The stage is set for an enthralling Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the completion of the knockout play-off matches, with football giants and surprise qualifiers preparing for a series of high-stakes encounters.
Among the headline fixtures is a mouthwatering Iberian derby between Portugal and Spain, while reigning champions Argentina will face an inspired Egypt side that stunned Australia in a dramatic penalty shootout to book their place in the last 16.
England will battle co-hosts Mexico in one of the tournament’s biggest clashes, as Brazil take on Norway in another highly anticipated contest. Hosts Canada will meet Morocco after both nations produced impressive performances to reach the knockout stage.
France, who cruised past Sweden in the previous round, will lock horns with giant-killers Paraguay, who shocked Germany on penalties. Switzerland will face Colombia, while the United States square off against Belgium in what promises to be another fiercely contested tie.
Round of 16 Fixtures:
Argentina vs Egypt
Portugal vs Spain
Canada vs Morocco
France vs Paraguay
Switzerland vs Colombia
England vs Mexico
Brazil vs Norway
USA vs Belgium
With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, the Round of 16 promises intense drama, fierce rivalries and the possibility of more upsets as the race for football’s biggest prize enters its decisive phase.
