local
What we know about the Round of 32 World Cup schedule and teams so far
By Sanjesh Singh at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· June 24, 2026
· 3 min read
The 2026 World Cup group-stage games have more than lived up to the hype.
Now the action is about to get even better.
The Round of 32 is up next in the tournament, a new addition following the increase from 32 teams to 48. Eight of the 12 third-place teams have qualified, which will give so...
Key takeaway The Round of 32 is up next in the tournament, a new addition following the increase from 32 teams to 48.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
As San Francisco 's soccer fans eagerly await the next stage of the World Cup, the newly introduced Round of 32 is set to bring even more excitement to the city's vibrant sports scene. With eight third-place teams qualifying, including some with more favorable matchups, local enthusiasts will be closely watching to see how the tournament unfolds. The games, scheduled to run from June 28 to July 3, will likely draw large crowds to sports bars and viewing parties throughout the city. San Francisco's diverse community, with its strong presence of international residents and fans, will be particularly invested in the outcomes of teams like Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. As the tournament progresses, the city's streets and public spaces may become hubs for fans to gather and cheer on their favorite teams, adding to the energetic atmosphere that San Francisco is known for.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The 2026 World Cup group-stage games have more than lived up to the hype.
Now the action is about to get even better.
The Round of 32 is up next in the tournament, a new addition following the increase from 32 teams to 48. Eight of the 12 third-place teams have qualified, which will give so...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sanjesh Singh at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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