<P> The knockout stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup was the second and final stage of the competition, following the group stage . It began on 30 June with the round of 16 and ended on 15 July with the final match, held at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow . The top two teams from each group (16 in total) advanced to the knockout stage to compete in a single - elimination style tournament . A third place play - off was also played between the two losing teams of the semi-finals . </P> <P> France won the final 4--2 against Croatia for their second title . </P>

Who plays who in the knockout stage of world cup