World Cup Last 32: Key Matchups and Storylines to Follow
Short overview
The World Cup knockout stage begins with 16 ties featuring big names, dark horses, and intriguing subplots. From England's path to the final to clashes like Brazil vs Japan and Netherlands vs Morocco, here's why each match matters.
The World Cup group stage has concluded, with 72 matches played and 32 teams remaining. As Harry Kane and Thomas Tuchel noted, the tournament now enters a second phase—a knockout bracket filled with storylines, from underdog triumphs to star-studded showdowns. Here is a breakdown of each last-32 tie and what makes it compelling.
Sunday, 28 June
South Africa vs Canada (20:00 BST)
Both nations are making their first-ever knockout appearance, adding historic weight to the encounter. Canada, despite leaving home soil, is expected to draw significant fan support traveling to Los Angeles.
Monday, 29 June
Brazil vs Japan (18:00 BST)
A classic World Cup fixture: Brazil's star power against Japan's disciplined system. Japan defeated the five-time champions 3-2 in October and will seek revenge for a 4-1 group-stage loss in 2006, 20 years ago.
Germany vs Paraguay (21:30 BST)
Paraguay faces Germany aiming to avenge a 1-0 defeat in the 2002 round of 16. The winner likely meets France in the next round.
Tuesday, 30 June
Netherlands vs Morocco (02:00 BST)
Potentially the tie of the round. The Netherlands, tournament favorites, face a Morocco side that reached the semifinals four years ago and now features 18-year-old wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi in midfield.
Ivory Coast vs Norway (18:00 BST)
A clash of styles: Erling Haaland's attacking prowess against an Ivory Coast defense that conceded zero goals in 10 qualifiers. Norway's fans are expected to bring their 'Viking rowing' tradition to Dallas.
France vs Sweden (22:00 BST)
While France boasts a wealth of attacking talent, the key battle is at the other end: Viktor Gyokeres versus Arsenal teammate William Saliba, both Premier League champions.
Wednesday, 1 July
Mexico vs Ecuador (02:00 BST)
Mexico at the Azteca Stadium is a spectacle. The match also offers a scouting opportunity for England's potential round-of-16 opponent.
England vs DR Congo (17:00 BST)
Thomas Tuchel's side plays its only family-friendly kick-off time of the tournament.
Belgium vs Senegal (21:00 BST)
Both teams saved their best for last in the group stage. Belgium's golden generation shows signs of life, while Senegal—the worst third-placed qualifier—scored eight goals against France, Norway, and Iraq and appears to have resolved off-field distractions.
Thursday, 2 July
USA vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (01:00 BST)
The co-hosts head to San Francisco Bay in confident mood despite a narrow loss to Turkey in a dead-rubber group game. Bosnia qualified at Italy's expense in March but failed to impress in the group stage.
Spain vs Austria (20:00 BST)
A clash of styles: fit-again Lamine Yamal and the European champions face a direct Austria side that sneaked through in the dying seconds of its final group match.
Friday, 3 July
Portugal vs Croatia (00:00 BST)
Potentially the last dance for aging stars on both sides.
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