The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 concludes with major upsets and thrilling matches. Discover which teams advanced to the Round of 16 in this exciting tournam
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has progressed to the knockout stages, with the Round of 32 now largely concluded. After 72 group games involving 48 teams, the competition has moved into the elimination rounds, which have already delivered some dramatic results and confirmed several teams for the Round of 16.
The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, alongside the eight best third-placed teams, secured their advancement from the group stage. These included teams such as Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, Morocco, USA, Australia, Germany, Ivory Coast, Netherlands, Japan, Belgium, Egypt, Spain, Cape Verde, France, Norway, Senegal, Argentina, Austria, Colombia, Portugal, England, Croatia, Ghana, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Paraguay, Ecuador, Sweden, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Algeria.
Key Results from the Round of 32
The initial knockout matches have proven unpredictable. Canada made history by securing their first knockout stage victory, defeating South Africa 1-0 in extra time to claim a spot in the Round of 16. Brazil also advanced after a tense encounter against Japan, with Gabriel Martinelli securing a 2-1 victory in Houston after Casemiro leveled the game following Kaishu Sano’s opening goal.
However, some major teams faced early exits. Germany was eliminated from the World Cup after losing to Paraguay on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Boston. Similarly, the Netherlands exited the tournament, falling to Morocco on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in Guadalupe, Mexico. Other results included Norway’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, France’s victory against Sweden, and Mexico’s win over Ecuador.
Further matches saw England defeat DR Congo 2-1, Belgium overcome Senegal 3-2, and the United States secure a win against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Spain advanced with a victory over Austria, Portugal beat Croatia 2-1, and Switzerland defeated Algeria. The remaining matches on July 3 include Australia vs. Egypt, Argentina vs. Cape Verde, and Colombia vs. Ghana.
Teams Advancing to the Round of 16
As the Round of 32 concludes, several teams have already secured their places in the next stage. These include Canada, Brazil, Paraguay, Morocco, Norway, France, Mexico, England, Belgium, United States, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland.
The Round of 16 is scheduled to begin on Saturday, July 4, with two matches. The first game will feature Canada vs. Morocco at 1 p.m. at NRG Stadium in Houston. The second fixture on the same day will see Paraguay vs. France at 5 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
On Sunday, July 5, Brazil will face Norway at 4 p.m. at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, followed by Mexico vs. England at 8 p.m. at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City. Monday, July 6, will feature Portugal vs. Spain at 3 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and the United States vs. Belgium at 8 p.m. at Lumen Field in Seattle.
The schedule continues on Tuesday, July 7, with the winner of the Argentina/Cape Verde match playing the winner of the Australia/Egypt match at noon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Later that day, Switzerland will play the winner of the Colombia/Ghana match at 4 p.m. at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada.
The final matches of the Round of 32 are set for July 3.
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Source: aljazeera.com
