The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage is officially heating up. Hosted across North America, the expanded 48-team tournament delivered a thrilling first day of the Round of 32 on Sunday as co-hosts Canada edged South Africa 1-0 with a stoppage-time winner in Los Angeles.
Now, Monday June 29 brings three blockbuster matchups that could shake up the bracket. Here’s your complete guide to today’s World Cup action.
🏆 Today’s Round of 32 Matches — June 29, 2026
| Match | Venue | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil vs. Japan | NRG Stadium, Houston, TX | 1:00 PM | FOX / fubo |
| Germany vs. Paraguay | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | 4:30 PM | FOX / fubo |
| Netherlands vs. Morocco | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico | 9:00 PM | FOX / fubo |
🇧🇷 Brazil vs. Japan: The Headliner
Five-time world champions Brazil enter the knockout stage as heavy favorites, but Japan is no pushover. The Samurai Blue handed Brazil a 3-2 defeat in their last meeting in October 2025 in Tokyo — a game where Brazil led 2-0 at halftime before Japan stormed back with three second-half goals.
Key storylines:
- Brazil’s attack: Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha lead the line, with Neymar, Endrick, and Gabriel Martinelli available off the bench. Carlo Ancelotti’s side averaged 2.3 goals per game in the group stage with 61% possession.
- Japan’s confidence: Takumi Minamino, Keito Nakamura, and Ayase Ueda — all scored in that famous Tokyo comeback. Japan drew Netherlands (2-2) and beat Tunisia (4-0) in Group F, showing they can compete with top-tier opposition.
- History: Brazil beat Japan 4-1 in their last World Cup meeting (2006). But current form says this could be much tighter.
🇩🇪 Germany vs. Paraguay: Europe vs. The Surprise Package
Germany stumbled in Group E, losing 2-1 to Ecuador before bouncing back. Paraguay, meanwhile, held Australia to a 0-0 draw and beat Turkey 1-0 — proving their defensive grit. This is a classic possession vs. counter-attack matchup. If Paraguay can hold out through the first 45 minutes, they have a real shot.
🇳🇱 Netherlands vs. Morocco: The Late Show
Both teams impressed in the group stage. The Netherlands scored 10 goals in three games, including a 5-1 demolition of Sweden. Morocco topped Group C after beating Haiti 4-2 and shutting out Scotland 1-0. This Monterrey night game has dark-horse drama written all over it.
🗓️ Upcoming Round of 32 Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 30 | Argentina vs. Ghana | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara |
| June 30 | France vs. Croatia | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| June 30 | Spain vs. DR Congo | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara |
| July 1 | England vs. Senegal | AT&T Stadium, Arlington |
| July 1 | Portugal vs. Cape Verde | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
❓ FAQ
How can I watch the 2026 World Cup in the US?
All matches are broadcast on FOX and available to stream via fubo (free trial available) and Peacock.
What’s the World Cup 2026 format?
48 teams were split into 16 groups of 3. The top two from each group advanced to the Round of 32 — a new round added this year. From there, it’s a straight knockout to the final on July 19.
Who are the favorites to win?
Brazil (+350), Argentina (+450), France (+600), England (+750), and Germany (+900) are the current betting favorites according to most sportsbooks.
🏁 Bottom Line
Today’s triple-header has everything: Brazil’s flair, Germany’s discipline, and Morocco’s unpredictability. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard football nerd, June 29 may well define how the knockout bracket unfolds.
Already watched? Check out our coverage of Canada’s historic win and the full Round of 32 knockout preview.