FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams Advancing to the Round of 16
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across Mexico, Canada, and the United States, features a record 48 teams competing for the title. This expansion introduced a Round of 32 knockout stage, replacing the previous Round of 16 as the first elimination phase.
The Round of 32 kicked off with host Canada facing South Africa. The matches have since determined which 16 teams will move on to the next stage. Here’s a look at those who have advanced so far.
Canada
Canada became the first nation to secure advancement by defeating South Africa late on Sunday. Stephen Eustaquio scored a stunning stoppage-time goal after an impressive first touch, breaking the deadlock in the 92nd minute. Despite South Africa’s efforts to equalize, time ran out. Canada now awaits the winner between Morocco and the Netherlands.
Brazil
Brazil claimed their Round of 16 spot after a hard-fought win against Japan. Japan took an early lead with Kaishu Sano’s skilled solo effort, but Casemiro leveled the score in the second half. Gabriel Martinelli netted a decisive goal deep in stoppage time, sending Brazil through. They will face either Norway or Ivory Coast next.
Paraguay
A historic moment for Paraguay came with their victory over Germany via penalty shootout, 4-3. After a 1-0 halftime lead and Germany’s equalizer forcing extra time, neither side could find a winner. In the sixth round of penalties, Jose Canale converted to send Paraguay into the Round of 16, where they will meet the victor of France versus Sweden.
Morocco
Morocco triumphed over the Netherlands in a tense penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time. Cody Gakpo had put the Dutch ahead in the 72nd minute, but Issa Diop’s last-minute header forced extra time. Ismael Saibari’s successful penalty sealed Morocco’s progression. They are set to face Canada.
Norway
Norway earned their place in the Round of 16 thanks to Erling Haaland’s late winning goal against Ivory Coast. Despite Ivory Coast’s strong start and equalizing effort from Amad Diallo, Haaland’s strike made the difference. Norway will challenge Brazil next, marking their first-ever knockout round win at a World Cup.
France
France cruised past Sweden with a clinical display highlighted by Kylian Mbappé’s brace. After numerous early chances, Mbappé opened scoring before halftime, followed by Bradley Barcola and another Mbappé goal in the second half. France advances to face Paraguay.
Mexico
After a weather delay, Mexico secured a 2-0 win over Ecuador. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored in the first half to book their passage. Mexico now prepares to face the winner of England versus DR Congo.
England
England overcame an early deficit against DR Congo with two late goals from Harry Kane. Brian Cipenga’s early strike for DR Congo was met with resilience as Kane first equalized, then scored the go-ahead goal before full time. England will play Mexico in the next round.
Belgium
Belgium pulled off a remarkable comeback to beat Senegal 3-2. Down 2-0 late in the game, Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans scored quick goals to force extra time. A penalty converted by Tielemans after a VAR review sealed Belgium’s victory. They await the winner of the United States versus Bosnia and Herzegovina.
United States
The United States advanced with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Folarin Balogun scored just before halftime, but was later sent off with a red card. Despite being a man down, Malik Tillman added a second goal. The US will face Belgium next in Seattle.
