World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Begins: Argentina Survives Cape Verde Scare, Full Schedule

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially enters its knockout phase as the Round of 16 kicks off today. After a dramatic conclusion to the Last 32, eight matchups are set — and the action begins with Canada vs Morocco and Paraguay vs France on Saturday, July 4.

Last 32: Final Results

The Last 32 wrapped up with two absolute thrillers:

MatchScoreWinner Advances To
Argentina vs Cape Verde3-2 (AET)Argentina vs Egypt
Colombia vs Ghana1-0Colombia vs Switzerland

Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (AET) — Game of the Tournament

In what is already being called the best match of World Cup 2026, Argentina narrowly avoided one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a trademark finish — a back-spun half-volley cushion on the run — to put Argentina ahead in the 28th minute. But Cape Verde refused to back down.

Cape Verde equalized through Ryan Mendes in the 59th minute, and the game went to extra time. Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead early in extra time, but Cape Verde’s Sydny Lopes Cabral produced a moment of pure magic — a curling right-footed rocket into the far corner past Emiliano Martínez to make it 2-2 in the 102nd minute. It was one of the great World Cup goals, a strike worthy of the biggest stage.

Ultimately, Cristian Romero headed home a Lionel Messi corner in the 111th minute to seal a 3-2 win. But Cape Verde’s heroic performance — led by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha — won hearts worldwide. Argentina will now face Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 7.

Colombia 1-0 Ghana

Colombia booked their Round of 16 date with Switzerland thanks to a 1-0 win over Ghana. Jhon Arias scored the decisive goal, heading home from a Luis Suárez cross. Ghana rarely threatened, managing zero shots on target. Colombia now faces Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday, July 7.

Round of 16 Schedule

DateMatchTime (ET)Venue
Sat, Jul 4Canada vs Morocco1:00 PMVancouver
Sat, Jul 4Paraguay vs France5:00 PMChicago
Sun, Jul 5Brazil vs Norway4:00 PMDallas
Mon, Jul 6Mexico vs England12:00 AM*Mexico City
Mon, Jul 6Portugal vs Spain3:00 PMNew York
Tue, Jul 7USA vs Belgium12:00 AM*Los Angeles
Tue, Jul 7Argentina vs Egypt5:00 PMAtlanta
Tue, Jul 7Switzerland vs Colombia9:00 PMVancouver

*Next day

Match to Watch Today: Canada vs Morocco

Canada impressed in the group stage and dispatched South Africa 1-0 in the Last 32. Morocco — who stunned the Netherlands on penalties in the group stage — have one of the most cohesive units in the tournament. Both teams are looking to make their deepest World Cup run ever. Kickoff at 1:00 PM ET from Vancouver.

Looking Ahead

England faces a hostile reception in Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium on Monday. The Three Lions flew through their group but face a fired-up Mexico side backed by 80,000 roaring fans. Meanwhile, the USA vs Belgium showdown on Tuesday promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the round — a rematch of the 2014 Round of 16 that saw Belgium prevail 2-1 in extra time.

The quarter-finals are set for July 9-12, with the semi-finals on July 14-15. The World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19.


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