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World Cup last 16 set as knockout schedule opens Saturday

Al Jazeera listed the 16 teams still alive at the 2026 World Cup and the eight fixtures scheduled from July 4 to July 7.

Sofia Marchetti

By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent

2 min read

World Cup last 16 set as knockout schedule opens Saturday
Photo: Al Jazeera

The 2026 FIFA World Cup moves into the Round of 16 on Saturday, with eight knockout matches set across four days, according to Al Jazeera. The field includes Canada, Brazil, France, England, the United States, Argentina and other teams that advanced through the preceding knockout round.

Al Jazeera reported that the opening day features Canada against Morocco in Houston, followed by Paraguay against France in Philadelphia. The last scheduled Round of 16 match is Switzerland against Colombia on Tuesday in Vancouver, according to the same schedule.

How the teams reached the last 16

Al Jazeera listed the qualifiers and their previous-round results, including two penalty shootout wins and several one-goal matches.

  • Canada advanced by beating South Africa 1-0, according to Al Jazeera.
  • Brazil reached the round by defeating Japan 2-1, Al Jazeera reported.
  • Paraguay eliminated Germany 4-3 on penalties, according to Al Jazeera.
  • Morocco moved on after beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties, Al Jazeera reported.
  • Norway qualified with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, according to Al Jazeera.
  • France defeated Sweden 3-0, Al Jazeera reported.
  • Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0, according to Al Jazeera.
  • England advanced with a 2-1 win over DR Congo, Al Jazeera reported.
  • Belgium defeated Senegal 3-2, according to Al Jazeera.
  • The United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0, Al Jazeera reported.
  • Spain qualified by defeating Austria 3-0, according to Al Jazeera.
  • Portugal beat Croatia 2-1, Al Jazeera reported.
  • Switzerland advanced with a 2-0 win over Algeria, according to Al Jazeera.
  • Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties, Al Jazeera reported.
  • Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2, according to Al Jazeera.
  • Colombia took the final listed place with a 1-0 win over Ghana, Al Jazeera reported.

Round of 16 schedule

Al Jazeera published the following match schedule, with kickoff times listed in GMT.

  • Canada vs Morocco: Saturday, July 4, Houston Stadium, 17:00 GMT.
  • Paraguay vs France: Saturday, July 4, Philadelphia Stadium, 21:00 GMT.
  • Brazil vs Norway: Sunday, July 5, New York/New Jersey Stadium, 20:00 GMT.
  • Mexico vs England: Monday, July 6, Mexico City Stadium, 00:00 GMT.
  • Portugal vs Spain: Monday, July 6, Dallas Stadium, 19:00 GMT.
  • USA vs Belgium: Tuesday, July 7, Seattle Stadium, 00:00 GMT.
  • Argentina vs Egypt: Tuesday, July 7, Atlanta Stadium, 16:00 GMT.
  • Switzerland vs Colombia: Tuesday, July 7, BC Place Vancouver, 20:00 GMT.

Al Jazeera’s schedule puts several former champions in direct knockout tests, including Brazil against Norway, England against Mexico, Portugal against Spain and Argentina against Egypt. Winners from these eight matches will move on to the quarterfinal stage.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.