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The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage is nearly set. With 10 of the 16 Last 32 matches already decided, the tournament turns its attention to Thursday and Friday as the remaining six nations battle for a spot in the Round of 16.
Already Through: Round of 16 Teams
| Team | How They Advanced | Next Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 France | 3-0 vs Sweden (Mbappe x2, Barcola) | Paraguay |
| 🏴 England | 2-1 vs DR Congo (Kane x2) | Mexico |
| 🇺🇸 USA | 2-0 vs Bosnia (Balogun, Tillman) | Belgium |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | 3-2 AET vs Senegal (Tielemans pen 120+4′) | USA |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | 2-0 vs Ecuador (Quinones, Jimenez) | England |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 1-0 vs South Africa | Morocco |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | 2-1 vs Japan | Norway |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | 2-1 vs Cote d’Ivoire | Brazil |
| 🇵🇾 Paraguay | 1-1 (pens) vs Germany | France |
| 🇲🇦 Morocco | 1-1 (pens) vs Netherlands | Canada |
Today’s Key Matches
Spain vs Austria (3:00 PM ET)
Spain enter as heavy favorites against an Austrian side that impressed in the group stage. With Pedri, Gavi, and Rodri controlling midfield, La Roja will look to dominate possession. The winner faces Switzerland or Algeria in the Round of 16.
Portugal vs Croatia (7:00 PM ET)
This is the headline matchup and carries emotional weight. Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric — two of international football’s all-time greats — could be facing each other at a World Cup for the last time. Both are members of the exclusive “200 club” (200+ international appearances). Portugal boasts one of the deepest squads in the tournament, while Croatia relies on its trademark midfield control and tournament experience.
Switzerland vs Algeria (July 3)
A clash of styles: Switzerland’s organized defense vs Algeria’s flair and pace on the counter. The winner faces Spain or Austria in the Round of 16.
Argentina vs Cape Verde (July 3)
The defending champions enter as favorites, but Cape Verde has been the tournament’s surprise package. Sidny Lopes Cabral’s message to his teammates: “If you’re like ‘oh, it’s Messi’, you’re gonna lose your mind.” Cape Verde plays without fear.
Australia vs Egypt (July 3) | Colombia vs Ghana (July 4)
Two more matchups round out the Last 32. Australia has been solid defensively; Egypt relies on their star-studded attack. Colombia vs Ghana promises fireworks between two attack-minded sides.
Confirmed Round of 16 Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Canada vs Morocco | July 4 | TBD |
| Paraguay vs France | July 4 | TBD |
| Belgium vs USA | July 6 | Seattle |
| England vs Mexico | July 6 | Azteca, Mexico City |
| Brazil vs Norway | TBD | TBD |
What to Watch For
- France’s attacking firepower: Mbappe (5 goals) and Olise (3 assists) are in devastating form. Paraguay will need a near-perfect defensive display to contain them.
- England’s fragility: Despite advancing, England looked shaky against DR Congo and needed a late Kane double to escape. Mexico at the Azteca — where El Tri has never lost a World Cup match — is a nightmare draw.
- USA vs Belgium — 12 years later: Exactly 12 years after Belgium eliminated the USA in the 2014 Round of 16 (2-1 AET), these two meet again in Seattle. Can the USMNT flip the script?
- Ronaldo vs Modric: Tonight could be the final World Cup meeting between two legends of the game. Don’t miss it.
Looking Ahead
By Saturday morning, the full Round of 16 bracket will be set. With giants like Germany and the Netherlands already eliminated, and dark horses like Cape Verde and Canada still alive, this World Cup has all the makings of a classic. The knockout rounds only get tougher from here.
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