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2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16: Schedule, Matchups and Team Qualifications

The 2026 World Cup began with 48 teams, but after an intense Round of 32 packed with penalty shootouts, last-minute goals, and surprising exits, only 16 teams remain. The stage is set for a thrilling knockout phase as these teams compete to advance further in soccer's most prestigious tournament.

Hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States have all been eliminated, leaving traditional giants such as Argentina, Belgium, England, France, and Spain among the quarterfinal contenders. Two Round of 16 games scheduled for Tuesday will complete the lineup of eight teams moving forward.

How Teams Advanced

The top two finishers from each of the 12 groups automatically progressed, along with the eight best third-place teams. The Round of 32 saw several strong teams exit early, including Germany, Netherlands, and Japan. Now, every match demands a win as teams fight for the trophy.

Round of 16 Schedule and Results

  • Saturday, July 4Morocco 3, Canada 0France 1, Paraguay 0Next: Morocco vs. France – Thursday, 4 p.m. ET, Boston
  • Sunday, July 5Norway 2, Brazil 1England 3, Mexico 2Next: Norway vs. England – Saturday, 5 p.m. ET, Miami
  • Monday, July 6Spain 1, Portugal 0Belgium 4, USA 1Next: Spain vs. Belgium – Friday, 3 p.m. ET, Los Angeles
  • Tuesday, July 7Egypt vs. Argentina, 12 p.m. ET, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaSwitzerland vs. Colombia, 4 p.m. ET, BC Place, Vancouver

Upcoming Knockout Rounds

  • QuarterfinalsThursday, July 9: France vs. Morocco, 4 p.m. ET, Gillette Stadium, FoxboroughFriday, July 10: Spain vs. Belgium, 3 p.m. ET, SoFi Stadium, InglewoodSaturday, July 11: Norway vs. England, 5 p.m. ET, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami GardensSaturday, July 11: Winner of Egypt/Argentina vs. Winner of Switzerland/Colombia, 9 p.m. ET, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
  • SemifinalsTuesday, July 14: France/Morocco vs. Winner of Spain/Belgium, 3 p.m. ET, AT&T Stadium, ArlingtonWednesday, July 15: Winners of Norway/England and Egypt/Argentina vs. Switzerland/Colombia matches, 3 p.m. ET, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
  • Third-Place MatchSaturday, July 18, 5 p.m. ET, Hard Rock Stadium
  • FinalSunday, July 19, 3 p.m. ET, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Round of 32 Summary

The Round of 32 featured some dramatic clashes:

  • Canada edged South Africa 1-0
  • Brazil narrowly defeated Japan 2-1
  • Paraguay beat Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw
  • Morocco advanced past the Netherlands on penalties
  • France cruised past Sweden 3-0
  • Mexico overcame Ecuador 2-0
  • England won 2-1 against Congo DR
  • Belgium triumphed 3-2 over Senegal
  • USA defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0
  • Spain routed Austria 3-0
  • Portugal won 2-1 against Croatia
  • Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0
  • Egypt advanced over Australia on penalties
  • Argentina won 3-2 against Cape Verde
  • Colombia edged Ghana 1-0

Group Stage Final Standings

Qualified: Mexico, South AfricaEliminated: Czechia, South Korea

Mexico topped Group A perfectly and faces Ecuador next. South Africa will meet Canada in the next round. South Korea and Czechia failed to advance.

Qualified: Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia and HerzegovinaEliminated: Qatar

Switzerland claimed Group B, set to face Algeria. Canada advanced second and will take on South Africa. Bosnia and Herzegovina also moved on as a top third-place finisher. Qatar was eliminated.

More Group Highlights

Group C:Brazil and Morocco advanced; Scotland and Haiti were out.Group D:USA, Australia, and Paraguay qualified; Türkiye was eliminated.Group E:Germany, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador advanced; Curaçao eliminated.Group F:Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden qualified; Tunisia out.Group G:Belgium and Egypt moved on; Iran and New Zealand went home.Group H:Spain and Cape Verde advanced; Uruguay and Saudi Arabia eliminated.Group I:France, Norway, and Senegal qualified; Iraq out.Group J:Argentina, Austria, and Algeria advanced; Jordan eliminated.Group K:Colombia, Portugal, and DR Congo moved on; Uzbekistan eliminated.Group L:England, Croatia, and Ghana qualified; Panama eliminated.

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