world cup knockout bracket
Definition
The competitive segment of the FIFA World Cup where teams are eliminated upon losing a single game, structure represented by a tree-like diagram.
A single-elimination tournament graphic that dictates the path to the final, often serving as the primary source of heartbreak and 'no era penal' style grievances for football fans worldwide.
Examples
Studying the world cup knockout bracket is a dangerous hobby for anyone who still gets emotionally triggered by Arjen Robben's 2014 theatrics.
My confidence in my team's advancement through the world cup knockout bracket is currently lower than the chances of a smooth, controversy-free logistical rollout for the 2026 hosting duties.
I spent hours analyzing the world cup knockout bracket, only to forget that the real drama usually happens in the locker room fights that make headlines long before the whistle blows.