NEW DELHI: The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered its business end, with all 16 teams confirmed for the round of 16 after a dramatic round of 32 that saw heavyweights like Germany and the Netherlands crash out. Defending champions Argentina survived a scare against Cape Verde, while Colombia secured last place with a narrow win over Ghana.
Which teams have qualified for the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup?
The 16 teams that booked their places in the knockout phase are:
- Canada
- Morocco
- Paraguay
- France
- Brazil
- Norway
- Mexico
- England
- Portugal
- Spain
- United States
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Colombia
- Argentina
- Egypt
FIFA World Cup Fixtures for the round of 16
The Round of 16 features several blockbuster fixtures, including England against co-hosts Mexico and an all-Iberian clash between Portugal and Spain.
Complete round of 16 schedule (date and time in IST)
Match Date Time (IST)
- Canada vs. Morocco July 4 10:30 p.m
- Paraguay vs. France July 5 2:30am
Brazil vs. Norway July 6th 1:30 amMexico vs England July 6th 5:30 amPortugal vs Spain July 7 00:30- USA vs Belgium July 7 5:30am
Argentina vs Egypt July 7, 9:30 p.m- Switzerland vs. Colombia July 8 1:30 am
The biggest knockout fights to watch
- Mexico v England: Co-hosts Mexico take on Harry Kane’s England in one of the most anticipated Round of 16 encounters.
- Portugal v Spain: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal take on Spain in a tough Iberian showdown with huge quarter-final implications.
- Brazil vs Norway: Brazil’s attacking stars will face the challenge of Erling Haaland-led Norway.
- Argentina vs Egypt: Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina begin their title defense against a resilient Egyptian side.
How the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup works
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has an expanded format of 48 teams. After the group stage, 32 teams entered the first knockout round, and the winners advanced to the round of 16. From this stage onwards, the tournament follows a direct knockout format — Round of 16, Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Finals. If the game is tied after 90 minutes, it goes to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
