​Soccer enthusiasts often say the World Cup truly begins in the knockout rounds, when teams face elimination and upsets become more likely. With the Round of 32 marking the first knockout stage since the tournament expanded to 48 teams, several surprises can still emerge as group winners put their records on the line. Canada kicked off the Round of 32 with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over South Africa in Inglewood, California.
The schedule continues with Brazil, the Group C winner (2-0-1), facing Japan, the Group F runner-up (1-0-2), at the NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday at 1 p.m. ET. Brazil, who recovered from a disappointing 1-1 opener with Morocco to win the group, could push deep if Vinícius Júnior continues his scoring form, currently at four goals.
In Foxborough, Germany, the Group E winner (2-1-0), takes on Paraguay, the Group D third-place finisher (1-1-1), at 4:30 p.m. ET. Germany, making their first knockout appearance since winning the 2014 title, will look to advance past a Paraguay side that were bounced by the United States in group play, 4-1.
Later, the Netherlands, the Group F winner (2-0-1), meet Morocco, the Group C runner-up (2-0-1), at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey at 9 p.m. ET. This game is anticipated to be a standout, with the Netherlands having scored 10 goals, tied for the tournament high, while Morocco—third place at the 2022 World Cup—will test them at both ends of the pitch, potentially forcing a shootout after a 2-2 draw that the Netherlands could win on penalties.
On Tuesday, June 30, Ivory Coast, the Group E runner-up (2-1-0), faces Norway, the Group I runner-up (2-1-0) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, at 1 p.m. ET. This match is expected to be highly physical, particularly as Norway’s Erling Haaland, rested during Norway’s 4-1 loss to France in their final group game, looks to be fresher for impact in this knockout tie.