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2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16: Full Schedule, Matchups, and Qualification Summary

The 2026 World Cup began with 48 teams, but after intense matches in the Round of 32 filled with penalty shootouts and last-minute goals, only 16 teams remain. The stage is set for thrilling knockout games as the tournament edges closer to its climax.

Co-host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States have all exited, leaving traditional heavyweights like Argentina, Belgium, England, France, and Spain in the quarterfinal hunt. Two matches on Tuesday will finalize the quarterfinal lineup.

The top two teams from each of the 12 groups advanced automatically, joined by the eight best third-place finishers. The Round of 32 saw notable exits including Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan. From here, every game is knockout, raising the stakes for every side chasing the trophy.

Upcoming Quarterfinal Matches

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

Semifinals and Final Schedule

  • Tuesday, July 14: First semifinal at 3 p.m. ET, AT&T Stadium
  • Wednesday, July 15: Second semifinal at 3 p.m. ET, Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Saturday, July 18: Third-place match, 5 p.m. ET, Hard Rock Stadium
  • Sunday, July 19: Final at 3 p.m. ET, MetLife Stadium

Round of 32 Results Highlights

The Round of 32 included several surprise outcomes. Canada beat South Africa 1-0, while Brazil edged Japan 2-1. Penalty shootouts sent Paraguay past Germany and Morocco past the Netherlands.

Other significant results included France defeating Sweden 3-0, Mexico overcoming Ecuador 2-0, and Belgium beating Senegal 3-2. The USA won against Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 but were later eliminated by Belgium.

Group Stage Final Standings and Qualification

Group A

  • Mexico topped the group with 9 points, advancing to face Ecuador.
  • South Africa qualified second; Canada progressed via third-place slot.
  • South Korea and Czechia were eliminated.

Group B

  • Switzerland led the group, followed by Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, all qualifying.
  • Qatar was knocked out.

Group C

  • Brazil and Morocco moved on.
  • Scotland and Haiti went home.

Group D

  • USA, Australia, and Paraguay advanced.
  • Türkiye was eliminated.

Group E

  • Germany and Ivory Coast qualified directly; Ecuador advanced as a top third-place team.
  • Curaçao did not advance.

Group F

  • Netherlands and Japan secured automatic spots.
  • Sweden qualified as one of the best third-place teams.
  • Tunisia was eliminated.

Group G

  • Belgium and Egypt moved forward.
  • Iran and New Zealand were knocked out.

Group H

  • Spain and Cape Verde qualified.
  • Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were eliminated.

Group I

  • France, Norway, and Senegal advanced.
  • Iraq exited the tournament.

Group J

  • Argentina, Austria, and Algeria qualified.
  • Jordan was eliminated.

Group K

  • Colombia, Portugal, and DR Congo moved on.
  • Uzbekistan went home.

Group L

  • England, Croatia, and Ghana advanced.
  • Panama was eliminated.

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