Round of 32 → Final

The Bracket

For the first time in World Cup history, the bracket is seeded tennis-style: the four highest-ranked group winners (Spain, Argentina, France, England) are placed in opposite halves so they cannot meet before the semi-finals. Slots fill from the live group tables — winners, runners-up, and the eight best third-placed teams, slotted by FIFA's Annexe C — then knockout winners advance as games finish.