Round‑of‑32 Fixtures
The knockout stage of the World Cup Soccer tournament kicks off on June 28, when Canada hosts South Africa in Toronto, marking the first of a series of high‑stakes encounters that will run through early July.
Two days later, Brazil travels to Rio de Janeiro to face Japan, edging a 2‑1 victory that propels the Brazilian side forward, while Paraguay secures its place by defeating Germany in a dramatic penalty shoot‑out in Asunción.
In Rabat, Morocco advances after a 3‑2 penalty win over the Netherlands, and Norway follows with a 2‑1 triumph over Ivory Coast in Oslo, setting the tone for a competitive evening.
France dominates Sweden 3‑0 in Paris, and Mexico shuts out Ecuador 2‑0 in Mexico City, underscoring the depth of talent among the contending squads.
The schedule then shifts to North America, with England meeting the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta on July 1, Belgium taking on Senegal in Seattle, and the United States confronting Bosnia‑Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California.
On July 2, Spain squares off against Austria in Inglewood, California, while Portugal battles Croatia in Toronto, and Switzerland faces Algeria in Vancouver, each fixture promising a test of nerves.
The following days see Australia take on Egypt in Arlington, Argentina clash with Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, and Colombia meet Ghana in Kansas City, each match adding to the tournament’s growing excitement.
By July 4, Canada meets Morocco in Houston, Paraguay squares off against France in Philadelphia, and Brazil confronts Norway in East Rutherford, New Jersey, before Mexico prepares to meet the winner of the England‑Congo DR encounter in Mexico City on July 5.
The latter half of the knockout round features decisive rematches, as the victors of Portugal‑Croatia and Spain‑Austria meet in Arlington on July 6, alongside the clash between the United States‑Bosnia‑Herzegovina winner and Belgium‑Senegal winner in Seattle. The tournament culminates on July 7 with the winners of Argentina‑Cape Verde versus Australia‑Egypt in Atlanta, and Switzerland‑Algeria versus Colombia‑Ghana in Vancouver, rounding out a month of dramatic football.