Round of 16 set; Spain to face Portugal

2026-07-04

The last 16 of the North and Central America tournament are set, with the round-of-16 knockout stage starting on the 5th in Japan time. Spain, among the favourites to win the title, will face Portugal, who beat them on penalties in the June 2025 UEFA Nations League final.

All three co-hosts also advance

Canada, which reached the knockout stage's first round for the first time, will face Morocco, the African champions. Mexico will take on England, looking to ride the support of home fans in Mexico City and build momentum. The United States will play Belgium, third at the 2018 Russia World Cup, with the focus on how to counter individual quality with organisation.

Clashes between heavyweights continue

Brazil, which beat Japan, will meet Norway, led by monster Haaland. Norway have quality players around Haaland as well. If they can beat the powerhouse in a round of 16 match for the first time in 28 years, it will be their first World Cup quarter-final.

Defending champions Argentina will face Egypt, making the last 16 for the first time, while runners-up France will take on Paraguay, with both sides facing lower-ranked FIFA opponents. France have scored a tournament-high 13 goals so far, with the attack of Mbappe, Dembele and Olise in good form. Paraguay, meanwhile, dragged powerhouse Germany into a penalty shootout and edged them with resilient defence. There is room for an upset against the favourites.

Argentina's Messi has scored in eight straight World Cup matches and raised his career tally to 20. Along with how far he can keep adding to that tally, attention will also be on whether the impact of Argentina's 120-minute round-of-16 battle with Cape Verde carries over into their next match three days later.

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