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2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Matchups and Possible Round of 16 Encounters

With group stage matches nearing their end, the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout rounds are starting to take shape. As of now, 14 teams have secured their places in the Round of 32, and four matchups are officially confirmed. By the weekend's conclusion, all spots will be finalized.

Confirmed Round of 32 Fixtures

  • Match 74: Germany vs. Paraguay – Germany topped Group E and will face Paraguay, who secured a third-place position in Group A.
  • Match 77: France vs. Sweden – France won Group I, setting up a clash with Sweden, a third-place team from Groups C, D, F, G, or H.
  • Match 73: South Africa vs. Canada – Both finished second in their groups, South Africa in Group A and Canada in Group B.
  • Match 75: Netherlands vs. Morocco – The Netherlands won Group F, while Morocco claimed second place in Group C.
  • Match 83: Portugal vs. Croatia – Portugal took second in Group K; Croatia finished second in Group L after beating Ghana.
  • Match 84: Spain vs. Austria – Spain topped Group H, and Austria secured second in Group J.
  • Match 81: United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina – The US advanced early by winning Group B, while Bosnia qualified as a third-place team.
  • Match 82: Belgium vs. Senegal – Belgium won Group G and will play Senegal, a confirmed third-place qualifier.
  • Match 76: Brazil vs. Japan – Brazil won Group C; Japan took second in Group F.
  • Match 78: Ivory Coast vs. Norway – Ivory Coast placed second in Group E; Norway finished second in Group I.
  • Match 79: Mexico vs. Ecuador – Mexico, the host nation, will meet Ecuador, a third-place qualifier.
  • Match 80: England vs. DR Congo – England leads Group L and faces DR Congo, a third-place team from Group I or K.
  • Match 86: Argentina vs. Cabo Verde – Argentina won Group J; Cabo Verde secured second in Group H.
  • Match 88: Australia vs. Egypt – Australia placed second in Group D; Egypt took second in Group G.
  • Match 85: Switzerland vs. Algeria – Switzerland topped Group B and will face Algeria, a third-place finisher.
  • Match 87: Colombia vs. Ghana – Colombia won Group K and will meet Ghana, a third-place qualifier.

Potential Round of 16 Battles

The Round of 16 will pair winners from these matches, creating intriguing possibilities.

  • Match 89: Paraguay vs. France – Paraguay advanced past Germany on penalties, and France beat Sweden 3-0.
  • Match 90: Canada vs. Morocco – Canada defeated South Africa; Morocco won on penalties against the Netherlands.
  • Match 93: Spain vs. Winner of Match 83 – Spain leads Group H and will face either Portugal or Croatia.
  • Match 94: Belgium vs. United States – Belgium edged Senegal 3-2; the US won against Bosnia 2-0.
  • Match 91: Brazil vs. Norway – Brazil beat Japan; Norway triumphed over Ivory Coast.
  • Match 92: Mexico vs. England – Mexico won over Ecuador; England defeated DR Congo 2-1.
  • Match 95: Argentina vs. Australia/Egypt winner – Argentina awaits the outcome between Australia and Egypt.
  • Match 96: Switzerland vs. Colombia/Ghana winner – Switzerland will face the winner between Colombia and Ghana.

The knockout stages promise tense encounters as top teams clash with group runners-up and lucky third-place qualifiers. The path forward is set, but surprises may still emerge.

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