​France forward Michael Olise (11) reacts to a call during a 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The Round of 32 has begun at the 2026 World Cup, and the Round of 16 is starting to take shape. Several teams have already secured spots in the next knockout phase, and those teams and their supporters can begin dreaming of a run to the Quarterfinals. Below are the Round of 16 matchups, with a look ahead at how the Quarterfinals could unfold, along with the bracket from FOX Sports.
Paraguay and Brazil have clinched places in the knockout stage, with Paraguay’s dramatic win over Germany earning them a Round of 16 clash against France, who were dominant in a 3-0 triumph over Sweden. Canada and Morocco will square off in the other Round of 16 opener after Morocco edged the Netherlands on penalties to reach the knockout stage and Canada advancing by defeating South Africa. Portugal and Spain will meet next, with the winner of Thursday night’s Portugal vs. Croatia match set to face the winner of Spain vs. Austria, which also kicks off on Thursday in Qatar. Following updates on Thursday, Portugal now faces Spain in this fixture.
In the United States’ bracket, Belgium advanced after a comeback from 0-2 down to beat Senegal in extra time, while the United States overcame a Folarin Balogun red card to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina. The USMNT and Belgium recently played an international friendly in March, which Belgium won 5-2. Brazil moved on by defeating Japan and will meet Erling Haaland’s Norway, who beat Ivory Coast 2-1. Mexico secured a Round of 16 spot by defeating Ecuador 2-0, while England fought back against DR Congo to set up a clash with Mexico in a raucous home crowd. Argentina also progressed to the Round of 32 but must beat Cape Verde to advance; the winner will then take on the victor of Australia vs. Egypt in the Round of 16.
Update: With Argentina and Egypt winning on Friday, the Round of 16 matchups have become clearer.