The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its decisive knockout stage. The World Cup Round of 16 begins on Saturday, July 4, with intense competition ahead. Initially, 48 teams started the tournament. However, only 16 remain after a dramatic Round of 32 that featured penalty shootouts, late winners, and several major exits. Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan were among the teams knocked out as the race for the trophy entered its critical phase.
Co-hosts Mexico, Canada, and the United States are still competing in the tournament. Additionally, traditional football powers Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Portugal, and Spain remain. Furthermore, several other competitive nations advanced through the group stage. Therefore, the World Cup Round of 16 features a strong mix of favorites and emerging competitors.
Teams Qualified for the Round of 16
| Team | Qualification Result |
|---|---|
| Canada | Defeated South Africa 1-0 |
| Brazil | Defeated Japan 2-1 |
| Paraguay | Defeated Germany 4-3 on penalties |
| Morocco | Defeated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties |
| Norway | Defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 |
| France | Defeated Sweden 3-0 |
| Mexico | Defeated Ecuador 2-0 |
| England | Defeated DR Congo 2-1 |
| Belgium | Defeated Senegal 3-2 |
| USA | Defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 |
| Spain | Defeated Austria 3-0 |
| Portugal | Defeated Croatia 2-1 |
| Switzerland | Defeated Algeria 2-0 |
| Egypt | Defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties |
| Argentina | Defeated Cape Verde 3-2 |
| Colombia | Defeated Ghana 1-0 |
The top two teams from each of the 12 groups had advanced automatically to the knockout phase. Additionally, the eight best third-place finishers qualified. Consequently, only the strongest teams remain. From this stage onward, every match is a win-or-go-home contest. Meanwhile, the winners move into the quarterfinals.
Canada will open the World Cup Round of 16 against Morocco at Houston Stadium on Saturday. Following that match, Paraguay will clash with France at Philadelphia Stadium. The schedule ensures fans have multiple opportunities to watch matches throughout the week.
Brazil will face Norway on Sunday at New York/New Jersey Stadium. Meanwhile, Mexico will take on England at Mexico City Stadium. Therefore, co-host Mexico plays a critical home match.
On Monday, Portugal and Spain will meet in one of the biggest fixtures of the round at Dallas Stadium. Subsequently, the USA will face Belgium at Seattle Stadium later the same day. Both matches feature significant competitive depth.
The round will conclude on Tuesday when Argentina plays Egypt at Atlanta Stadium. Finally, Switzerland will face Colombia at BC Place Vancouver. Therefore, the World Cup Round of 16 spans the entire week with compelling matchups throughout.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Schedule
| Match | Date | Day | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada vs Morocco | July 4 | Saturday | Houston Stadium |
| Paraguay vs France | July 4 | Saturday | Philadelphia Stadium |
| Brazil vs Norway | July 5 | Sunday | New York/New Jersey Stadium |
| Mexico vs England | July 5 | Sunday | Mexico City Stadium |
| Portugal vs Spain | July 6 | Monday | Dallas Stadium |
| USA vs Belgium | July 6 | Monday | Seattle Stadium |
| Argentina vs Egypt | July 7 | Tuesday | Atlanta Stadium |
| Switzerland vs Colombia | July 7 | Tuesday | BC Place Vancouver |
