nigeriasport.ng

FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams Advancing to the Round of 16

This year, the FIFA World Cup expanded to 48 teams across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. This change introduced a Round of 32 before reaching the traditional Round of 16.

The Round of 32 kicked off with South Africa facing host nation Canada. Canada's Stephen Eustaquio scored a stunning late goal in stoppage time, securing their spot in the Round of 16. They will face the winner between Morocco and the Netherlands.

Teams Moving Forward

  • Canada: Earned the first ticket to the Round of 16 after beating South Africa 1-0 with a stoppage-time goal.
  • Brazil: Came back from behind against Japan. After trailing 1-0 at halftime, Casemiro equalized and Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage-time winner. Brazil will meet the winner of Norway vs. Ivory Coast.
  • Paraguay: Edged out Germany 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time. Jose Canale scored the decisive penalty. Paraguay awaits the victor of France and Sweden.
  • Morocco: Overcame the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Ismael Saibari’s penalty sealed the win. Morocco will clash with Canada next.
  • Norway: Thanks to Erling Haaland’s late goal, Norway secured a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. This marks Norway’s first knockout round win in World Cup history. Their next opponent is Brazil.
  • France: Showcased a clinical display against Sweden. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, complemented by Bradley Barcola, leading to a 3-0 win. France faces Paraguay next.
  • Mexico: Secured a 2-0 win over Ecuador after a weather delay. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored early goals. Mexico will meet the winner of England versus DR Congo.
  • England: Struggled early but rallied late to beat DR Congo 2-1. Harry Kane scored the equalizer and a late winner. England advances to face Mexico in Mexico City.
  • Belgium: Pulled off a dramatic comeback against Senegal, overturning a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 after extra time. Goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans sparked the turnaround, with Tielemans scoring the winning penalty. Belgium will play the winner of the U.S. versus Bosnia and Herzegovina match.
  • United States: Beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0, with Folarin Balogun scoring just before halftime. Despite Balogun's red card later in the game, Malik Tillman’s goal ensured victory. The U.S. will face Belgium in Seattle.

Related Articles