The 2026 World Cup reaches the round of 16. The knockout stage resumes on Saturday 4 July with Canada against Morocco in Houston and France against Paraguay in Philadelphia. Egypt reached the last 16 for the first time by beating Australia on penalties, Lionel Messi's Argentina edged debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time, and a Portugal against Spain tie has been set for Monday 6 July. Five verified stories.
The round of 16 begins on Saturday 4 July with two ties, ESPN and Sports Illustrated reported. Canada face Morocco at NRG Stadium in Houston at 1 p.m. ET, and France meet Paraguay at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia at 5 p.m. ET, both broadcast on Fox. The last 16 runs through Tuesday 7 July across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Egypt beat Australia 4-2 on penalties, after a 1-1 draw following extra time at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on 3 July, to reach the round of 16 for the first time, Al Jazeera and ESPN reported. Captain Mohamed Salah converted with a Panenka and Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the winning penalty, while Australia's late goalkeeper change did not pay off. Egypt next face Argentina.
Holders Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, beat World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 3 July, Yahoo Sports reported. The result completed the round of 16 line-up and set up a meeting with Egypt.
Portugal will face Spain in the round of 16 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Monday 6 July, Al Jazeera and NBC News reported. Portugal reached the last 16 by beating Croatia 2-1, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his first knockout goal and Gonçalo Ramos netting a stoppage-time winner, while Spain routed Austria 3-0.
The complete round of 16 bracket is set, with ties running from 4 to 7 July across the United States, Mexico and Canada, ESPN and FOX Sports reported. Marquee pairings include Brazil against Norway and Mexico against England on Sunday 5 July, and the United States against Belgium on Monday 6 July.