The 2026 World Cup has entered its most exciting phase with the round of 32, in which 32 teams advanced after the group stage: the two best in each sector and the eight best third parties.
At this stage, the confrontations are a single match, which increases the intensity and leaves no room for error, since any oversight can mean elimination from the most important tournament in the world.
The first duels of this round already left emotions and unexpected results. Paraguay starred in one of the most vibrant matches by beating Germany and achieve an important classification after a very disputed match.
Morocco, for its part, gave another blow of authority by eliminating the Netherlands and consolidated the growth of African football in international competitions.
The direct elimination modality has taken several games to the extra time and even penalties, which demonstrates the parity between the qualified teams. Each team fights to stay in competition and get closer to the dream of winning the world title, in a phase whose football level has stood out for its dynamism and emotion.
So far, four teams have secured their place in the round of 16: Canada, Brazil, Paraguay and Morocco. These teams are the first classified to the next round, while the rest of the round of 32 continues to be played and will define the complete draw for the round of 16 in the coming days.
This is how the round of 16 matches begin to take shape:
- Canada will face Morocco.
- Brazil awaits the winner of the duel between Norway and Ivory Coast.
- Paraguay will play against France or Sweden.