The 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up fast. With the Round of 32 wrapping up today (Friday, July 3), the tournament enters its most thrilling phase yet — the Round of 16 kicks off tomorrow, July 4, with a star-studded lineup across North America.
Here’s everything you need to know about where things stand, what happened last night, and what’s coming next.
Yesterday’s Results (July 2)
Three Round of 32 matches concluded yesterday, locking in more Round of 16 berths:
| Match | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Spain vs Austria | 3-0 | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA |
| Portugal vs Croatia | 2-1 | BMO Field, Toronto, Canada |
| Switzerland vs Algeria | 2-0 | BC Place, Vancouver, Canada |
Spain looked dominant — Mikel Oyarzabal scored a brace to lead La Roja past Austria. Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 in a tense battle, while Switzerland cruised past Algeria 2-0 in Vancouver. These three wins set up massive Round of 16 clashes: Portugal vs Spain on July 6, and Switzerland awaiting the Colombia/Ghana winner on July 7.
Today’s Matches (July 3) — Round of 32 Finale
Three more matches today will complete the Round of 32 and finalize the Round of 16 bracket:
| Match | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina vs Cape Verde | 3:30 AM | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL |
| Colombia vs Ghana | 7:00 AM | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO |
| Australia vs Egypt | 11:30 PM | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX |
All eyes are on Argentina, the reigning world champions (2022). Lionel Messi’s squad faces a tricky Cape Verde side that has been a tournament surprise. Colombia vs Ghana promises fireworks — both teams play fast, physical football. And Australia vs Egypt rounds out the night in Arlington.
Confirmed Round of 16 Schedule (July 4–7)
Here are the matchups already locked in:
| Date | Time (ET) | Matchup | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 4 | 1:00 PM | Canada vs Morocco | NRG Stadium, Houston |
| July 4 | 5:00 PM | Paraguay vs France | Lincoln Financial Field, Philly |
| July 5 | 4:00 PM | Brazil vs Norway | MetLife Stadium, NJ |
| July 5 | 8:00 PM | Mexico vs England | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| July 6 | 3:00 PM | Portugal vs Spain | AT&T Stadium, Arlington |
| July 6 | 8:00 PM | USA vs Belgium | Lumen Field, Seattle |
| July 7 | 12:00 PM | TBD vs TBD | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| July 7 | 4:00 PM | Switzerland vs TBD | BC Place, Vancouver |
The USA vs Belgium match on July 6 at Lumen Field is shaping up to be a massive showdown. The USMNT defeated Bosnia 2-0 in the Round of 32, while Belgium came back from 2-0 down to beat Senegal 3-2 in a thriller.
New Format = More Drama
This is the first World Cup under the 48-team format, which means a Round of 32 knockout stage before the traditional Round of 16. Every eventual champion will have to win eight matches (not seven) to lift the trophy. The final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
FAQ
Where can I watch the 2026 World Cup?
In the US, every match airs on Fox and FS1 in English, with Telemundo and Universo providing Spanish coverage. Streaming options include fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV.
Who are the favorites to win?
Brazil, France, England, Argentina, and host nation USA are all considered strong contenders. Spain and Portugal also look dangerous after dominant Round of 32 wins.
How does the new 48-team format work?
The group stage produces 32 knockout-round teams. Those teams play a Round of 32, then a Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. Each team that reaches the final plays eight total matches.
When and where is the World Cup final?
The final is on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Upcoming Schedule at a Glance
- July 3 — Round of 32 concludes
- July 4–7 — Round of 16
- July 10–11 — Quarterfinals
- July 14–15 — Semifinals
- July 18 — Third-place match
- July 19 — FINAL at MetLife Stadium 🏆
Which match are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re watching from home, make sure your setup is game-ready.