The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 features eight high-stakes knockout matches, including Portugal vs Spain, Mexico vs England and Argentina vs Egypt.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 is set to get underway after the conclusion of the tournament’s newly introduced Round of 32, leaving just 16 nations in the race to lift football’s biggest trophy. The expanded 48-team competition has already produced several memorable upsets, dramatic extra-time finishes and penalty shootouts, setting the stage for an exciting knockout phase.
Co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 teams and a Round of 32, increasing the number of knockout matches before the traditional Round of 16. The new format has added greater unpredictability to the tournament, with several favourites already eliminated.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 qualified teams
The following teams have found their places in the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup 2026:
- Argentina
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Colombia
- Egypt
- England
- France
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Norway
- Paraguay
- Portugal
- Spain
- Switzerland
- United States
Round of 32 produces major upsets
The first-ever Round of 32 delivered several unexpected results as some of world football’s biggest names exited the tournament earlier than anticipated.
Germany and the Netherlands were knocked out after penalty shootouts, while Paraguay produced one of the tournament’s biggest surprises by eliminating Germany to book a meeting with France in the next round. France, meanwhile, advanced comfortably after defeating Sweden.
Defending champions Argentina also faced a stern challenge from World Cup debutants Cape Verde. The African side equalised twice before Argentina eventually progressed with a 3-2 extra-time victory, keeping Lionel Scaloni’s team in contention for another world title.
Elsewhere, Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 to secure a Round of 16 clash against Switzerland, while Egypt advanced after overcoming Australia in a penalty shootout.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Complete schedule
The Round of 16 will be played between July 4 and July 7, with eight knockout matches deciding the quarter-finalists.
Saturday, July 4
- Canada vs Morocco
- Paraguay vs France
Sunday, July 5
- Brazil vs Norway
- Mexico vs England
Monday, July 6
- Portugal vs Spain
- United States vs Belgium
Tuesday, July 7
- Argentina vs Egypt
- Switzerland vs Colombia
Biggest matches to watch
Several fixtures stand out as potential highlights of the Round of 16.
Portugal and Spain renew one of international football’s fiercest rivalries in a match expected to attract global attention. England will take on hosts Mexico in another marquee contest, while France begin their next challenge against an impressive Paraguay side that stunned Germany in the previous round.
Brazil will face Norway after both teams progressed through competitive Round of 32 encounters, while Argentina will look to continue their title defence against Egypt following their dramatic victory over Cape Verde. Hosts United States will also hope to make home advantage count when they meet Belgium for a place in the quarter-finals.
Knockout rules explained
Every match in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 will be played on a single-elimination basis. If the scores remain level after 90 minutes, the match will go to extra time. Should the teams still be tied after extra time, the winner will be decided through a penalty shootout.
Quick FAQs:
Which teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16?
Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, England, France, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United States have qualified for the Round of 16.
When does the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Start?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 begins on July 4, 2026, and concludes on July 7, 2026.
Which are the biggest Round of 16 matches?
Some of the headline fixtures include Portugal vs Spain, Mexico vs England, Paraguay vs France and Argentina vs Egypt.
What is different about the FIFA World Cup 2026 format?
The 2026 tournament is the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams and an additional Round of 32, expanding the knockout stage and increasing the total number of matches.
