​Kylian Mbappe (4), Lionel Messi (6) and Erling Haaland (4) have combined for 14 goals at the 2026 World Cup. After 72 games, 32 remain as Harry Kane and Thomas Tuchel have likened this World Cup to two separate tournaments. The first phase is complete, delivering record-breaking moments, surprising underdogs, a scorching Golden Boot race, and its share of controversy. Surprisingly, seven of the eight best third-placed teams still needed four points to advance to the second knockout tournament, which begins on Sunday night. The knockout stage promises a traditional blend of stars, dark horses, and fairytale stories, with a last-32 lineup full of subplots and gripping matchups leading to the New York-New Jersey Stadium on July 19. Here are reasons to watch all 16 ties.
England’s last-32 tie is on BBC—full schedule below. The knockouts are here, and fans are curious about England’s path to the final. On Sunday, June 28, South Africa face Canada at 20:00 BST in uncharted territory for both nations, with Canada likely to bring many fans to Los Angeles. On Monday, June 29, Brazil meets Japan at 18:00 BST, a classic clash of star power versus organization; Japan, who beat Brazil 3-2 in October, will seek to avenge a 4-1 group-stage defeat in 2006. On Tuesday, June 30, Germany face Paraguay at 21:30 BST, as Paraguay seek revenge for a 1-0 last-16 loss in 2002, with the winner potentially facing France. On Wednesday, July 1, Netherlands versus Morocco at 02:00 BST is tipped as a potential tie of the round, with the Dutch chasing a title and Morocco aiming for another deep run with young talent like 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi in midfield. Ivory Coast confronts Norway at 18:00 BST, featuring Haaland against a defense that did not concede in 10 qualifiers, with Norwegian fans likely to bring a boisterous atmosphere to Dallas. France take on Sweden at 22:00 BST, presenting a fascinating defensive battle: Viktor Gyokeres versus William Saliba as France push for more attacking firepower and Sweden look to exploit any gaps.
On July 1, Mexico face Ecuador at 02:00 BST in a Mexico at the Azteca spectacle, and England meet DR Congo at 17:00 BST in a family-friendly broadcast of Tuchel’s side. Belgium play Senegal at 21:00 BST, with both teams saving their best performances for the knockout phase.