2026 World Cup Round of 32: Most Anticipated Matchups

The 2026 World Cup has officially moved into the knockout phase, where the big teams begin to show their true strength. No more holding back, no room for fatigue – the stars must give everything.

Below are the most notable matches in the Round of 32:

Netherlands vs Morocco

Monday, June 29, 7:00 PM (01:00 GMT Tuesday) – Monterrey Stadium, Mexico

This is a rare clash between two top-10 teams (Morocco 6th, Netherlands 7th) as early as the first knockout round. At the 2022 World Cup, Morocco defeated three European opponents en route to the semifinals. However, this time they struggled against Scotland and need to raise their game against the Dutch.

For the Netherlands, they are well aware of Ismael Saibari – a player headed to Bayern Munich – who has played for PSV Eindhoven since 2020. This is also a rematch of the 1994 World Cup encounter, where the Netherlands won 2-1 in Orlando, Florida. The weather this time is forecast to be more comfortable.

Key to the match: Morocco's defense against the Dutch attacking duo of Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo.

Ivory Coast vs Norway

Tuesday, June 30, 12:00 PM (17:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Texas, USA

After two matches, Erling Haaland and most of Norway's regular starters were rested by coach Stale Solbakken in their group match against France. The extra days off will help Haaland add to his tally of four goals. Solbakken noted that the 3-2 win over Senegal was physically draining due to the opponent's aggressive style, and he expects a similar test from Ivory Coast.

As for the hot, humid conditions that caused cramps for many Norwegian players, the air-conditioned covered stadium will solve that issue. Ivory Coast impressed with wins over Ecuador and Curacao, though they narrowly lost to Germany.

Key to the match: The midfield battle between Franck Kessie and Martin Odegaard.

France vs Sweden

Tuesday, June 30, 5:00 PM (21:00 GMT) – New York/New Jersey Stadium, USA

France prepared for the Scandinavian test with a 4-1 win over a Norwegian reserve side. The attacking quartet of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Kylian Mbappe, and Michael Olise have dazzled with 10 goals in three matches. Assistant coach Guy Stephan suggested Les Bleus “could have scored more.”

Coach Didier Deschamps returned after attending his mother's funeral. In their previous finals meeting, Sweden won 2-0 at Euro 2012, ending France's 24-match unbeaten run. France were then eliminated by Spain, and Laurent Blanc was replaced by Deschamps.

Key to the match: Sweden should not try to chase France but instead control the tempo and utilize Viktor Gyokeres in attack.

USA vs Bosnia

Wednesday, July 1, 5:00 PM (00:00 GMT Thursday) – San Francisco Bay Stadium, California, USA

If you want to know whether the USA are truly strong, this match will provide the answer. Coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to field his strongest lineup. The USA's most recent win against a European opponent at the World Cup was in 2002 (3-2 over Portugal).

Esmir Bajraktarevic, who previously represented the USA before switching to Bosnia, was given two days off to visit home in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Key to the match: The USA will press relentlessly; Bosnia need to stay calm to withstand the pressure.

Spain vs Austria

Thursday, July 2, 12:00 PM (19:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium

Spain have not lost to Austria since a 1990 friendly. Some subsequent wins have been emphatic: 9-0, 5-1, 4-0. At the 1978 World Cup, Austria beat Spain 2-1.

Key to the match: Everyone is still waiting for Lamine Yamal and La Roja's attack to find their rhythm.

Portugal vs Croatia

Thursday, July 2, 7:00 PM (23:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Ontario, Canada

Both teams are expected to go far. Croatia are ranked 13th, Portugal 8th. Their fortunes depend heavily on veterans: Croatia's Luka Modric (40) and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (41). Ronaldo and Ricardo Quaresma once eliminated Croatia at Euro 2016.

Croatia's only win over Portugal came 2-1 with goals from Modric and Ante Budimir in Lisbon in 2024.

Key to the match: Modric needs to maintain the energy he showed in the 2-1 win over Ghana. Ronaldo will face a tough Croatia defense.

Argentina vs Cape Verde

Friday, July 3, 6:00 PM (22:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Florida, USA

Can the Blue Sharks stop Lionel Messi? Cape Verde are the tournament's surprise, thanks to their defense and goalkeeper Vozinha. Argentina remain heavily reliant on Messi but need additional attacking options.

Key to the match: The duel between veterans Vozinha (40) and Messi (39).

Colombia vs Ghana

Friday, July 3, 8:30 PM (01:30 GMT Saturday) – Kansas City Stadium, Missouri, USA

Colombia surprised by beating Portugal to top their group. Despite a skilled attack, they have scored only four goals, two of them from defender Daniel Munoz.

Carlos Queiroz has organized Ghana's defense and needs to find ways to get Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo into scoring positions. This is also a chance for Queiroz to face the nation that fired him during 2022 World Cup qualifying.

Key to the match: For Colombia, will Luis Diaz find space and Luis Suarez find the net?