has shifted for 2026. Because 48 teams now qualify, the tournament introduces a “Round of 32” (dieciseisavos de final) instead of moving directly from the group stage to the Round of 16. To reach this stage, teams had to finish as one of the top two in their respective group or rank as one of the eight best third-place finishers across the 12 groups.
Where to watch World Cup 2026 matches for free and online
Viewers in Spain have several options for streaming and television access. DAZN holds the comprehensive broadcast rights, offering full coverage of the tournament. These broadcasts are also integrated into paid platforms including Orange TV and Movistar Plus+.
For those seeking free-to-air options, TVE (La 1) is broadcasting all matches featuring the Spanish National Team, as well as the most prominent match of each day’s schedule through to the final. Online followers can access real-time updates and streaming via designated regional rights holders.
How the 48-team format changes the tournament
The 2026 edition represents a significant departure from the previous model. By expanding the field to 48 nations, FIFA has increased the total number of games to 104. This expansion has allowed several nations to make their World Cup debuts, including Uzbekistan, Jordan, Curaçao, and Cabo Verde.
The impact of this expansion is evident in the group stage results. Cabo Verde, for instance, became the only debutant nation to successfully navigate the first phase of the tournament. This success sets up a high-stakes encounter on Friday, July 3, when Cabo Verde will face the defending champions, Argentina.
While the expansion opened doors for new nations, established powers have faced setbacks. Italy remains the most notable absentee, missing its third consecutive World Cup. Nigeria has also missed two consecutive tournaments. Other previous participants who failed to qualify for the 2026 edition include Denmark, Serbia, Poland, Cameroon, and Costa Rica.
Tournament Schedule and Host Logistics
The tournament runs from Thursday, June 11, to Sunday, July 19. In a historical first, the event is hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This joint hosting arrangement requires teams and fans to navigate vast geographic distances across North America, a contrast to the concentrated venue model used in Qatar 2022.
The transition from the group stage to the Round of 32 is the most critical tactical shift for managers. Teams no longer have the luxury of a direct jump to the final 16, meaning an extra knockout match is required to reach the quarter-finals. This adds a layer of physical and mental fatigue to the schedule, particularly for those third-place teams that scraped through the group stage.
The next major checkpoint in the tournament occurs tomorrow, Friday, July 3, with the final three matches of the Round of 32, headlined by Argentina’s clash with Cabo Verde.
Share your predictions for the Round of 32 winners in the comments below.
