The 2026 World Cup entered its second phase this week as the Round of 32 concluded, delivering a mix of narrow victories, penalty shoot‑outs and unexpected exits that have reshaped the knockout bracket.
Round of 32 Highlights
South Africa fell 0‑1 to Canada, while Brazil edged Japan 2‑1. Germany and Paraguay tied 1‑1 before Germany advanced 4‑3 on penalties, and the Netherlands drew 1‑1 with Morocco only to see Morocco triumph 3‑2 after extra time. Norway secured a 2‑1 win over Ivory Coast, and France cruised past Sweden 3‑0. Mexico, England, Belgium, the United States and the remaining teams now await their next opponents.
Round of 16 Fixtures
The schedule kicks off on June 30 with Mexico hosting Ecuador at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, followed by England versus DR Congo at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 1. Belgium meets Senegal at Lumen Field in Seattle, and the United States takes on Bosnia‑Herzegovina at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on the same day. On July 2, Spain faces Austria at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, while Switzerland battles Algeria at BC Place in Vancouver. Portugal squares off against Croatia in Toronto on July 2, and Australia meets Egypt at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on July 3. Argentina will play Cabo Verde at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Colombia will encounter Ghana at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, and Canada will square up with Morocco at NRG Stadium in Houston on July 4. The next day Brazil meets Norway at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, and the winners of Mexico‑Ecuador and England‑DR Congo clash again on July 5 in Mexico City. On July 6, the champions of Portugal‑Croatia and Spain‑Austria meet at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, while the United States‑Bosnia‑Herzegovina winner faces Belgium‑Senegal in Seattle. Finally, on July 7, Argentina‑Cabo Verde will meet Australia‑Egypt at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and Switzerland‑Algeria will take on Colombia‑Ghana at BC Place in Vancouver.
With several traditional powers eliminated in the group stage and a host of underdogs advancing, the knockout round promises a blend of surprise and seasoned expertise as the tournament moves toward its decisive phase.