The FIFA World Cup 2026 enters the Round of 16 this weekend, with several heavyweight clashes set to determine the eight teams that will advance to the quarterfinals.
Tournament favourites Brazil, France, England, Spain and Portugal remain in contention, while surprise packages Morocco, Norway and Paraguay continue their impressive campaigns.
The expanded 48-team tournament reaches another milestone on Friday, July 3, as the Round of 32 concludes with the final three fixtures.
The remaining Round of 32 matches are:
- Australia vs Egypt
- Argentina vs Cape Verde
- Colombia vs Ghana
The winners will complete the Round of 16 lineup.
Round of 16 fixtures
Saturday, July 4
Canada vs Morocco
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
1:00 PM EDT
Canada’s remarkable World Cup journey faces a stern test against Morocco, who booked their place after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands. Both nations are aiming for their deepest-ever World Cup run.
Paraguay vs France
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
5:00 PM EDT
France head into the tie as favourites after a convincing 3-0 win over Sweden, but Paraguay will be full of confidence following their shock victory over Germany.
Sunday, July 5
Brazil vs Norway
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
4:00 PM EDT
Five-time champions Brazil continue their quest for another title against a determined Norwegian side that edged Ivory Coast in the previous round.
Mexico vs England
NRG Stadium, Houston
8:00 PM EDT
England meet Mexico in one of the standout fixtures of the last 16 after overcoming DR Congo, while Mexico advanced with a comfortable victory over Ecuador.
Monday, July 6
Portugal vs Spain
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
3:00 PM EDT
One of the biggest matches of the Round of 16 sees Iberian rivals Portugal and Spain renew their rivalry. Spain progressed with victory over Austria, while Portugal edged Croatia in a closely contested encounter.
United States vs Belgium
SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
8:00 PM EDT
Hosts United States take on Belgium in what promises to be one of the most exciting matches of the knockout stage, with both teams eyeing a place in the last eight.
Tuesday, July 7
Winner of Argentina/Cape Verde vs Winner of Australia/Egypt
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
12:00 PM EDT
Argentina are favourites to reach this stage, but Cape Verde, Australia and Egypt all remain in contention for a quarterfinal place.
Switzerland vs Winner of Colombia/Ghana
Lumen Field, Seattle
4:00 PM EDT
Switzerland await the winner between Colombia and Ghana after securing qualification with victory over Algeria.
Quarterfinal pathway
- Winner of Canada vs Morocco will face the winner of Paraguay vs France.
- Winner of Brazil vs Norway will meet the winner of Mexico vs England.
- Winner of Portugal vs Spain will play the winner of United States vs Belgium.
- Winner of Argentina/Cape Verde vs Australia/Egypt will face the winner of Switzerland vs Colombia/Ghana.
With only 16 teams remaining, every match is now a knockout contest where a single defeat ends hopes of lifting the World Cup trophy, while victory moves one step closer to football’s biggest prize.
