NEW DELHI: The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered its business end, with all 16 teams confirmed for the Round of 16 after a dramatic Round of 32 that saw heavyweights like Germany and the Netherlands. Defending champions Argentina survived a scare against Cape Verde, while Colombia secured the final spot with a narrow win over Ghana.
Which teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16?
The 16 teams that have reserved their places in the elimination phase are:
- Canada
- Morocco
- Paraguay
- France
- Brazil
- Norway
- Mexico
- England
- Portugal
- Spain
- United States
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Colombia
- Argentina
- Egypt
FIFA World Cup Round of 16 games
The Round of 16 features several blockbuster matches, including England taking on co-hosts Mexico and an Iberian clash between Portugal and Spain.
Complete Round of 16 Schedule (Date & Time in IST)
Fixture Date Time (IST)
- Canada vs. Morocco July 4 10:30 p.m
- Paraguay vs. France July 5 2:30 AM
Brazil vs. Norway July 6 1:30 AMMexico vs England July 6 5:30 AMPortugal vs Spain July 7 12:30 AM- USA vs. Belgium July 7th 5:30 AM
Argentina vs Egypt July 7, 9:30 p.m- Switzerland vs. Colombia July 8 1:30 AM
The biggest knockout matches to watch
- Mexico vs England: Co-hosts Mexico take on Harry Kane’s England in one of the most anticipated matches of the Round of 16.
- Portugal vs Spain: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal meet Spain in a heavy Iberian clash with major quarter-final implications.
- Brazil vs Norway: Brazil’s attacking stars will face the challenge of Norway led by Erling Haaland.
- Argentina vs Egypt: Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina begin their title defense against a resilient Egyptian side.
How the FIFA World Cup knockout stage works
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature an expanded 48-team format. After the group stage, 32 teams enter the first knockout round, with the winners advancing to the Round of 16. From this stage onwards, the tournament follows a knockout format – Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final. If a match is level after 90 minutes, it goes to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
