FIFA World Cup: Who Faces Whom in the Pre-Quarterfinals?

(Digital Itla) The FIFA World Cup Round of 32 has concluded, and the Round of 16 (pre-quarterfinals) has officially kicked off.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is drawing closer to the semi-final stage. The Round of 32 wrapped up on Friday night, and the Round of 16 matches commenced on July 4. Over the next three days of direct knockout matches, 8 of the remaining 16 teams will be eliminated.

Following the final two matches of the Round of 16 on July 7, the remaining 8 teams will qualify for the quarterfinals, out of which only 4 will advance to the semifinals.

Knockout Matches (July 4)

• Canada vs. Morocco — 1:00 PM, Houston Stadium

• Paraguay vs. France — 5:00 PM, Philadelphia Stadium

• Note: The winners of these two matches will face each other in the quarterfinals on July 9 at 4:00 PM.

Teams Qualified for the Round of 16

The Round of 32 began on June 28, featuring 12 group winners, 12 runners-up, and the 8 best third-placed teams.

• Canada: Group B runners-up; qualified after a 1-0 win against South Africa on June 28. Facing Morocco today.

• Brazil: Group C winners; advanced after defeating Japan 2-0 on June 29. Facing Norway on July 5.

• Paraguay: Finished third in Group D; qualified via a 4-3 penalty shootout win following a 1-1 draw against Germany on June 29. Playing today at Philadelphia Stadium.

• Morocco: Group C runners-up; advanced after a 3-2 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands on June 30. Facing Canada today.

• France: Group I winners; qualified after a dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden on July 1. Facing Paraguay today.

• Norway: Group I runners-up; advanced by defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 on July 1. Facing Brazil on July 5.

• Mexico: Group A winners; qualified after defeating Ecuador 2-0 on July 1. Facing England on July 5.

• England: Group L winners; secured their spot by beating Congo 2-1 on July 1. Facing Mexico on July 5.

• Belgium: Group G winners; qualified after a 3-2 victory against Senegal on July 1. Facing the USA on July 6.

• USA: Group D winners; advanced after a 2-0 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1. Facing Belgium on July 6.

• Spain: Group H winners; qualified following a 3-0 win against Austria on July 2. Facing Portugal on July 6.

• Portugal: Group K winners; advanced after defeating Croatia 2-1 on July 2. Facing Spain on July 6.

• Switzerland: Group B winners; qualified after a 2-0 victory against Algeria on July 2. Their Round of 16 match will be on July 7 in Vancouver.

• Egypt: Finished third in Group G with 5 points; advanced after a 4-2 penalty shootout win following a 1-1 draw against Australia on July 3. Facing Argentina in Atlanta on July 7.

• Argentina: Group J winners with a perfect 9 points; advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating Cape Verde 3-2 on July 3. Facing Egypt on July 7.

• Colombia: Group K winners with 7 points; advanced after a 1-0 win over Ghana. Their Round of 16 match is scheduled for July 7.