FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 schedule: Argentina, France, Portugal in focus as Canada head into round of 16 first | Football news

French Kylian Mbappe, left, Argentine Lionel Messi, center, and Norwegian Erling Haaland. (AP photo)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially entered the knockout stages after a record-breaking group stage finish, with Canada setting the tone by winning the opening round of 16 match in dramatic fashion on Sunday.Stephen Eustáquia’s stoppage-time winner inspired Canada to a historic 1-0 victory over South Africa, sending Jesse Marsch into emotional celebration as Les Rouges reached the last 16 for the first time in their World Cup history. Moments after the final whistle, the Canadian coach gathered his players on the field and paid an impassioned tribute.“You are Canadian heroes today! Canadian heroes for the future children of this country who play this sport,” Marsch shouted. “You never lost faith. You went after it, point by point, moment by moment.”Canada now faces a huge round of 16 clash against either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston this weekend as the knockout group begins to take shape.

The knockout stage begins after the record-setting group stage

The tournament’s expanded format produced unprecedented numbers, with 48 teams competing in 72 group stage matches before 32 nations progressed to the round of 16. A record 215 goals were scored in the group stage, while 999 players took part in the action. Africa achieved its strongest ever representation in the knockout stages with nine CAF nations progressing, while seven teams — including Canada, Cabo Verde, South Africa and DR Congo — reached the round of 16 for the first time in history.

FFA World Cup schedule for the week (June 29 – July 5)

Sixteen Round of 32 matches will be played this week, with schedules spread across North America before the tournament moves into the Round of 16 at the weekend.