The World Cup 2026 round of 32 delivered late drama and shocks as co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the USA all advanced to the last 16. England survived a scare against DR Congo, setting up a clash with Mexico.
Canada and USA Advance
Co-hosts Canada became the first team to seal their last-16 spot on Sunday, winning a knockout game on football’s biggest stage for the first time. Stephen Eustaquio’s stoppage-time strike saw off South Africa 1-0 in Los Angeles. Canada will next face 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, who held their nerve in a chaotic penalty shootout to eliminate the Netherlands after a 1-1 draw in Monterrey.
The USA made sure all three co-hosts reached the last 16 by beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0. However, they will be without star striker Florian Balogun against Belgium after he was controversially sent off. Belgium advanced by defeating Senegal 3-2.
Germany Shocked by Paraguay
Germany fell victim to the biggest upset so far, suffering their maiden World Cup penalty shootout loss as they were shocked by Paraguay after a 1-1 draw. Paraguay will now face France, who barely broke a sweat in dispatching Sweden 3-0.
Brazil and France Cruise
Brazil got a last-minute winner from Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli as unlucky Japan went down 2-1 in another thrilling contest. Brazil will meet Norway in the last 16 after Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1.
England Survive Scare
Mexico joined fellow co-hosts Canada in the last 16 by winning their first knockout game in 40 years, easily dispatching Ecuador 2-0 to set up a clash with England. England survived an almighty scare to beat DR Congo 2-1 thanks to a late Harry Kane brace.
Last-16 Fixtures
July 4: Canada vs Morocco (Houston, 6pm BST); Paraguay vs France (Philadelphia, 10pm BST). July 5: Brazil vs Norway (New York/New Jersey, 9pm BST). July 6: Mexico vs England (Mexico City, 1am BST); Winner match 83 vs Winner match 84 (Dallas, 8pm BST). July 7: USA vs Belgium (Seattle, 1am BST); Winner match 86 vs Winner match 88 (Atlanta, 5pm BST); Winner match 85 vs Winner match 87 (Vancouver, 9pm BST).
Quarter-Finals and Beyond
Quarter-finals: July 9-12 in Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Kansas City. Semi-finals: July 14 in Dallas and July 15 in Atlanta. Third-place final: July 18 in Miami. Final: July 18 in New York/New Jersey.
