- Historic change: the knockout stage starts June 28 — for the first time 32 teams play elimination matches (16 matchups) before the field shrinks to 16.
- Big names up top: Brazil, Argentina, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and the USA all won their groups, setting up plenty of marquee Round of 32 pairings.
- Underdog drama: hosts Canada advanced, sides like Cape Verde and Bosnia & Herzegovina are in the mix, and several third‑place spots remain undecided going into the final group matches.
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