DRAFTING.- The FIFA World Cup 2026 entered its decisive stage with the definition of the eight matches of the round of 16. A round that will bring together several of the main powers in world football and will be played between July 4 and 7 in cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The action will begin this Saturday, July 4, coinciding with the celebration of Independence Day of the United States, one of the three host countries of the tournament. Houston will open the day with the duel between Canada and Morocco, while Philadelphia will host the clash between Paraguay and France. Both matches will define the first classified to the quarterfinals.
On Sunday, July 5, it will be the turn of two of the most anticipated matches of this phase. Brazil will face Norway in East Rutherford, while the Mexican team will look to take advantage of the support of its fans when it hosts England in Mexico City.
Two other high-voltage matches will be scheduled for Monday, July 6: the Iberian classic between Portugal and Spain, in Arlington, and the duel between the United States and Belgium, which will be played in Seattle.
The round of 16 will conclude on Tuesday, July 7 with two other matches. Argentina, one of the favorites for the title, will face Egypt in Atlanta, while Switzerland will face Colombia in Vancouver.
In addition to the presence of historic teams such as Brazil, Argentina, France, England, Spain and Portugal, this phase will also feature teams that have surprised during the tournament, such as Morocco, Paraguay, Norway and Egypt, who will seek to continue making history in the first World Cup with 48 teams.
Schedule for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup
Saturday July 4
- Houston (1:00 p.m. ET): Canada vs. Morocco.
- Philadelphia (5:00 p.m. Eastern time): Paraguay vs. France.
Sunday July 5
- East Rutherford (2:00 p.m. ET): Brazil vs. Norway.
- Mexico City (8:00 p.m. Eastern time): Mexico vs. England.
Monday July 6
- Arlington (2:00 p.m. ET): Portugal vs. Spain.
- Seattle (8:00 p.m. ET): United States vs. Belgium.
Tuesday July 7
- Atlanta (12:00 Eastern time): Argentina vs. Egypt.
- Vancouver (4:00 p.m. ET): Switzerland vs. Colombia.
The eight winners will advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, getting closer to the goal of winning the title of the first World Cup organized jointly by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
With several of the top powers still in competition and a series of clashes between world champions and revelation teams, the knockout phase promises to offer some of the most attractive matches of the championship and set the course towards the grand final on July 19.
