FIFA World Cup (Photo by Getty Images)
New Delhi – The 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end, with all 16 teams confirmed to have qualified for the round of 16 after a dramatic round of 32 that saw the exit of heavyweights such as Germany and the Netherlands.
Defending champions Argentina survived concerns against Cape Verde, while Colombia secured last place with a narrow victory over Ghana.
Which teams qualified for the round of 16 of the World Cup?
The 16 teams that have booked their places in the knockout stage are:
- Canada
- Morocco
- Paraguay
- France
- Brazil
- Norway
- Mexico
- England
- Portugal
- Spain
- US
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Colombia
- Argentina
- Egypt
Football World Cup Round of 16 matches
The round of 16 features several exciting clashes, including England’s clash with hosts Mexico, and an all-Iberia clash between Portugal and Spain.
| Combinations | date | Time(IST) |
| Canada vs Morocco | July 4th | 10:30 pm |
| Paraguay vs France | July 5 | 2:30 am |
| Brazil vs Norway | July 6 | 1:30 am |
| Mexico vs England | July 6 | 5:30 am |
| Portugal vs Spain | July 7 | 12:30 am |
| United States against Belgium | July 7 | 5:30 am |
| Argentina vs Egypt | July 7 | 9:30 pm |
| Switzerland vs Colombia | July 8 | 1:30 am |
Completion of the round of 16 schedule (date and time IST)
Match history (IST)
- Canada vs. Morocco July 4, 10:30 p.m
- Paraguay vs France July 5, 2:30 am
Brazil vs Norway July 6 at 1:30 amMexico vs England July 6 5:30 AMPortugal vs Spain July 7 at 12:30 am- USA vs. Belgium July 7, 5:30 AM
Argentina vs Egypt July 7 at 9:30 p.m- Switzerland vs Colombia July 8 at 1:30 am
The most powerful knockout confrontations that can be watched
- Mexico vs. England: Hosts Mexico face Harry Kane’s England in one of the most anticipated round of 16 matches.
- Portugal vs. Spain: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal takes on Spain in an Iberian-heavy encounter with big implications for the quarter-finals.
- Brazil vs Norway: Brazil’s attacking stars will face the challenge of Erling Haaland’s Norway.
- Argentina vs. Egypt: Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina begin their title defense against a resilient Egyptian team.
How the knockout stage works in the FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup features an expanded format with 48 teams.
After the group stage, 32 teams entered the first knockout round, with the winners advancing to the round of 16. From this stage onwards, the tournament follows a successive knockout system – round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. If the match is tied after 90 minutes, extra time is used and, if necessary, penalty kicks are used to determine the winner.
