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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has hit a thrilling point with the Round of 32 confirmed after an exciting and unpredictable group stage.
This expanded edition, with 48 teams and 104 matches for the first time in history, has already brought unforgettable moments, shock results, and rising stars.
Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament kicked off on June 11, marking the first World Cup spread across three nations. Millions of fans have packed stadiums across North America as teams fight for a spot in the later rounds of the world’s biggest sporting event.
With the knockout phase underway, the pressure is on—no more second chances, as winners move on to the Round of 16 starting July 4, and losers head home.
The grand finale is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Standout Round of 32 clashes include Brazil vs Japan, Netherlands vs Morocco, Portugal vs Croatia, Belgium vs Senegal, and France vs Sweden.
Africa has had a particularly strong showing, with nine of its ten nations—South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Cape Verde, and Ghana—making it through to this stage.
Here are the confirmed Round of 32 fixtures:
1. South Africa vs Canada — June 28, Los Angeles Stadium
2. Brazil vs Japan — June 29, Houston Stadium
3. Germany vs Paraguay — June 29, Boston Stadium
4. Netherlands vs Morocco — June 29, Estadio Monterrey
5. Ivory Coast vs Norway — June 30, Dallas Stadium
6. France vs Sweden — June 30, New York New Jersey Stadium
7. Mexico vs Ecuador — June 30, Mexico City Stadium
8. England vs DR Congo — July 1, Atlanta Stadium
9. Belgium vs Senegal — July 1, Seattle Stadium
10. United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina — July 1, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
11. Spain vs Austria — July 2, Los Angeles Stadium
12. Portugal vs Croatia — July 2, Toronto Stadium
13. Switzerland vs Algeria — July 2, BC Place, Vancouver
14. Australia vs Egypt — July 3, Dallas Stadium
15. Argentina vs Cape Verde — July 3, Miami Stadium
16. Colombia vs Ghana — July 3, Kansas City Stadium
With a place in the Round of 16 at stake and the dream of lifting football’s most coveted trophy still alive, the stage is set for a thrilling knockout phase as teams continue their quest for World Cup glory.
