The knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with the Round of 16 matches, starting on July 4 in Houston. A total of 16 teams have successfully advanced to this stage, showcasing thrilling performances throughout the group matches.
Teams Qualified for the Round of 16
Sixteen national teams have secured their spots in the Round of 16, each displaying remarkable skills and determination. Here’s the complete list of teams that qualified:
- Canada (defeated South Africa 1-0)
- Brazil (defeated Japan 2-1)
- Paraguay (defeated Germany 4-3 on penalties)
- Morocco (defeated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties)
- Norway (defeated Ivory Coast 2-1)
- France (defeated Sweden 3-0)
- Mexico (defeated Ecuador 2-0)
- England (defeated Dr Congo 2-1)
- Belgium (defeated Senegal 3-2 in extra time)
- USA (defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0)
- Spain (defeated Austria 3-0)
- Portugal (defeated Croatia 2-1)
- Switzerland (defeated Algeria 2-0)
- Egypt (defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties)
- Argentina (defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time)
- Colombia (defeated Ghana 1-0)
Round of 16 Match Schedule
The matches for the Round of 16 are set to take place across various venues. Here’s the schedule:
- Canada vs Morocco: July 4, Saturday, Houston Stadium – 17:00 GMT
- Paraguay vs France: July 4, Saturday, Philadelphia Stadium – 21:00 GMT
- Brazil vs Norway: July 5, Sunday, New York/New Jersey Stadium – 20:00 GMT
- Mexico vs England: July 5, Sunday, Mexico City Stadium – 00:00 GMT on Monday
- Portugal vs Spain: July 6, Monday, Dallas Stadium – 19:00 GMT
- USA vs Belgium: July 6, Monday, Seattle Stadium – 00:00 GMT on Tuesday
- Argentina vs Egypt: July 7, Tuesday, Atlanta Stadium – 16:00 GMT
- Switzerland vs Colombia: July 7, Tuesday, BC Place Vancouver – 20:00 GMT
Key Players to Watch
The Round of 16 will highlight several star players, including Lionel Messi, who has already scored seven goals in the tournament, making him a leading contender for the Golden Boot. Fans can expect intense competition as teams vie for a place in the quarter-finals.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.