The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already delivering plenty of drama, and the Round of 16 promises to raise the stakes even further. After a thrilling opening knockout round packed with closely contested matches, surprise results and penalty shootout drama, several of the tournament favourites remain in the competition, while a number of underdogs continue to write remarkable chapters in World Cup history.
With the second knockout round now set, the Round of 16 bracket is complete. Here’s a look at the confirmed fixtures that promise intense, evenly matched contests.
Canada v Morocco
The first confirmed Round of 16 tie brings together two highly motivated sides. Canada secured qualification with a 1-0 victory over South Africa, while Morocco needed a penalty shootout to eliminate the Netherlands in one of the most dramatic matches of the previous round.
This looks set to be a finely balanced contest. Canada have grown into the tournament by making the most of home advantage, but they now face an experienced and well-organised Moroccan side that has once again demonstrated its ability to deliver in high-pressure matches. Everything points to one of the most unpredictable fixtures of this stage.
Paraguay v France
Paraguay produced one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 World Cup by eliminating Germany on penalties. After holding firm throughout 120 minutes, the South Americans kept their composure from the spot to secure a historic place in the next round.
Their task now becomes even tougher. Standing in their way is France, who lived up to expectations with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sweden, once again showcasing the quality of their attacking talent. Les Bleus enter as favourites, but after Paraguay’s stunning performance against Germany, few will write them off before the final whistle.
Brazil v Norway
One of the standout ties of the Round of 16 sees two attack-minded teams go head-to-head. Brazil booked their place with a 2-1 victory over Japan, while Norway edged past Ivory Coast by the same scoreline.
Brazil remain among the leading contenders to lift the trophy, but they will face a Norwegian side boasting one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking units. With Erling Haaland in outstanding form, Norway will believe they have what it takes to upset one of the most successful nations in World Cup history. Expect an entertaining encounter filled with chances at both ends and football of the highest quality.
Mexico v England
Mexico booked their place in the Round of 16 with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ecuador. El Tri controlled the match from start to finish, defended with confidence and rarely looked troubled throughout the 90 minutes, sealing their place in the next round with an assured performance.
Awaiting them is England, who had to come from behind to eliminate DR Congo. The Three Lions fell behind early on, but two goals from Harry Kane completed a 2-1 comeback victory. England’s captain has been in outstanding form at this World Cup and will once again be his side’s main attacking threat. Expect a closely contested encounter between two teams that have shown impressive consistency throughout the tournament.
United States v Belgium
Another fascinating Round of 16 tie sees the United States take on Belgium. The hosts secured qualification with a composed 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, producing another disciplined display to keep their hopes of a historic World Cup run alive in front of their home supporters.
Belgium, meanwhile, produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the knockout stage so far. Trailing Senegal 2-0, the Red Devils fought back late in normal time to level the score before netting the winner in extra time to complete a thrilling 3-2 victory. Full of confidence after that remarkable comeback, Belgium will provide a stern test for the United States in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the Round of 16.
Portugal v Spain
One of the standout ties in the Round of 16 is undoubtedly the Iberian derby. Portugal and Spain meet once again at the World Cup in a clash that promises quality, intensity and drama from the first whistle to the last.
Spain reached this stage with an impressive 3-0 victory over Austria. La Roja once again showcased their attacking football, controlling the match from the opening minutes and comfortably living up to expectations with one of the most convincing performances of the knockout stage so far.
Portugal, meanwhile, had to battle until the very end to overcome Croatia. In a tightly contested encounter, the Seleção secured a dramatic 2-1 victory thanks to a stoppage-time winner, keeping their dream of lifting the World Cup alive.
With two of Europe’s most talented national teams facing off, this is set to be one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the Round of 16. Both squads boast exceptional individual quality, and all the ingredients are in place for a true footballing classic, where the finest of margins could determine who advances to the quarter-finals.
Two Round of 32 ties are still to be confirmed
Although most of the Round of 32 fixtures have now been confirmed, two final ties were still to be decided at the time of writing. The remaining places in the knockout stage will be settled on Friday evening, with three matches promising plenty of excitement.
Switzerland, who booked their place with a 2-0 victory over Algeria, are waiting to discover their next opponents, who will be either Colombia or Ghana.
Elsewhere, Australia v Egypt and Argentina v Cape Verde promise to be two fascinating contests. The winners of those matches will secure their place in the Round of 16 and complete the knockout bracket.
Who will reach the Round of 16?
The excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to build, and from this point onwards, every match is effectively a final. One small moment could make the difference between keeping the dream of lifting the trophy alive or heading home. With so many evenly matched contests and several teams in outstanding form, the Round of 16 looks set to deliver even more unforgettable moments.
Who do you think will book a place in the round of 16? Is there an underdog capable of causing another major upset in the knockout stage? Share your predictions in the comments and join the conversation with fellow World Cup fans!
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