World Cup 2022 Round of 16: qualified teams, schedule and how it works

With the World Cup knockout phase having begun, here is an overview of the teams advancing to the last 16 at the tournament in Qatar:

HOW DOES THE KNOCKOUT STAGE AT WORLD CUP 2022 WORK?

* In the knockout stage the teams will play each other once, with the winning team going to the next round. There are total of four rounds: Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, which will take place on Dec. 18.

* There is also a third place playoff between the losers of the semi-finals.

* If the scores are equal at the end of normal playing time, extra time is played for two periods of 15 minutes each. If the score is still tied, this is followed by a penalty shoot-out to determine the winners.

WHICH TEAMS HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE KNOCKOUT STAGE?

GROUP A

* The Netherlands secured a place in the last 16 with victories over African champions Senegal and hosts Qatar, topping Group A despite a 1-1 draw with Ecuador.

* The reigning African Champions started the World Cup with a loss to the Netherlands, but they turned their fortunes with a 3-1 win over hosts Qatar and a decisive 2-1 win over Ecuador.

GROUP B

* England punched their ticket to the knockout phase as top of Group B with 7 points, following emphatic victories against Wales and Iran and a goalless draw with the United States.

* The United States qualified as runners up of Group B after a 1-0 victory over Iran in a match overshadowed by political tension following draws with Wales and England.

GROUP C

* Argentina clawed back the top spot in Group C with wins over Mexico and Poland after a shocking loss in the opener against Saudi Arabia. They will next face Australia on Saturday.

* Poland clinched a spot in the last 16 as runners-up of Group C after a win over Saudi Arabia, a draw