local
World Cup what to know: Round of 32 to be finalized after final 6 matches of group play
By STEVE REED, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)
· June 26, 2026
· 1 min read
The World Cup knockout rounds are almost here. The field for the Round of 32 will be finalized on Saturday following more than two weeks of competition across three countries. While majority of the field is set, there are still some spots up for grabs with six group-stage matches remaining, leavi...
Key takeaway The field for the Round of 32 will be finalized on Saturday following more than two weeks of competition across three countries.
Why this matters in The Odessa
For Odessa residents gathering to watch the World Cup, the final six matches of group play will determine which teams advance to the Round of 32, creating an exciting atmosphere in local sports bars and living rooms. As the tournament nears its knockout stage, fans in the Permian Basin area will be paying close attention to the remaining matches, eager to see which countries will move forward. The diversity of Odessa's community, with its strong international ties, will likely be reflected in the varied interests and allegiances of local fans, making for a lively and engaging viewing experience. With the field nearly set, the conclusion of group play on Saturday will bring a sense of anticipation and speculation about the potential matchups in the Round of 32, sparking conversations and debates among fans in Odessa and throughout the Midland-Odessa area.
About this story
Original reporting by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . The Odessa 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 Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The Odessa stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The World Cup knockout rounds are almost here. The field for the Round of 32 will be finalized on Saturday following more than two weeks of competition across three countries. While majority of the field is set, there are still some spots up for grabs with six group-stage matches remaining, leavi...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by STEVE REED, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter