KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JUNE 16: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
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Many soccer aficionados claim that the real World Cup doesn’t really start until the knockout round.
That’s when every team faces elimination, and upsets can happen.
While the Round of 32, the first such at a World Cup since the tournament was expanded to 48 teams, doesn’t have many “sexy” matchups, a few surprises can emerge as a dozen group winners put their records on the line.
On Sunday, Canada started the Round of 32 with a dramatic, extra-time 1-0 win over South Africa in Inglewood, Calif.
In chronological order, here is a look at the rest of the field:
Monday, June 29
Brazil (2-0-1; Group C winner) vs. Japan (1-0-2; Group F second), NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, 1 p.m.
After a slow start in Group C, the Brazilians went on to capture the title. They had their problems with Morocco in a disappointing 1-1 opening draw, and Japan could pose similar challenges with its patient game. If Vinícius Jr. continues to score (four goals), this team could wind up going deep in the tournament.
Prediction: Brazil, 2, Japan 1
Germany (2-1-0; Group E winner) vs. Paraguay (1-1-1; Group D third), Foxborough, Mass. 4:30 p.m. ET
For the first time since winning the 2014 World Cup, the Germans reached the knockout round. After rolling to a 7-1 romp over Curacao in its group opener, Germany has struggled to find itself. The Europeans should find a way to get past the squad that lost to the United States in the group stage, 4-1.
Prediction: Germany 1, Paraguay 0
Netherlands (2-0-1; Group F winner) vs. Morocco (2-0-1; Group C second), Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, 9 p.m. ET
This should be a fun one and could very well be one of the top matches of the round. The Dutch have scored 10 goals (tied with France and Germany for the most), but they haven’t been able to shut out their foes. Morocco, which finished third at the 2022 World Cup, will make the Netherlands work hard on both ends of the pitch.
Prediction: Netherlands 2, Morocco 2 (Netherlands wins on penalty kicks)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 22: Erling Haaland #9 of Norway celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 22, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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Tuesday, June 30
Ivory Coast (2-1-0; Group E second) vs. Norway (2-1-0; Group I second), AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, 1 p.m.
In what could be the most physical match-up of this phase, Norway will be rewarded for resting the fabulous Erling Haaland in the 4-1 defeat to France in the group finale. He should be fresh enough to score one goal and perhaps his third brace of the competition. After playing three matches in the heat in outdoor stadiums, the Norwegians should thrive at this indoor venue.
Prediction: Norway 3, Ivory Coast 1
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 26: Ousmane Dembele of France celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and France at Boston Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Foxborough, United States. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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France (3-0-0; Group I winner) vs. Sweden (1-1-1; Group F third), MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J., 5 p.m. ET
Most teams will thank the soccer gods for having one lethal finisher. The French have been blessed with two. After Kylian Mbappe recorded a pair of braces in the first two matches, Ousmane Dembele took center stage with a hat-trick against Norway. Add a talented supporting cast, and France should be able to make it to the Sweet 16. If the French have a weakness, it is their defense.
Prediction: France 4, Sweden 1
Mexico (3-0-0; Group D winners) vs. Ecuador (1-1-1; Group E third), Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, 9 p.m. ET
The three previous times North America hosted the World Cup (1970 and 1986 in Mexico, 1994 in the USA), El Tri reached the quarterfinals. The Mexicans have greater aspirations as co-hosts. It certainly doesn’t hurt that they will continue their stay on home soil while playing their third match at their favorite venue. It should be noted that Mexico has not allowed a goal.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 17: Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
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Wednesday, July 1
England (2-0-1; Group L winner) vs. Democratic Republic of the Congo (1-1-1; Group K third), Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga., noon ET
Buoyed by striker Harry Kane (four goals in this competition, 11 career World Cup goals, and an English record 82 international tallies) and midfielder Jude Bellingham, England continues to chase the glory of six decades ago when it won its lone World Cup crown on home soil in 1966. DR Congo already made history by qualifying for the knockout for the first time in its second appearance. It played as Zaire in the 1974 cup.
Prediction: England 2, DR Congo 0
Belgium (1-0-2; Group G winner) vs. Senegal (1-1-1; Group I third), Lumen Field, Seattle, Wash., 4 p.m. ET
This contest could be a toss-up. The Belgians started off slowly with a pair of draws with Egypt and Iran before breaking out against New Zealand, 5-1, as the Oceania-based squad (0-2-1) completed the group in the cellar with one of the lowest point totals in the competition. Senegal had a tough time, losing to favored France and Norway.
Prediction: Belgium 1, Senegal 1 (Belgium wins on penalty kicks)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 12: Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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U.S. (2-1-0; Group D winner) vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (1-1-1; Group B third), Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif., 8 p.m. ET
The Americans will have their full complement after defenders Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson, midfielder Tyler Adams, and forward Folarin Balogun did not play due to yellow cards. Those have been erased, and the co-hosts are primed to move on. Bosnia winger Esmir Bajraktarevic, who was born in Appleton, Wis. and performs for PSV Eindhoven. He made one appearance for the U.S. in a friendly in 2024 before changing his allegiance, thanks to his Bosnian roots.
Prediction: U.S. 2, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 21: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at Atlanta Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Thursday, July 2
Spain (2-0-1; Group H winner) vs. Austria (1-1-1; Group J second), SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif., 3 p.m.
As long as 19-year-old star midfielder Lamine Yamal stays healthy and performs his magic, the Spaniards should prevail. Spain did not concede a goal in its group. Austria, which registered a 3-1 win over Jordan and a 3-3 draw with Algeria, should be hard-pressed to fill the net.
Prediction: Spain 3, Austria 0
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 17: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Congo DR at Houston Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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Portugal (1-0-2; Group K second) vs. Croatia (2-1-0; Group L second), BMO Field, Toronto, 7 p.m.
This game is perfectly suited for the Canadian city. Outside of Italy, those are the two largest ethnic groups in Toronto. Considered by many pundits as a contender, haven’t exactly set the World Cup on fire. It also will be a battle of fortysomething legends. Cristian Ronaldo, 41, contributed a brace in the 5-0 triumph over Uzbekistan, but fired blanks in his other two appearances. Luka Modric, 40 became the oldest player to register an assist in a World Cup in Croatia’s 2-1 win over Ghana on Saturday, June 27. Croatia is the little engine that could, finishing second in the 2018 cup and fourth in 2022.
Prediction: Portugal 2, Croatia 1 (extra time)
Switzerland (2-0-1; Group B winners) vs. Algeria (1-1-1; Group J third), BC Place, Vancouver, 11 p.m. ET
Give the Swiss a ton of credit. They managed to defeat the Canadians, 2-1, on its home soil, sending the team to the U.S. for the knockout round instead of staying in Canada. Johan Manzambi, a 20-year-old midfielder, leads Switzerland with three goals, all scored in the second half. Riyad Mahrez had a brace in Algeria’s 3-3 tie with Austria.
Prediction: Switzerland 3, Algeria 1
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 21: Mohamed Salah #10 of Egypt celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between New Zealand and Egypt at BC Place Vancouver on June 21, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
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Friday, July 3
Australia (1-1-1; Group D second) vs. Egypt (1-0-2; Group G second), AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, 2 p.m. ET
The great Mohammed Salah could have one last hurrah at the international stage as the northern African side is in position to pull off a Texas-sized surprise against the taller and physical Socceroos. Salah scored in the 3-1 win over New Zealand. Australia has been shut out twice and only scored two goals.
Prediction: Egypt 1, Australia 0
Argentina (3-0-0; Group J winner) vs. Cape Verde (0-0-3; Group H second), Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla., 6 p.m. ET
This encounter pits the defending champions and the incomparable Lionel Messi against the tiny West African country, which has become the darlings of the tournament. Messi, who has put away goals in a record seven consecutive cup games, has tallied six of Argentina’s eight goals and is the cup leader with six goals. The Blue Sharks’ (only two goals conceded) incredible run should stop here. If they somehow produce a win, it will be considered one of the greatest World Cup upsets ever.
Prediction: Argentina, 3-0.
Colombia (2-0-1; Group K winner) vs. Ghana (1-1-1; Group L third), Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo., 9:30 p.m. ET
Were the Colombians the most underrated group winners? Many observers thought Portugal would take the title. Daniel Munoz has scored twice, including the lone goal in the 1-0 victory over the DR Congo. Directed by veteran international head coach Carlos Queiroz, the Ghanaians have been difficult to break down. They have surrendered only two goals.
Prediction: Colombia 2, Ghana 1
Michael Lewis, the sixth recipient of the Clay Berling Media Career of Excellence Award in 2025, can be followed on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky at @Soccerwriter. His 10th soccer book, Around the World Cup in 40 Years: An American sportswriter’s perspective, has been published.