World Cup 2026 Round of 32: Kenyan time for all the matches
By Joel Masibo, June 28, 2026The group phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded, leaving 32 nations to continue the race for football’s biggest prize. The knockout stage now begins with several exciting encounters featuring some of the world’s top teams alongside eight African representatives.
Africa will be represented in the Round of 32 by South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Cabo Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, all aiming to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Below is the complete Round of 32 fixture list, with kickoff times adjusted to East Africa Time (EAT).
Sunday, June 28
South Africa vs Canada
Kickoff: 10:00 pm EAT
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, USA
The knockout stage opens with South Africa taking on Canada. Bafana Bafana secured qualification after an impressive victory over South Korea in the group stage, while Canada progressed after finishing second in Group B.
Monday, June 29
Brazil vs Japan
Kickoff: 8:00 pm EAT
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Brazil begin their knockout campaign against a disciplined Japanese side that impressed throughout the group phase with organised and technically sound performances.
Germany vs Paraguay
Kickoff: 11:30 pm EAT
Venue: Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium), Foxborough, Massachusetts
Germany head into the last 32 after comfortably advancing from Group E. Their opponents, Paraguay, battled through a demanding group to earn a place in the knockout rounds.
Tuesday, June 30
Netherlands vs Morocco
Kickoff: 4:00 am EAT
Venue: Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico
Morocco face another major European test as they take on the Netherlands in what promises to be another memorable World Cup contest.
Ivory Coast vs Norway
Kickoff: 8:00 pm EAT
Venue: Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Ivory Coast meet Norway in an intriguing clash that pits the Elephants’ physical style against a talented Norwegian side targeting a place in the last 16.
Wednesday, July 1
France vs Sweden
Kickoff: 12:00 am EAT
Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford
France and Sweden renew their European rivalry in one of the standout fixtures of the round after both teams enjoyed successful group-stage campaigns.
Mexico vs Ecuador
Kickoff: 4:00 am EAT
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Tournament co-hosts Mexico will enjoy home support as they face a determined Ecuador side looking to upset the hosts.
England vs DR Congo
Kickoff: 7:00 pm EAT
Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Georgia
England enter the match as favourites, but DR Congo have already shown throughout the tournament that they possess the pace and energy to challenge any opponent.
Belgium vs Senegal
Kickoff: 11:00 pm EAT
Venue: Seattle Stadium, USA
Senegal will attempt to overcome Belgium in another highly anticipated Africa-versus-Europe encounter under the lights in Seattle.
Thursday, July 2
United States vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
Kickoff: 3:00 am EAT
Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
The hosts continue their World Cup journey against Bosnia & Herzegovina, who earned their knockout place through determined performances in the group stage.
Spain vs Austria
Kickoff: 10:00 pm EAT
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood
Spain’s possession-based football will be tested by an Austrian side riding high after a dramatic qualification from the group phase.
Friday, July 3
Portugal vs Croatia
Kickoff: 2:00 am EAT
Venue: Toronto Stadium, Canada
Portugal and Croatia square off in what is expected to be one of the most technically gifted matches of the Round of 32.
Switzerland vs Algeria
Kickoff: 6:00 am EAT
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver
Algeria continue their remarkable World Cup campaign after progressing as one of the best third-placed teams and now face Switzerland for a place in the next round.
Australia vs Egypt
Kickoff: 9:00 pm EAT
Venue: Dallas Stadium, USA
Australia’s direct style comes up against Egypt’s energetic pressing game in another evenly matched knockout fixture.
Saturday, July 4
Argentina vs Cabo Verde
Kickoff: 1:00 am EAT
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Defending champions Argentina begin their knockout campaign against Cabo Verde, whose impressive performances have made them one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
Colombia vs Ghana
Kickoff: 4:30 am EAT
Venue: Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead Stadium), Missouri
The Round of 32 concludes with Colombia facing Ghana in a fixture expected to deliver attacking football and high intensity as both nations compete for a place in the last 16.