The World Cup 2026 Round of 16 field is complete after Argentina survived a major scare against Cape Verde, Egypt advanced on penalties and Colombia claimed the final knockout spot.
Argentina, the defending world champion, defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in Miami on Friday, July 3, 2026, in one of the tournament’s most dramatic matches so far. Cape Verde twice fought back to level the game before an own goal by Diney Borges in the 111th minute sent Argentina through.
World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Schedule
Argentina will face Egypt on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Atlanta after Egypt beat Australia in a penalty shootout in Dallas. The match marked Egypt’s first World Cup knockout victory.
Colombia also advanced Friday, July 3, 2026, with a 1-0 win over Ghana in Kansas City. Jhon Arias scored in the 14th minute to send Colombia into a Round of 16 match against Switzerland on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Vancouver.
Round of 16 Fixtures
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Canada vs. Morocco — 1 p.m. ET, Houston
Paraguay vs. France — 5 p.m. ET, Philadelphia
Sunday, July 5, 2026
Brazil vs. Norway — 4 p.m. ET, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Mexico vs. England — 8 p.m. ET, Mexico City
Monday, July 6, 2026
Portugal vs. Spain — 3 p.m. ET, Arlington, Texas
United States vs. Belgium — 8 p.m. ET, Seattle
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Argentina vs. Egypt — 12 p.m. ET, Atlanta
Switzerland vs. Colombia — 4 p.m. ET, Vancouver
Fourth of July Matches Add to U.S. Spotlight
The knockout round opened on Saturday, July 4, 2026, as the United States marked its 250th Independence Day. Canada met Morocco in Houston, while France faced Paraguay in Philadelphia.
France entered the round as one of the strongest contenders after a high-scoring run through the tournament. Paraguay advanced after eliminating Germany on penalties, but faced a difficult test against a deep French attack.
Power Rankings Shift After Round of 32
France and Spain remain among the strongest title contenders, while Norway, Mexico and the United States have continued steady runs. Argentina and Portugal advanced, but both showed signs of vulnerability before the Round of 16.
With the field down to 16 teams, the World Cup now moves from surprise stories to high-pressure knockout football, where one mistake can end a nation’s tournament.
