Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu
On Saturday 4 July 2026, the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 came to an end as the final eight knockout matches determined the complete Round of 16 line-up.
Chronicle.lu has prepared an overview of the Round of 16 fixtures and how the Round of 32 results shaped the road to the quarter-finals. Europe (UEFA) remains the best-represented confederation with seven teams, despite the surprise eliminations of Germany and the Netherlands. South America (CONMEBOL) has four representatives remaining, while North and Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) is represented by three teams. Africa (CAF), which had nine teams in the Round of 32, is now down to two, with Morocco and Egypt keeping the continent's hopes alive. Asia (AFC), meanwhile, no longer has any representatives after Japan and Australia were eliminated in the Round of 32.
Morocco Stun Netherlands, Set Up Canada Tie
Morocco produced one of the standout results of the Round of 32, eliminating the Netherlands on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Monterrey. The Atlas Lions held their nerve in the shootout, winning 3-2, while the Dutch became one of the highest-profile European teams to exit the tournament.
Morocco were due to face co-hosts Canada in Houston at 18:00 on Saturday 4 July 2026. At the time of writing, that match had already been played, with Morocco recording a convincing 3-0 victory to become the first team to reach the quarter-finals and the first African nation to book a place in the last eight.
Paraguay Knock Out Germany on Penalties
Germany also suffered a dramatic exit, losing to Paraguay on penalties in Boston after a 1-1 draw. Julian Nagelsmann's side equalised after falling behind, but the match went to a shootout, where Paraguay prevailed 4-3 after Jonathan Tah missed his penalty.
Paraguay will now face France in Philadelphia at 23:00 on Saturday 4 July 2026. Les Bleus advanced comfortably with a 3-0 victory over Sweden in New York and remain among Europe's strongest contenders.
Brazil, Norway to Meet
Brazil continued their pursuit of a sixth world title with a 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston. The Samurai Blue made the five-time world champions work for their place, but Brazil eventually progressed and ended Asia's involvement in the tournament.
Brazil will now face Norway at 22:00 on Sunday 5 July 2026 in New York/New Jersey. Norway edged Côte d'Ivoire 2-1 in Dallas, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal to send the Scandinavians through.
Mexico, England Set for Host Nation Clash
Co-hosts Mexico secured their place in the Round of 16 with a 2-0 win over Ecuador in Mexico City and will remain at home to face England at 02:00 on Monday 6 July 2026.
England had to come from behind to defeat DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta. The Leopards led at half-time before Harry Kane struck twice in the second half to send the Three Lions into the last sixteen.
Portugal, Spain Prepare for Iberian Derby
One of the standout Round of 16 ties will see Iberian rivals Portugal and Spain meet in Dallas at 21:00 on Monday 6 July 2026.
Portugal needed a dramatic finish to overcome Croatia 2-1 in Toronto. After falling behind, Cristiano Ronaldo equalised, before Gonçalo Ramos scored the winner deep into stoppage time (90+4). Spain, meanwhile, advanced comfortably after defeating Austria 3-0.
Belgium Meet USA After Dramatic Comeback
Belgium will take on co-hosts the United States in Seattle at 02:00 on Tuesday 7 July 2026.
The Red Devils produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the Round of 32, recovering from 2-0 down against Senegal. Romelu Lukaku's goal in the 85th minute sparked the comeback before Youri Tielemans scored twice, including the winner in the extra time (120+5), to complete a stunning 3-2 victory. The United States progressed with a controlled 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina despite having the tournament's leading scorer, Folarin Balogun, sent off midway through the second half with the hosts leading 1-0.
Argentina Face Egypt After Cabo Verde Scare
Current champions Argentina will face Egypt in Atlanta at 18:00 on Tuesday 7 July 2026.
Lionel Scaloni's team were pushed all the way by Cabo Verde before securing a 3-2 extra-time victory in Miami. The African side forced the reigning champions to play 120 minutes in one of the tournament's biggest surprises. Lionel Messi scored his seventh goal of the tournament, taking his overall FIFA World Cup tally to twenty goals across all final tournaments.
Egypt reached the Round of 16 after defeating Australia on penalties, keeping African hopes alive alongside Morocco.
Switzerland, Colombia Complete Round of 16 Line-up
The final Round of 16 fixture will see Switzerland take on Colombia in Vancouver at 22:00 on Tuesday 7 July 2026.
Switzerland progressed with a 2-0 victory over Algeria, while Colombia edged Ghana 1-0 in Kansas City to ensure South America retained four representatives in the knockout stage alongside Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
