The Round of 16 begins with eight compelling knockout matches, featuring several tournament favorites alongside surprise teams that have battled their way through the expanded 48-team field. Every match is win-or-go-home, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake.
Saturday, July 4
Canada vs. Morocco – Canada, the lone host nation remaining in the tournament, looks to continue its dream run after defeating South Africa. Morocco enters full of confidence after eliminating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout, making this one of the day’s most evenly matched contests.
Paraguay vs. France – Paraguay shocked Germany in the Round of 32, while France has arguably been the tournament’s most dominant team, led by Kylian Mbappé. France enters as the favorite, but Paraguay has already proven it can upset a heavyweight.
Sunday, July 5
Brazil vs. Norway – Brazil survived a difficult test against Japan and now faces a disciplined Norwegian side that eliminated Ivory Coast
Mexico vs. England – One of the marquee matches of the Round of 16. Mexico has yet to concede a goal in the tournament, while England has steadily improved after advancing past DR Congo.
Monday, July 6
Portugal vs. Spain – Iberian rivals meet in what many expect to be one of the best matches of the knockout stage.
United States vs. Belgium – The United States will try to continue its strong tournament against a talented Belgian squad that survived a thriller against Senegal.
Tuesday, July 7
Argentina vs. Egypt – Lionel Messi and Argentina remain among the title favorites after edging Cape Verde, while Egypt arrives with momentum after winning on penalties over Australia.
Switzerland vs. Colombia – Colombia has quietly become one of the tournament’s surprise contenders after eliminating Ghana, while Switzerland has been solid defensively throughout the competition.
The Round of 16 features several potential championship contenders, with France, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, England, Portugal, and the host nations all still alive. By the end of Tuesday, the field will be reduced to the final eight teams as the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy intensifies.
