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2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16: Schedule, Matchups, and Team Qualifications

The 2026 FIFA World Cup began with 48 teams competing. Following an intense Round of 32 filled with penalty shootouts, last-minute goals, and surprising eliminations, the competition has now narrowed to just 16 teams.

Co-host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States have all exited, leaving traditional soccer powerhouses such as Argentina, Belgium, England, France, and Spain among those advancing to the quarterfinals. Two matches in the Round of 16 are scheduled for Tuesday to finalize the quarterfinal lineup.

Qualification Process

The top two teams from each of the 12 groups advanced automatically. They were joined by the eight best third-place finishers across the groups. The Round of 32 saw early exits for notable contenders like Germany, Netherlands, and Japan. Every remaining match is a knockout; the stakes could not be higher.

Round of 16 Match Results and Upcoming Fixtures

  • July 9:France vs. Morocco at Gillette Stadium, 4 p.m. ET
  • July 10:Spain vs. Belgium at SoFi Stadium, 3 p.m. ET
  • July 11:Norway vs. England at Hard Rock Stadium, 5 p.m. ET
  • July 11:Winners of Egypt/Argentina vs. Switzerland/Colombia at Arrowhead Stadium, 9 p.m. ET

The semifinals will be held on July 14 and 15, followed by the third-place match on July 18 and the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium.

Round of 32 Highlights

Some key Round of 32 results included:

  • Canada edged South Africa 1-0.
  • Brazil narrowly defeated Japan 2-1.
  • Paraguay triumphed over Germany in penalties, 4-3 after a 1-1 draw.
  • Morocco knocked out Netherlands on penalties, 3-2 after a 1-1 draw.
  • France beat Sweden 3-0.
  • Belgium won 3-2 against Senegal.
  • USA beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0.
  • Spain dominated Austria 3-0.
  • Egypt won on penalties against Australia after a 1-1 draw.
  • Argentina won 3-2 versus Cape Verde.
  • Colombia edged Ghana 1-0.

Group Stage Final Standings Summary

This stage has already seen some surprises and tough battles. Each upcoming fixture holds high tension as teams aim to secure their spot deeper in the tournament.

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