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Seven countries have officially booked their places in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the completion of several Round of 32 matches, with three knockout fixtures now confirmed.
The latest results have seen Canada, Paraguay, Brazil, Norway, France, Mexico and Morocco progress to the next stage after overcoming their respective opponents in tightly contested encounters.
Canada became one of the first teams to qualify after edging South Africa 1-0 in a hard-fought clash. The North Americans will now face Morocco in the Round of 16 after the African side stunned the Netherlands in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Brazil also maintained their quest for a sixth World Cup title with a 2-1 victory over Japan. The South American giants have been paired with Norway in the next round after the Scandinavians secured a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast to advance.
Another dramatic encounter saw Paraguay eliminate Germany via penalties after the match ended 1-1 at the end of extra time. Paraguay will now take on France, who comfortably defeated Sweden 3-0 to seal their place in the Round of 16.
Mexico also progressed after recording a convincing 2-0 victory over Ecuador, but the identity of their next opponents is yet to be determined. El Tri will face the winner of the Round of 32 fixture between England and DR Congo.
Three Round of 16 fixtures have now been confirmed. Canada will meet Morocco, Paraguay will battle France, while Brazil are set for a showdown against Norway as the race for the World Cup trophy intensifies.
Attention now shifts to the remaining Round of 32 matches, with England taking on DR Congo, Belgium facing Senegal, and the United States set to play Bosnia and Herzegovina. Other fixtures yet to be played include Spain against Austria, Portugal versus Croatia, Switzerland against Algeria, Australia against Egypt, Argentina against Cape Verde, and Colombia against Ghana.
With more places in the Round of 16 still up for grabs, football fans can expect more thrilling contests as the expanded 48-team tournament enters its decisive knockout phase, where every match carries the pressure of elimination and a chance to move one step closer to lifting football's biggest prize.
Source: Vanguard