The FIFA World Cup 2026 enters the knockout phase with 32 nations battling for a place in the Round of 16. Following a dramatic group stage filled with historic moments, surprise qualifiers and stunning upsets, the margin for error has disappeared very match is now win or go home.
The Round of 32 opens with South Africa looking to continue their fairytale run against Canada after making history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time. Brazil face an in-form Japan side, while Germany will be eager to avoid another upset when they take on Paraguay following their shock defeat to Ecuador in the group stage.
The Netherlands, one of the tournament’s unbeaten sides, face a stern challenge against Morocco, who also finished the group stage unbeaten. France, England, Spain and Argentina all enter the knockout rounds after topping their respective groups and will be aiming to maintain their impressive form.
Elsewhere, Portugal meet Croatia in one of the standout ties of the round, Belgium take on an exciting Senegal side, and Switzerland face an unpredictable Algeria team. Colombia’s clash with Ghana also promises to be an entertaining contest after both nations impressed during the group stage.
Round of 32 Predictions
- South Africa vs Canada – Canada
- Brazil vs Japan – Brazil
- Germany vs Paraguay – Germany
- Netherlands vs Morocco – Netherlands
- Ivory Coast vs Norway – Ivory Coast
- France vs Sweden – France
- Mexico vs Ecuador – Mexico
- England vs DR Congo – England
- Belgium vs Senegal – Belgium
- USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina – USA
- Spain vs Austria – Spain
- Portugal vs Croatia – Portugal
- Switzerland vs Algeria – Switzerland
- Australia vs Egypt – Australia
- Argentina vs Cabo Verde – Argentina
- Colombia vs Ghana – Colombia
Players to Watch
Lionel Messi will once again lead Argentina’s title defence, while Kylian Mbappé will be central to France’s hopes of another deep World Cup run. Brazil will look to their attacking stars to break down a disciplined Japanese side, and Cristiano Ronaldo could have another defining moment if Portugal are to overcome Croatia.
England’s hopes will also heavily rely on the leadership of Harry Kane and the creativity and control of Jude Bellingham, both of whom have been instrumental in guiding the Three Lions through the group stage and will be key figures in their push toward the latter stages of the tournament.
Several underdogs will also believe they can spring a surprise. Egypt, DR Congo, Cabo Verde and South Africa have already made history by reaching the knockout rounds and will be determined to extend their remarkable journeys.
With the stakes higher than ever, the Round of 32 promises blockbuster encounters and a dramatic start to the knockout stage as the road to the final truly begins.
Round of 32 Fixtures and Match Timing in Sri Lanka times
| Round of 32 | Date | SL Time | ||||
| 29 Jun | 12:30 AM | South Africa | vs | Canada | ||
| 29 Jun | 10:30 PM | Brazil | vs | Japan | ||
| 30 Jun | 2:00 AM | Germany | vs | Paragiuay | ||
| 30 Jun | 6:30 AM | Netherlands | vs | Morocco | ||
| 30 Jun | 10:30 PM | Ivory Coast | vs | Norway | ||
| 1 Jul | 2:30 AM | France | vs | Sweden | ||
| 1 Jul | 6:30 AM | Mexico | vs | Ecudaor | ||
| 1 Jul | 9:30 PM | England | vs | DR Congo | ||
| 2 Jul | 1:30 AM | Belgium | vs | Senegal | ||
| 2 Jul | 5:30 AM | USA | vs | Bosnia | ||
| 3 Jul | 12:30 AM | Spain | vs | Austria | ||
| 3 Jul | 4:30 AM | Portugal | vs | Croatia | ||
| 3 Jul | 8:30 AM | Switzeland | vs | Algeria | ||
| 3 Jul | 11:30 PM | Australia | vs | Egypt | ||
| 4 Jul | 3:30 AM | Argentina | vs | Cabo Verde | ||
| 4 Jul | 7:00 AM | Colombia | vs | Ghana |
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 LIVE on ThePapare TV channels via Dialog Television & Dialog Play App.
