The FIFA World Cup 2026 is getting more intense as we head into the semi-finals this week! After weeks of amazing goals, surprising upsets, and nerve-racking knockout matches, only four teams remain: Argentina, France, Spain, and England. With a place in the World Cup final on the line, every play and every moment matters.

This exciting stage of the tournament is also a great opportunity for online English teachers to introduce useful soccer idioms. Commentators, players, and fans regularly use colourful expressions to describe their experiences.

In Part 1, we explored 10 knockout-stage idioms commonly heard during high-pressure soccer matches. Here are 10 more FIFA World Cup knockout idioms your English students can learn and use while following the final stages of the tournament.

1) Bounce back

Meaning: To recover after a setback or defeat.

Example: After losing their opening match, the team bounced back with three straight wins.

Class discussion: Share about a time when you bounced back after failing at something.

2) Make history

Meaning: To achieve something that has never been done before.

Example: The team hopes to make history by winning its first FIFA World Cup title.

Class discussion: What person, team, or country has made history in a way that inspires you?

3) Edge someone out

Meaning: To win by a very small margin.

Example: Spain edged France out with a goal in the final minutes.

Class discussion: Do you prefer close matches or one-sided victories? Why?

4) Snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

Meaning: To win when it seemed almost impossible.

Example: The team snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with two goals in extra time.

Class discussion: Have you ever seen a competition where someone made an incredible comeback?

5) Be down but not out

Meaning: To still have a chance despite being in a difficult situation.

Example: They were two goals behind, but they were down but not out.

Class discussion: What advice would you give someone who feels down but not out?

6) Turn the tide

Meaning: To completely change the direction of a game or situation.

Example: The substitute turned the tide with an early second-half goal.

Class discussion: Can one decision change everything? Share an example from your own life.

7) Against all odds

Meaning: To succeed even though it seems very unlikely.

Example: Against all odds, the underdogs defeated one of the tournament favourites.

Class discussion: Can you think of someone who succeeded against all odds? What challenges did they overcome?

8) It’s anyone’s game

Meaning: Either team could still win because the match is very close.

Example: The score is tied with ten minutes remaining, so it’s anyone’s game.

Class discussion: Do you enjoy matches where it’s anyone’s game, or do you prefer watching one team dominate? Why?

9) They’re heading home

Meaning: They have been eliminated from the competition.

Example: After losing the knockout match, the defending champions are heading home.

Class discussion: How do you think players feel when they are heading home after a major tournament?

10) What a dramatic finish!

Meaning: An exciting or unexpected ending to a game or event.

Example: The winning goal came in at the very last second, what a dramatic finish!

Class discussion: What is the most dramatic sporting event or competition you’ve ever watched? What made the ending so memorable?

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches its exciting final matches, encourage your students to listen for these 20 idioms during the semi-finals and final. Hearing authentic English in real match commentary is a great way to reinforce new vocabulary. Do you know any other knockout-stage idioms? Share them in the comments below!