2026 World Cup

World Cup: a guide to the round of 16

The World Cup is entering its crucial stage. From Canada v Morocco (4 July) to Switzerland v Colombia (7 July), the round of 16 matches are scheduled. Here’s where and when they’re being played

by Marco Bellinazzo

4 July 2026

Aggiungi Il Sole 24 Ore
ai preferiti su Google

Calcio - Coppa del Mondo FIFA 2026 - I tifosi brasiliani organizzano una manifestazione con le bandiere a Brooklyn - New York City, New York, Stati Uniti - 3 luglio 2026 I tifosi brasiliani interagiscono con quelli norvegesi mentre si radunano a Brooklyn in vista della partita degli ottavi di finale contro la Norvegia (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Caean Couto)

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

With the round of 16 now over, the 2026 World Cup enters its most exciting phase. Sixteen national teams remain in the running, and the draw promises top-class fixtures, ranging from the great classics of international football to underdogs ready to continue their fairy-tale run.

The matches attracting the most attention are undoubtedly Portugal v Spain – an Iberian derby that means far more than just a round-of-16 tie – and Mexico v England, a clash between one of the host nations and one of the main title contenders. There is also great interest in Argentina v Egypt, with Messi and his team-mates set to take on the African surprise package, and in USA v Belgium, probably the most evenly matched tie in the entire draw.

Brazil v Norway also promises to be a thrilling match: the Verdeoro are the favourites, but the Scandinavians have already shown they can compete with anyone. As for the outsiders, Canada and Morocco are dreaming of a place in the quarter-finals in what looks set to be a very evenly matched contest.

Canada–Morocco

It all kicks off today, Saturday 4 July, at 7.00 pm Italian time. One of the most unpredictable matches of the round is set to take place at Houston Stadium. Canada will be looking to capitalise on home advantage, even though they are playing in the US, whilst Morocco have already proved themselves to be a solid and well-organised side. The winner will face either Paraguay or France in the quarter-finals.

Paraguay v France

Also on Saturday 4 July, at 11.00 pm Italian time, France – the clear favourites – will take to the pitch in Philadelphia against Paraguay, who have already knocked Germany out on penalties and are brimming with confidence. Les Bleus are the superior side, but the South Americans have shown themselves to be extremely tough to beat.

Brazil v Norway

We now turn to New York, where on Sunday 5 July, at 10.00 pm Italian time, at MetLife Stadium, Brazil – who are firmly set on winning their sixth World Cup title – will face Haaland’s Norway, one of the tournament’s most intriguing surprises following the Ivory Coast’s elimination. The Verdeoro have more talent, but they cannot afford any distractions.

Mexico v England

At 2 am Italian time on 6 July, one of the most eagerly anticipated Round of 16 fixtures will take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Mexico will play in front of a frenzied crowd, whilst England will try to impose their technical superiority, but they return after forty years to the stadium where they were defeated by Argentina in the 1986 World Cup thanks to Diego Armando Maradona’s legendary goals. The atmosphere and home advantage could make the match much more evenly balanced than expected.

Portugal v Spain

At Dallas Stadium, on Monday 6 July at 9.00 pm, the stage is set for what is probably the biggest match of the round of 16. Two national teams brimming with talent, a historic rivalry and a place in the quarter-finals at stake. Spain are coming off the back of a convincing victory over Austria, whilst Portugal have overcome a tough Croatia side. It’s a match that could easily be worth a semi-final.

United States–Belgium

On 7 July, at 2.00 Italian time, at Seattle Stadium, the United States will be looking to capitalise on home support against a Belgium side that had to work hard to see off Senegal. A closely-fought match, high intensity and little room for error: this is one of the most difficult round-of-16 ties to predict.

Argentina v Egypt

Argentina had a real scare against a heroic Cape Verde side and now face an Egypt team buoyed by their historic qualification, secured on penalties against Australia. The match takes place on Tuesday 7 July at 6.00 pm Italian time in Atlanta. Messi remains the most eagerly awaited player, but Salah is dreaming of a feat that would change the history of Egyptian football.

Switzerland v Colombia

Also on Tuesday 7 July, at 10.00 pm Italian time, at BC Place in Vancouver, comes what promises to be the most tactical match of the tournament. Switzerland knocked out Algeria with a display of solidity and organisation, whilst Colombia beat Ghana thanks to a goal from Arias.