2026 World Cup Round of 16 matches and potential quarterfinals set
11 reported
According to a single-source report from sbnation.com, the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is taking shape with several matches already determined. Teams including Paraguay, Canada, Morocco, and Brazil have clinched spots in the knockout stage. The article lists confirmed Round of 16 matchups such as Paraguay vs. France, Canada vs. Morocco, Portugal vs. Spain, United States vs. Belgium, Brazil vs. Norway, Mexico vs. England, Argentina vs. Egypt, and Switzerland vs. Colombia. It also outlines potential quarterfinal fixtures based on bracket projections, noting that some matches have been updated as results came in. The source notes that this information is based on a single outlet and has not been cross-referenced.
What’s reported
Paraguay advanced to the Round of 16 with a dramatic win against Germany.
Canada was the first team to move on to the Round of 16 with a win over South Africa.
Morocco advanced with a dramatic win over Netherlands during penalties.
Portugal will face Spain in the Round of 16 after Portugal's win over Croatia and Spain's win over Austria.
Belgium advanced after coming back from 0-2 down against Senegal in extra time.
The United States advanced after overcoming a Folarin Balogun red card to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Brazil advanced with a win over Japan and will face Norway, who advanced with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.
Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 to clinch a spot; England defeated DR Congo after trailing at halftime.
Argentina and Egypt won their matches to set up a Round of 16 meeting.
Switzerland vs. Colombia is the final Round of 16 match, with Switzerland advancing past Algeria and Colombia past Ghana.
Potential quarterfinal matches include France vs. Morocco, Spain vs. Belgium, Norway vs. England, and Argentina vs. Switzerland/Colombia.
Key figures
Folarin Balogun (United States player, received a red card)
Erling Haaland (Norway player)
Lionel Messi (Argentina player)
Kylian Mbappé (France player, scored a penalty in a 1-0 win over Paraguay)
Sources: sbnation.com
