FIFA World Cup 2026: Best Round of 16 knockout matches to watch
The business end of the FIFA World Cup begins on Saturday with the last-16 teams remaining in the tournament fighting it out for quarterfinal spots.
Over the next four days (July 4-7), there are several huge matchups between some of the greatest teams from around the globe.
Canada vs Morocco
July 4, Saturday, Houston Stadium – 17:00 GMT
Canada’s best chance against Morocco might have been to recruit Yassine Bounou. Former coach Benito Floro tried, but was turned down by Bounou, who spent the first three years of his life in Montreal.
The last time the Canadians tried to get past Bounou, they lost 2-1 and were eliminated in the group stage in Qatar. Now, Canada should be more confident after their first two World Cup wins.
The Maple Leafs will attack through Tajon Buchanan on the right wing, and Alphonso Davies, moving up from left back. Davies (hamstring) returned in the group stage match against South Africa, his first action since playing for Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinals.
Jesse Marsch, Canada’s US-born coach, has juggled the midfield, with Nathan-Dylan Saliba replacing Ismael Kone, who sustained a broken leg against Qatar.
Morocco’s reload has failed to ignite offensively, but they know Bounou is there to bail them out – all the Atlas Lions have to do is get to a penalty shootout. The winner probably gets France in the quarterfinals.
The Guaranies have surprised, but if Les Bleus know their history, that will not be the case in this game.
In 1958, France trailed against Paraguay in the second half, before rallying for a 7-3 win. In 1998, it took an extra-time goal from Laurent Blanc for them to advance against La Albirroja.
Now, though, France is simply sprinting past everyone. Sure, Paraguay stifled Germany’s attack. But Gustavo Gomez and company will find it difficult keeping up with Kylian Mbappe.
The French will dent the defence through the middle, via the playmaking of Michael Olise and Adrien Rabiot. Wingers will provide width. Olise, Rabiot and, possibly, Theo Hernandez will fire away from distance.
Brazil vs Norway
July 5, Sunday, New York/New Jersey Stadium – 20:00 GMT
Being a team that has a winning head-to-head record against Brazil is a rarity. Only three teams hold that status – Netherlands, Hungary and Norway. The last have the biggest boast, having never lost to Brazil (W2, D2).
Brazilians, though, have long been anticipating this rematch of a controversial 1998 World Cup group-stage defeat, when the Norwegians were awarded a late penalty kick.
US referee Esse Baharmast correctly detected a foul, leading to Kjetil Rekdal’s penalty in a 2-1 decision. Brazil took the group, while the Landslaget’s win meant they finished ahead of Morocco to progress in second spot.
That was the last time Norway competed in the finals – they were defeated by Italy in the first knockout round – and the only other time it advanced to the elimination rounds.
Brazil has been looking for a spark, and found one with Endrick coming off the bench against Japan. Endrick will be dwarfed by the Norwegians but could play a key role.
Mexico vs England
July 5, Sunday, Mexico City Stadium – 00:00 GMT on Monday
Altitude versus attitude, according to former Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio. Mexico City’s 2,240 metres (7,350 feet) of elevation, combined with El Tri’s fast-paced attack, can leave opponents gasping for air.
So far, Mexico has compiled a 4-0-0 record (8-0 goal differential) playing in Guadalajara and Mexico City.
El Tri’s possession tactics set the tone, and the forward combination of Raul Jimenez and Colombia-born Julian Quinones is clicking.
Against Mexico, England has compiled a 6W-2L-1D record (including a 2-0 victory at Wembley in the 1966 World Cup).
