2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16: Updated Bracket, Schedule, and Results
The field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has narrowed from 48 teams to just 16 after the conclusion of the Round of 32. Half of the teams that advanced from the group stage have now been eliminated, marking the beginning of intense knockout action. Several favorites remain, but surprises like Germany’s early exit at the hands of Paraguay and the Netherlands’ departure have shaken up expectations. Will more underdog stories unfold in this round or will the traditional powerhouses dominate?
Round of 16 Matchups and Schedule
The Round of 16 bracket was predetermined based on Round of 32 outcomes. Here are the scheduled fixtures:
- Sat., July 4 – France 1, Paraguay 0
- Sat., July 4 – Morocco 3, Canada 0
- Sun., July 5 – Norway 2, Brazil 1
- Sun., July 5 – England 3, Mexico 2
- Mon., July 6 – Portugal vs. Spain
- Mon., July 6 – USA vs. Belgium
- Tue., July 7 – Argentina vs. Egypt
- Tue., July 7 – Switzerland vs. Colombia
Teams in the Round of 16
The bracket splits into two halves, each producing a finalist. One side includes:
- Paraguay (Group D third place; eliminated Germany)
- France (Group I winner; eliminated Sweden)
- Canada (Group B runner-up; eliminated South Africa)
- Morocco (Group C runner-up; eliminated Netherlands)
- Portugal (Group K runner-up; eliminated Croatia)
- Spain (Group H winner; eliminated Austria)
- United States (Group D winner; eliminated Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Belgium (Group G winner; eliminated Senegal)
The other half consists of:
- Mexico (Group A winner; eliminated Ecuador)
- Switzerland (Group B winner; eliminated Algeria)
- Brazil (Group C winner; eliminated Japan)
- Colombia (Group K winner; eliminated Ghana)
- Egypt (Group G runner-up; eliminated Australia)
- Argentina (Group J winner; eliminated Cape Verde)
- Norway (Group I runner-up; eliminated Ivory Coast)
- England (Group L winner; eliminated DR Congo)
Notable Round of 32 Results
Canada was first to reach the Round of 16, edging South Africa 1-0. Other key results included Paraguay knocking out Germany on penalties and Morocco ousting the Netherlands also via shootout. Brazil, France, England, USA, and Argentina secured their spots with strong performances.
How the Knockout Stage Works
The Round of 16 is part of the single-elimination knockout phase where only winners progress. If a match is tied after 90 minutes, it proceeds to 30 minutes of extra time. Should the deadlock continue, the outcome is decided by a penalty shootout. Each team initially takes five penalty kicks, and if still tied, sudden death penalties follow until one team scores while the other misses.
Advancement Through the World Cup
The tournament started with 48 teams divided into 14 groups of four. Teams played round-robin matches within their groups, earning three points per win, one for a draw, none for a loss. The top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers moved on to the Round of 32.
From the Round of 32 onward, matches become knockout rounds leading to quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately the final. Losing semifinalists compete for third place.
