2026 World Cup Round of 32: Matchups and Round of 16 Preview

The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is beginning to take shape as group play nears its end. Fourteen teams have already secured their places in the Round of 32, with several matchups confirmed. The remaining spots will be finalized after the weekend's group matches.

Confirmed Round of 32 Matches

Match 74: Germany, winner of Group E, will face Paraguay, who secured a third-place spot from Groups A, B, C, D, or F.
Match 77: France topped Group I and will play Sweden, a confirmed third-place team.
Match 73: South Africa (Group A runner-up) meets Canada (Group B runner-up).
Match 75: Netherlands (Group F winners) face Morocco, second in Group C.
Match 83: Portugal, second in Group K, will challenge Croatia, second in Group L.
Match 84: Spain claimed Group H’s top spot and will play Austria, who finished second in Group J.
Match 81: United States, qualified early, plays Bosnia and Herzegovina, a third-place qualifier.
Match 82: Belgium won Group G and will face Senegal, a third-place finisher.
Match 76: Brazil, Group C winners, go up against Japan, second in Group F.
Match 78: Ivory Coast (Group E runner-up) will meet Norway, second in Group I.
Match 79: Mexico, as hosts, will play Ecuador, confirmed as a third-place team.
Match 80: England leads Group L and faces DR Congo, a third-place qualifier.
Match 86: Argentina, Group J winners, take on Cabo Verde, second in Group H.
Match 88: Australia, runner-up in Group D, will meet Egypt, second in Group G.
Match 85: Switzerland, Group B winners, play Algeria, a third-place qualifier.
Match 87: Colombia, winners of Group K, face Ghana, a third-place team.

Potential Round of 16 Encounters

The Round of 16 promises thrilling battles based on current results.

Match 89: Paraguay upset Germany and will face France, who defeated Sweden.
Match 90: Canada beat South Africa and will meet Morocco, who advanced on penalties against the Netherlands.
Match 93: Spain, top of Group H, will await the winner of Portugal vs. Croatia.
Match 94: The United States will face Belgium following their respective wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Senegal.
Match 91: Brazil triumphed over Japan and will challenge Norway, who defeated Ivory Coast.
Match 92: Mexico awaits the victor between England and DR Congo after both teams won their Round of 32 matches.
Match 95: Argentina and Cabo Verde will face off, with the winner playing either Australia or Egypt, pending their match outcome.
Match 96: Switzerland will meet the winner between Colombia and Ghana.

The knockout bracket is filling out quickly, setting the stage for intense encounters in the coming rounds.