​Rewritten:
Inglewood, California – June 28: Stephen Eustaquio, wearing number 7 for Canada, celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between South Africa and Canada at Los Angeles Stadium on June 28, 2026. Photo by Sarah Stier – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images. This year’s FIFA World Cup is the largest ever, with 48 teams gathered in Mexico, Canada, and the United States to chase the title. The expanded field brought a change to the knockout rounds, introducing a Round of 32 instead of the Round of 16 used in recent years. The Round of 32 began on Sunday, featuring South Africa against host Canada in the tournament’s first of 16 matches, reducing the field to 16 teams. Over the next several days, these teams will battle to advance, and we’ll track who moves on here.
Canada was the first team to secure a spot in the Round of 16 late on Sunday, thanks to a stoppage-time strike by Stephen Estáquito that crushed a scoreless draw with a powerful right-footed finish from a superb first touch. South Africa pushed to find an equalizer, but time ran out in the 92nd minute. Canada will face the winner of Monday’s Morocco versus Netherlands match in the Round of 16.
Brazil followed as the second team to reach the Round of 16, though their match with Japan didn’t unfold as expected. Japan opened the scoring with an impressive bit of individual skill from Kaishu Sano, who intercepted a pass, surged forward into Brazil’s half, and finished with a right-footed shot. Japan led 1-0 at halftime, but Brazil equalized through Casemiro in the 56th minute. A dramatic finish ensued, as Gabriel Martinelli netted the eventual winner late in stoppage time, delivering an incredible comeback for Brazil.
Brazil awaits the winner of Norway versus Ivory Coast. Paraguay delivered a memorable moment for their fans by advancing on penalties after defeating Germany 4-3. Paraguay led 1-0 at halftime, but Germany equalized to force extra time. The extra 30 minutes did not settle the match, sending it to penalties, where five rounds were not enough. In the sixth round, Jose Canale converted for Paraguay, sealing their place in the Round of 16 against the France/Sweden winner. Morocco capped off a remarkable day by defeating the Netherlands on penalties, adding another dramatic chapter to the World Cup to boost their prospects.