World Cup round of 16: All confirmed fixtures
By William Muthama, July 4, 2026The FIFA World Cup has entered the Round of 16, with the 16 remaining teams preparing for the first knockout stage as the race for the coveted trophy intensifies.
After a dramatic Round of 32 that produced penalty shootouts, late goals and several upsets, the tournament has now been reduced to eight blockbuster fixtures featuring football’s biggest nations alongside a few surprise contenders.
Opening showdowns begin
The Round of 16 kicks off on Saturday, July 4, 2026, with Canada taking on Morocco before Paraguay face France later in the day.
Morocco booked their place after edging the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout and now carry Africa’s hopes alongside Egypt
On Sunday, July 5, Brazil will meet Norway in another highly anticipated clash before Mexico face England in what promises to be one of the standout matches of the round.
Heavyweights set clash
Action continues on Monday, July 6, 2026, when Portugal square off against Spain in an all-European showdown that has already attracted significant attention from football fans.
The United States will also take on Belgium later the same day, with both teams looking to continue impressive campaigns after eliminating Bosnia and Herzegovina and Senegal, respectively.
The final Round of 16 fixtures will be played on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Argentina booked their place after surviving a spirited challenge from Cape Verde to win 3-2, will face Egypt, the second African nation remaining in the tournament after edging Australia in a penalty shootout.
Switzerland and Colombia will then wrap up the Round of 16 schedule in a contest expected to produce another quarter-finalist from a tightly contested section of the draw.
The winners of the eight Round of 16 matches will advance to the quarter-finals, bringing them one step closer to lifting the World Cup trophy.
This year’s expanded 48-team tournament has already delivered several memorable moments, with traditional football giants surviving alongside emerging nations determined to make history.
Round of 16 fixtures
Canada vs Morocco
Paraguay vs France
Brazil vs Norway
Mexico vs England
Portugal vs Spain
United States vs Belgium
Argentina vs Egypt
Switzerland vs Colombia