Updated July 2, 2026, 6:58 p.m. ET
Editor’s note: Keep up with the Portugal-Croatia game with our live blog, here.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 is already taking shape, with eight teams having secured their spots. The early knockout matches have highlighted just how unpredictable these do-or-die games can be, showing that no team holds a clear advantage once the elimination rounds begin.
Canada made history as the first nation to claim a spot in the round of 16, recording its inaugural knockout stage victory by defeating South Africa 1-0 in extra time.
The round of 32 action continued with Brazil narrowly surviving a tense encounter against Japan. Japan took an early lead in the knockout round match with Kaishu Sano opening the scoring in the first half. However, Casemiro leveled the game early in the second half, and Gabriel Martinelli ultimately secured a 2-1 victory for Brazil in Houston.
The first major upset of the round of 32 came when Germany crashed out of the World Cup, falling to Paraguay on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in Boston. In another dramatic twist, the Netherlands also exited the tournament, losing to Morocco on penalties following a 1-1 stalemate in Guadalupe, Mexico.
Three more spots in the round of 16 were claimed Tuesday, including Mexico advancing with a win against Ecuador.
The round of 16 spots are being claimed in dramatic fashion. Here’s a look at who’s advanced so far:
Teams that have booked their place in the round of 16:
- Canada
- Brazil
- Paraguay
- Morocco
- Norway
- France
- Mexico
- England
- Belgium
- United States
- Spain
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World Cup round of 16 schedule
All times Eastern and fixtures according to fifa.com:
Saturday, July 4:
- Canada vs. Morocco, 1 p.m. at NRG Stadium in Houston
- Paraguay vs. France, 5 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia
Sunday, July 5:
- Brazil vs. Norway, 4 p.m. at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Mexico vs. England, 8 p.m. at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City
Monday, July 6:
- Winner of Portugal/Croatia vs. Spain
- United States vs. Belgium, 8 p.m. at Lumen Field in Seattle
Tuesday, July 7:
- Winner of Argentina/Cape Verde vs. Winner of Australia/Egypt, noon, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
- Winner of Switzerland/Algeria vs. Winner of Colombia/Ghana, 4 p.m. at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada
Thursday, July 9:
- Winner match 89 vs. Winner match 90, 4 p.m. at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts
Friday, July 10:
- Winner match 93 vs. Winner match 94, 3 p.m. at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California
When does the round of 16 begin?
The round of 16 starts on Saturday, July 4, with two matches. The first game will have Paraguay facing France. The second game will feature Canada against Morocco.
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World Cup round of 32 matchups
Below is a look at the round of 32 schedule for the 2026 World Cup:
June 28
June 29
- Brazil 2, Japan 1
- Germany 1, Paraguay 1 – Paraguay wins 4-3 on penalties
- Netherlands 1, Morocco 1 – Morocco wins 3-2 on penalties
June 30
- Norway 2, Ivory Coast 1
- France 3, Sweden 0
- Mexico 2, Ecuador 0
July 1
- England 2, DR Congo 1
- Belgium 3, Senegal 2
- United States 2, Bosnia and Herzegovina 0
July 2
- Spain 3, Austria 0
- Portugal vs. Croatia, 7 p.m. ET | FOX, Telemundo
- Switzerland vs. Algeria, 11 p.m. ET | FS1, Telemundo
July 3
- Australia vs. Egypt, 2 p.m. ET | FOX, Telemundo
- Argentina vs. Cape Verde, 6 p.m. ET | FOX, Telemundo
- Colombia vs. Ghana, 9:30 p.m. | Fox, Telemundo
