Giant ball for a World Cup soccer match (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered the round of 32. With Canada and South Africa emerging from the knockout stage, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the next stage of the tournament.So who will the candidates face?BrazilThe most successful country in FIFA World Cup history with five titles, Brazil is once again among the favourites. After their draw with Morocco, they bounced back strongly with convincing 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland. Despite the concerns that followed Neymar’s absence from the opening match, Brazil were quick to reaffirm their credentials. They will face Japan on June 29 in the round of 32.
While Brazil is expected to qualify, Hajime Moriyasu’s team can still pull off an upset.
SpainAfter a goalless draw with Cape Verde in the opening match, Spain responded strongly with dominant wins in the next two matches to secure qualification. They will face Austria in the round of 32 on July 3.NorwayLed by star striker Erling Haaland, Norway has emerged as a dangerous team and will face Ivory Coast on June 30.
But their heavy 4-1 defeat to France in Haaland’s absence revealed their dependence on the striker. If Ivory Coast can contain it, an upset could occur.FranceWith Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé leading a formidable attack, France remain among the strongest contenders. After dominating all three matches in the group stage, they entered the knockout stages brimming with confidence. Sweden faces a difficult task when it meets France on June 30.PortugalPortugal arrived with one of the strongest lineups at the tournament but failed to fully impress during the group stage, recording two draws. Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to make a major impact. They will face Croatia, third in the 2022 World Cup, on July 2, in a test that is expected to be difficult.ArgentinaDefending champions Argentina dominated, with Lionel Messi producing impressive performances and leading the Golden Boot race. They will face Cape Verde, which is participating for the first time in the tournament, in the round of 32 on July 3.
