The second knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins today, with the remaining 16 teams competing in the Round of 16 for a place in the quarterfinals and to keep their title hopes alive.
Following the conclusion of the group stage and the Round of 32, the three host nations, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, along with Brazil, Paraguay, Morocco, Norway, France, England, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Egypt, Argentina, and Colombia, have qualified for the Round of 16.
The Round of 16 action begins today with Canada taking on Morocco, while Paraguay will face France in the day’s other match.
On July 5, Brazil will play Norway, and Mexico will take on England. On July 6, Portugal will face Spain, while the United States will meet Belgium.
The final two Round of 16 matches will be played on July 7, with Argentina facing Egypt and Switzerland taking on Colombia. The winners of these matches will advance to the quarterfinals.
On the other hand, Egypt made history at the FIFA World Cup by defeating Australia 4–2 in a penalty shootout to advance to the knockout stage for the first time. The match ended 1–1 after regulation time and extra time, leading to a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
In the shootout, Hossam Abdel Majid scored the decisive penalty, while Australia’s Harry Sauter and Lucas Harrington missed their attempts.
After the victory, Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan dedicated the historic win to the Palestinian people, saying he prays that Allah grants victory to the Palestinians and shows mercy upon the martyrs.
Read more: Switzerland ease into World Cup round of 16 after beating Algeria
