The warm-up is over. The second chances have disappeared. From this point onward, every mistake could send a nation packing.
After two weeks of drama, surprise exits, giant-killings and unforgettable moments, the 2026 FIFA World Cup shifts into its most unforgiving phase as the Round of 16 gets underway on Friday, July 4.
Only 16 countries remain in the race for football’s biggest prize, while the dreams of the other 32 teams have already come to an end.
Now, the road to the quarter-finals begins.
How The Last 16 Was Decided
The knockout bracket was shaped by a series of captivating encounters during the Round of 32.
Canada became the first nation to secure a place in the last 16 after edging South Africa 1-0, setting the tone for a wave of dramatic qualification matches.
Defending champions Argentina survived a determined Cape Verde side in a thrilling 3-2 contest, while Brazil dug deep to eliminate Japan.
Paraguay produced one of the biggest shocks of the tournament by knocking four-time world champions Germany out on penalties, and Morocco followed suit by ending the Netherlands’ campaign in another dramatic shootout.
Elsewhere, France comfortably dispatched Sweden, England overcame the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Portugal edged Croatia, Belgium saw off Senegal, while Spain, Switzerland, the United States, Egypt, Norway, Mexico and Colombia all booked their places in the knockout phase.
With the field now trimmed to 16 teams, the competition promises even more tension as every match becomes a winner-takes-all affair.
Round Of 16 Fixtures (Kick-Off Time In WAT)
Saturday, July 4
- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Canada vs Morocco — Houston Stadium — 6:00 p.m.
- Paraguay vs France — Philadelphia Stadium — 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 5
- Brazil vs Norway — New York/New Jersey Stadium — 9:00 p.m.
Monday, July 6
- Mexico vs England — Mexico City Stadium — 1:00 a.m.
- Portugal vs Spain — Dallas Stadium — 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 7
- USA vs Belgium — Seattle Stadium — 1:00 a.m.
- Argentina vs Egypt — Atlanta Stadium — 5:00 p.m.
- Switzerland vs Colombia — BC Place, Vancouver — 9:00 p.m.
Heavyweights Eye Quarter-Final Tickets
Several of football’s biggest names are still in contention, but the knockout stage has a reputation for rewriting scripts.
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Argentina will once again look to captain Lionel Messi for inspiration when they face Egypt, while Brazil continue their pursuit of a sixth World Cup title against a confident Norwegian side.
One of the standout fixtures of the round will see Iberian rivals Portugal and Spain renew their fierce rivalry in Dallas, while England face a difficult assignment against an improving Mexican team backed by passionate home support.
With no room for error and quarter-final places on the line, fans can expect four days of high-stakes football where every goal, every save and every decision could define a nation’s World Cup journey.