World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Kicks Off: Messi vs Salah, Full Bracket Schedule

# World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Kicks Off: Messi vs Salah, Full Bracket Set

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its thrilling knockout phase as the Round of 16 begins today, Saturday, July 4. After an action-packed Round of 32 that saw dramatic penalty shootouts, extra-time winners, and stunning goals, all 16 remaining teams are ready to battle for a spot in the quarterfinals.

## Round of 32 Final Results

The Round of 32 wrapped up with three matches on July 3 that set the stage for the next bracket.

### Argentina Survives Cabo Verde Scare

Defending champions Argentina were pushed to the limit by World Cup debutants Cabo Verde before escaping with a 3-2 win after extra time. **Lionel Messi** scored his **seventh goal of the tournament** — and 20th in World Cups overall — to give Argentina an early lead. But Cabo Verde refused to back down, with Deroy Duarte equalizing on the hour mark.

Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina’s lead early in extra time, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral’s stunning strike to level things again. The winner finally came from an unlikely source — Cristian Romero’s header off a Messi corner deflected off Diney Borges for an own goal. Argentina advances, but the performance raised questions about their defensive solidity.

### Egypt Edges Australia on Penalties

In Arlington, Texas, Egypt secured their first World Cup knockout victory since 1934 by defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Mohamed Salah confidently converted his spot kick, setting up a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against Argentina. This will be the **first-ever meeting between Messi and Salah in international football** — a must-watch matchup.

### Colombia Edges Ghana

Colombia completed the Round of 16 lineup with a workmanlike 1-0 win over Ghana. Jhon Arias scored the only goal in the 14th minute. Colombia will face Switzerland in Vancouver on July 8.

## Round of 16 Full Schedule

All times in Eastern Time (ET):

## Key Storylines to Watch

**🌟 Messi vs Salah (July 7):** The headline matchup of the Round of 16. Messi is chasing a record-extending 21st World Cup goal, while Salah looks to lead Egypt past the defending champions. Both players are in scintillating form.

**🇺🇸 USA vs Belgium (July 7):** The host nation faces a tough test against a talented Belgian side that needed extra time to beat Senegal. Expect a raucous atmosphere in Seattle.

**🇨🇦 Canada vs Morocco (July 4):** The co-hosts Canada, appearing in their first knockout stage since 1986, face a Morocco team that stunned the Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 32.

**🇧🇷 Brazil vs Norway (July 5):** Brazil survived a tough test against Japan and now faces a disciplined Norwegian side that has exceeded expectations.

## FAQ

### How many teams remain in the World Cup 2026?
16 teams remain. The tournament started with 48 teams in the group stage and has been whittled down through the Round of 32.

### When is the World Cup 2026 Final?
The final will be played on **July 19, 2026** at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

### Where can I watch the Round of 16 matches?
In the US, matches are broadcast on FOX, FS1, and streamed on FuboTV.

### Who is the top scorer so far?
Lionel Messi leads the Golden Boot race with **7 goals** in 4 matches.

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