FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams Advancing to the Round of 16
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the largest ever, featuring 48 teams competing across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. This expansion introduced a new knockout phase starting with a Round of 32 instead of the usual Round of 16.
The Round of 32 kicked off on Sunday with South Africa facing host nation Canada. Sixteen matches determined which teams would move forward to the Round of 16. Here's a look at the sides that have secured their spots so far.
Canada
Canada was the first team to advance, clinching their place in dramatic fashion against South Africa. Stephen Eustaquio’s powerful shot in stoppage time broke a scoreless tie, sealing a late win. Canada will meet the winner of the Morocco vs. Netherlands match in the next round.
Brazil
Brazil secured their spot after a tough battle with Japan. Japan took the lead thanks to Kaishu Sano’s impressive solo effort early on. Brazil equalized through Casemiro, but Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time goal sealed a 2-1 victory. Brazil awaits the winner between Norway and Ivory Coast.
Paraguay
Paraguay stunned Germany by winning 4-3 in an intense penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time. Jose Canale’s decisive penalty in the sixth round clinched Paraguay’s advancement. They will face either France or Sweden next.
Morocco
Morocco triumphed over the Netherlands on penalties following a 1-1 draw. Cody Gakpo’s goal put the Dutch ahead, but Issa Diop’s late header forced extra time. Ismael Saibari’s spot-kick proved crucial in the shootout. Morocco will play Canada on July 4.
Norway
Norway edged past Ivory Coast thanks to Erling Haaland’s late winner. Despite Ivory Coast’s strong play and Amad Diallo’s equalizer, Haaland’s goal made the difference. This marks Norway’s first-ever knockout win at the World Cup. Norway will face Brazil next.
France
France showed sharp finishing against Sweden. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring before halftime, followed by goals from Bradley Barcola and another from Mbappé in the second half. France will take on Paraguay in their next match.
Mexico
Mexico advanced with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador after a weather delay. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored to secure the win. Mexico now faces the winner of England vs. DR Congo.
England
England overcame a challenging start to beat DR Congo 2-1. Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo an early lead, but Harry Kane’s late header and follow-up strike turned the match around. England will meet Mexico in the Round of 16.
Belgium
Belgium staged a dramatic comeback against Senegal. Trailing 2-0 late in the game, Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans scored to force extra time. Tielemans then converted a penalty to complete Belgium’s 3-2 win. Belgium will face the winner of the United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match.
United States
The United States secured a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Folarin Balogun scored just before halftime but was later sent off with a red card. Malik Tillman added a second goal, ensuring the U.S. advanced despite playing the remainder with ten men. The U.S. will face Belgium in Seattle.
