Even though they raised doubts about their competitiveness, Mexico have remained unbeaten at the 2026 World Cup. Relying on a high press, they have impressed offensively, with Julián Quiñones emerging as their standout player. In addition, Luis Romo and Érik Lira have excelled in midfield, finding spaces to play through balls into the opposition’s defense. Along with that, they know how to defend very well in a low block, making them a highly dangerous team.

England managed to defeat DR Congo with a brillant Harry Kane. With their high press, they completely neutralized the opposition’s counterattacks. In addition, Kane was also crucial in creating space in the defense. Because of this, Jude Bellingham had opportunities to shine by making runs into space.Alongside them, Anthony Gordon was essential in stretching the defense down the flanks.

When and at what time will Mexico vs. England be played?

Mexico will face England in the Round of 16 on Monday, July 6, at 8:00 PM ET. It will be the fourth match of the round, following Paraguay vs France or Sweden, Canada vs Morocco and Brazil vs Norway. While Javier Aguirre’s team are the host of the 2026 World Cup, Thomas Tuchel’s team hold the pressure, as they are top contenders for the title. Moreover, they have a stellar roster that imposes them as favorites to secure their quarterfinals.

After the disappointing Qatar 2022 campaign, Mexico have regained their level at the tournament, showcasing a brilliant attack and a solid defense. Facing England, one of the World Cup’s historic teams, they do not enter as favorites and therefore have no pressure to win. Because of this, they have a great opportunity to cause an upset and claim victory. In addition, the outstanding form of Julián Quiñones gives them further reason to believe.

Which stadium will host Mexico vs. England?

Mexico City Stadium, also known as Azteca Stadium, will host the match between Mexico and England. With a capacity of 87,523 spectators, this venue is one of the largest in the tournament. After hosting several World Cup matches throughout history, this stadium has become a regular venue for world-class events. Moreover, Javier Aguirre’s team has never lost a match in the competition at this stadium, making it a difficult venue for their rivals.

Match Overview

Portugal enters the knockout stage carrying the weight of heavy expectations but also questions about their consistency. After finishing as runners-up in Group K, Roberto Martinez‘s side has shown flashes of offensive firepower but struggled to impose its will in draws against DR Congo and Colombia. The urgency is now at a fever pitch, as a single misstep against a battle-hardened opponent will end their tournament journey.

Croatia, meanwhile, arrives with a familiar chip on its shoulder. The 2018 finalists and 2022 third-place finishers have a well-earned reputation for navigating the brutal terrain of knockout soccer. Despite a less-than-convincing group stage that saw them also finish second, Zlatko Dalić‘s squad possesses the tactical discipline and big-game experience to trouble any favorite. For both nations, this Round of 32 clash at BMO Field is a high-stakes test where there is no margin for error.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

This knockout tie features two European powerhouses who have yet to hit their top gear in the tournament. Both stumbled into the Round of 32 as group runners-up, failing to display the dominance many anticipated. Portugal‘s six group-stage goals mask an overperformance of their expected goals (xG) by 1.81, suggesting their finishing has been more fortunate than sustainable. Croatia shares a similar story, scoring five goals from a meager 2.77 xG while looking defensively frail, conceding a combined 4.39 expected goals against (xGA).

The tactical battle presents a fascinating contrast in styles. Portugal operates with an aggressive high press, ranking seventh in the competition for passes allowed per defensive action (9.5 PPDA). They will look to disrupt Croatia‘s build-up play and force turnovers high up the pitch. In stark contrast, Croatia prefers to sit in a deeper, more passive defensive block, absorbing pressure and waiting for the right moment to counter. Their 16.3 PPDA ranks among the lowest, indicating a willingness to concede territory.

The motivations for both squads are crystal clear: survive and advance. For Portugal, the objective is to build on their quarter-final appearance in 2022 and make a serious run for the trophy. For Croatia, it is another opportunity to leverage their incredible tournament resilience. They are masters of the knockout format, and despite being the underdogs, their recent history of deep runs makes them a formidable obstacle for any team.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this has been a one-sided fixture. In six official meetings, Portugal remains undefeated against Croatia, boasting an impressive record of five wins and one draw. This will be the first time the two nations have ever faced each other on the World Cup stage, adding a new layer of intrigue to their rivalry.

Recent encounters suggest a more competitive dynamic. The last five matches between them have been goal-filled affairs, with four seeing both teams find the back of the net. Their most recent clashes came in the 2024 Nations League, where Portugal secured a 2-1 home victory before the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in Croatia.

From a statistical standpoint, goals are a strong possibility. The last five head-to-head games have produced an average of 3.2 goals per match. Furthermore, Croatia has seen both teams score in seven of their last eight World Cup knockout games, a testament to their ability to find the net even in tight contests. Portugal has also been a reliable offensive force, scoring in 15 of their last 19 competitive fixtures.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers will be pleased to have fully fit squads at their disposal, with no significant injuries or suspensions reported ahead of this crucial elimination match.

For Portugal, Roberto Martinez is expected to field a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, likely sticking with the same starting eleven that featured against Colombia. Cristiano Ronaldo will spearhead the attack, with creative support from Bruno Fernandes in the central role and João Félix and Pedro Neto providing width and pace on the flanks. The team’s success will depend on its ability to convert possession into clear-cut chances.

Croatia‘s Zlatko Dalić is anticipated to make a slight tactical adjustment to the side that defeated Ghana. Joško Gvardiol could slot in at left-back, allowing the veteran Ivan Perišić to move into a more advanced attacking role. The midfield will be anchored by the iconic Luka Modrić, whose vision and control of tempo will be vital to Croatia‘s chances of disrupting Portugal‘s rhythm.

Portugal Projected XI (4-2-3-1):

Costa; Mendes, Veiga, Dias, Cancelo; Vitinha, Neves; Felix, Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo.

Martinez is backing his established lineup, trusting the creative midfield duo of Vitinha and Fernandes to unlock the Croatian defense and supply chances for Cristiano Ronaldo. The key will be whether the wide attackers, Félix and Neto, can provide the clinical finishing that was occasionally absent during the group stage.

Croatia Projected XI (4-3-3):

Livakovic; Gvardiol, Pongracic, Sutalo, Stanisic; Sucic, Modric, Kovacic; Perisic, Budimir, Baturina.

Dalić’s setup is designed to control the center of the park through the legendary trio of Modrić, Kovačić, and Sučić. Shifting Perišić into the attack adds a direct goal threat and valuable experience alongside striker Ante Budimir, who has proven to be a clinical finisher when provided with service.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Portugal vs Croatia match on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and iOS and Android mobile devices.

In addition to the 2026 tournament matches, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions from around the world. Enjoy coverage of leagues such as Liga MX and LaLiga, as well as other major tournaments.

The service is available for a monthly fee of $14.99/month, offering a comprehensive package for soccer fans who want to follow all the action from North America and beyond.

SEE MORE: Where to find the 2026 World Cup on US TV

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

Austria have qualified for eight editions of the World Cup, leaving a great legacy in their early appearances. After several years of accumulating average performances and absences, they played in the 1998 edition, where they were eliminated in the group stage. Following 28 years without playing in another edition, they returned in the 2026 World Cup, where they were not expected to perform well.

Despite losing to Argentina, Ralf Rangnick’s team managed to defeat Jordan and draw against Algeria, reaching the knockout stage and surprising many. Although Austria have a strong squad, they are still far from matching their best performances in the tournament’s history. Although they have never won the title, they did leave an important legacy at the beginning of the 20th century.

How far have Austria advanced in the World Cup?

Head coach Hugo Meisl led Austria to their first World Cup in 1934. There, they managed to impress with their collective style of play, reaching the semifinals of the tournament. Although they seemed ready to establish a legacy, they disappeared from the tournament for 20 years, not returning until the 1954 World Cup. In that edition, they managed to finish in third place. However, their level declined considerably in the next editions.

After disappointing in the 1958 edition, Austria were absent from the tournament for 20 years, returning for the 1978 edition. Surprisingly, they managed to reach the Second Group Stage, an old format that featured mini-leagues, finishing among the top eight teams in the tournament. They then made an impact again at the 1982 World Cup, also reaching the Second Group Stage, but this time finishing among the top 12 teams.

Austria’s World Cup record

While Austria delivered a strong performance at the 1934 World Cup, their best-ever result came in the 1954 edition. They reached the semifinals, where they were defeated by Switzerland. Nonetheless, they went on to face Uruguay in the third-place match, securing a 3–1 victory. After 72 years, they have not managed to repeat a similar performance in the tournament.

Their best-ever finish came in 1966, when Portugal placed third in their first World Cup appearance. Led by Eusébio, they reached the semifinals before losing 2-1 to England, then defeated the Soviet Union in the third-place match to secure the bronze medal. Eusébio finished as the tournament’s top scorer with nine goals.

That remarkable debut remained unmatched for four decades, largely because Portugal were not regular participants in the competition. They returned to the World Cup in 1986 but were eliminated in the group stage after finishing fourth behind Morocco, England, and Poland despite winning one match. They then failed to qualify again until 2002.

Other performances

Even if they have never matched their best finish, Portugal came close in 2006. With a young Cristiano Ronaldo alongside experienced stars such as Luís Figo and Rui Costa, they reached the semifinals before losing 1-0 to France.

Their campaign ended on a disappointing note after a 3-1 defeat to host nation Germany in the third-place match. Earlier in that tournament, Portugal had survived the infamous Round of 16 clash against the Netherlands, later nicknamed the “Battle of Nuremberg” because it produced a record four red cards and 16 yellow cards.

Their next deepest run came at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they were among the favorites to challenge for the title. However, their campaign ended in the quarterfinals with a surprising 1-0 defeat to Morocco.

Their 2026 campaign

The main objective for every team is to advance from the group stage, while the seeded nations are generally expected to do so as group winners. That was not the case for Portugal, who opened the tournament with a draw against DR Congo. Even after defeating Uzbekistan, they still needed to beat Colombia to finish first in the group but were unable to do so.

Both national teams arrive in Toronto after finishing as runners-up in their respective groups. Portugal secured second place in Group K behind Colombia, while Croatia recovered from an opening defeat to England to finish second in Group L, setting up the first-ever World Cup meeting between these European rivals.

Portugal advanced through the group stage unbeaten but without completely convincing. Roberto Martinez’s side opened with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, produced a dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic brace, and then played out a goalless draw with Colombia.

Croatia also experienced mixed fortunes before finding momentum. Zlatko Dalic’s side suffered a 4-2 defeat against England before responding with narrow victories over Panama and Ghana to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.

The matchup also renews a rivalry that has largely favored Portugal. The Selecao das Quinas has won seven of the previous ten meetings between the two countries, although the Checkered Ones have built a reputation for thriving in World Cup knockout soccer regardless of previous records.

What happens if Portugal wins and Croatia loses?

A victory over Croatia would send Portugal into the Round of 16, where another demanding challenge would await. The national team would face the winner of Spain vs. Austria, with the opportunity to continue chasing a place in the quarter-finals.

Should Portugal progress beyond that stage, the route becomes even more demanding. A potential quarter-final against Belgium or the United States could follow, while later rounds may feature European giants such as France, Germany, or the Netherlands, highlighting just how difficult this section of the bracket could become.

Despite the challenge, Portugal would remain among the tournament favorites. With experienced stars and attacking quality throughout the squad, advancing against Croatia would keep the dream of another World Cup title very much alive.

What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes?

A draw at the end of regulation would only be the beginning of the drama. Knockout matches cannot finish level, meaning the contest would move into 30 minutes of extra time, and if neither side finds a winner, a penalty shootout would decide who progresses.

From a bracket perspective, the outcome remains identical regardless of whether qualification comes after 90 minutes, extra time, or penalties. The advancing team would continue along the same knockout path, while the defeated nation would see its World Cup campaign come to an immediate end.

What happens if Croatia wins and Portugal loses?

Should Croatia eliminate Portugal, one of the tournament’s leading contenders would exit far earlier than expected. Croatia would inherit Portugal’s position in the bracket and continue into the Round of 16 to face the winner of Spain versus Austria.

Such an upset would significantly alter the balance of power on this side of the tournament. Portugal’s elimination would remove one of Europe’s strongest squads from the competition, potentially creating a more favorable route for other title challengers hoping to reach the latter stages.

Croatia, meanwhile, would gain enormous momentum from defeating such a high-profile opponent. Advancing beyond Cristiano Ronaldo’s side would represent one of the biggest results of the knockout stage and reinforce the national team’s reputation as a dangerous tournament competitor.

Portugal reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group K, while Croatia also progressed as runner-up in Group L. Ronaldo and his teammates enter the contest with a strong historical record against their European rival, having won seven of the previous 10 meetings. However, Luka Modric’s side’s proven pedigree in major tournaments promises another demanding challenge.

Roberto Martinez and his players’ group-stage campaign produced mixed emotions despite remaining unbeaten. The Selecao opened with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo before delivering an emphatic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice, and then secured qualification after a goalless draw against Colombia.

Croatia recovered impressively after suffering a 4-2 defeat to England in its opening fixture. Zlatko Dalic’s side responded with victories over Panama and Ghana to book a place in the Round of 32, reinforcing its reputation as one of international football’s toughest knockout opponents.

Portugal’s current FIFA ranking revealed and how it compares to Croatia

After building anticipation ahead of the match, Portugal currently sits eighth in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking with 1,764.86 ranking points, having slipped three places since the start of the tournament. Although it entered the World Cup among the highest-ranked nations, its inconsistent group-stage displays have resulted in a slight drop.

Croatia, meanwhile, has dropped down to 13th in the latest rankings with 1,723.05 points, reflecting its mixed performances since the start. The Blazers entered the 2026 World Cup ranked 11th in the official FIFA Men’s World Ranking.

That difference suggests Portugal holds the statistical edge, but it is not large enough to offer comfort. Both national teams are close enough in ranking to make the matchup feel like a true 50-50 knockout battle rather than a clear favorite-versus-underdog scenario.

Last 16 place on the line

With both national teams fully fit, experienced, and packed with world-class talent, the Round of 32 meeting promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the knockout stage. Portugal carries the higher FIFA ranking and a stronger recent head-to-head record, while Croatia brings proven tournament resilience and the ability to thrive under pressure.

Listen to the full tactical breakdown on Spotify to hear the complete penalty controversy review.

The most dramatic story of the day unfolded in a classic heavyweight thriller between Belgium and Senegal. The African giants stunned the Red Devils by racing out to a commanding 2-0 lead. However, Belgium displayed immense character, utilizing Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans to claw their way back and force extra time. Just as a penalty shootout loomed, a highly disputed, last-gasp stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Belgium, which Tielemans coolly converted to seal a chaotic 3-2 victory—sparking a massive tactical and refereeing debate online.

Meanwhile, England fans endured their own bout of pure anxiety against a fearless DR Congo side. The underdogs took a shock lead before Three Lions captain Harry Kane single-handedly rescued his nation, bagging a clinical brace to secure a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory and keep England’s tournament alive.

The drama concluded with host nation USA putting on a clinic in defensive resilience. Facing Bosnia & Herzegovina, the USMNT was forced to navigate a significant portion of the match with only 10 men following a costly red card. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Americans dug deep, protected their clean sheet, and secured a gritty 2-0 win to keep their home tournament dreams burning.

You can stream the entire daily overview right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Recap on Spotify to see how these wild survival stories have reshaped the evolving Round of 16 bracket.

Listen to the full analysis on Spotify to catch up on the complete tactical breakdowns.

The show leads with a look at a highly dramatic escape for England. Moving past their sluggish group-stage performances, the Three Lions faced intense tactical pressure before captain Harry Kane delivered trademark late heroics, scoring a vital match-winner to rescue England from the edge of elimination and keep their tournament aspirations alive.

The drama intensified tenfold in Belgium’s knockout encounter. In one of the most thrilling tactical turnarounds of the entire tournament, the Red Devils fell into a dangerous two-goal deficit before unleashing a ferocious second-half comeback. The hosts evaluate the tactical substitutions that altered the midfield shape, allowing Belgium to seal an incredible triumph. Meanwhile, co-hosts USA put together a highly disciplined, composed performance on home soil, securing a comfortable 2-0 shutout win over Bosnia & Herzegovina to confidently book their place in the Round of 16.

The program concludes by shifting focus to an extraordinarily poignant upcoming slate of Round of 32 blockbusters. The hosts preview Spain taking on Austria and Switzerland meeting Algeria, before diving into a highly anticipated, legendary clash between Portugal and Croatia—a monumental fixture that could represent the final tournament chapter for icons Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modrić.

You can stream the entire daily overview right now. Check out The 90th Minute on Spotify to get the complete breakdown of final scores, legendary player analysis, and updated knockout brackets.

Lamine Yamal will start for Spain, as he has no apparent injuries or suspensions. Despite coming off a serious injury, he has managed to start in Spain’s last two matches. As the most game-changing player in the squad, head coach Luis de la Fuente will look to get the best out of him, shining in the goalscoring department against Austria. After a rather quiet group stage, he could arrive highly motivated.

Coupled with Yamal, Luis de la Fuente will line up Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal, looking to build on the solid partnership. Moreover, Dani Olmo will also play as an attacking midfielder to break Austria’s defensive line. Looking to control the tempo, Pedri and Rodri will start together again, as they have formed a solid duo throughout the tournament. With them on the field, Spain will be aiming for a convincing victory ahead of the Round of 16.

Austria arrive as underdogs for the clash against Spain. Ralf Rangnick’s team have emerged as a brilliant offensive side while maintaining their defensive solidity. Without relying on fast wingers, they prefer to attack on the counter by building up play. For this, Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer are essential. Nonetheless, they face a major challenge: Being clinical in front of goal, something that has proven difficult against stronger opponents.

Spain confirmed lineup vs Austria

Having one of the best squads at the 2026 World Cup, Spain arrive as favorites to defeat Austria. Head coach Luis de la Fuente could make few changes, such as Dani Olmo in the attacking midfield role instead of Mikel Merino. With this being the first match of the knockout stage, Lamine Yamal hopes to show his best version, shining in the goalscoring department. In addition, Pedri will be key to controlling the tempo of the game.

Considering this, Spain will lineup as follows: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.

Austria confirmed lineup vs Spain

Despite not being one of the top contenders, Austria have managed to reach the knockout stage with their “gegenpressing.” Facing Spain, head coach Ralf Rangnick has decided to keep the same approach in his lineup, with Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer as the central leaders. However, the challenge will be the goalscoring department, so Michael Gregoritsch needs to be in top goalscoring form.

With this in mind, Austria will play as follows: Alexander Schlager; David Alaba, Kevin Danso, Stefan Posch; Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald, Marcel Sabitzer, Romano Schmid, Konrad Laimer, Paul Wanner; Michael Gregoritsch.

Spain and Austria will meet at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in one of the standout Round of 32 fixtures. The reigning European champion enters the contest after topping Group H with seven points, while Austria booked its place in the knockout stage by finishing second in Group J following a dramatic draw against Algeria.

La Roja arrives as one of the tournament favorites after remaining unbeaten in 34 consecutive matches across all competitions and without conceding a goal during the group stage. Das Team, meanwhile, returns to the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 1954, giving Ralf Rangnick’s side the chance to write another chapter in its history.

Spain’s journey to the Round of 32 has been solid rather than spectacular. After opening with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, La Roja responded by defeating Saudi Arabia 4-0 before edging Uruguay 1-0, securing first place in Group H.

On the other hand, Austria’s route to the knockout stage was far more dramatic. A 96th-minute equalizer from Sasa Kalajdzic against Algeria rescued a 3-3 draw, ensuring Rangnick’s team progressed behind Argentina in Group J. Although Austria conceded six goals during the group stage, the squad has also demonstrated impressive attacking quality by scoring six times in three matches

What happens if Spain wins and Austria loses?

If Spain defeats Austria, either in regular time, extra time, or after a penalty shootout, La Roja will advance to the Round of 16.

Their next opponent would be the winner of Portugal vs. Croatia, setting up another heavyweight European showdown. Victory in that match would send Spain into the quarterfinals, where another difficult challenge would await from the section of the bracket containing teams such as the United States and Belgium.

Advancing would also reinforce Lamine Yamal’s side’s status as one of the leading contenders for the world title after an impressive defensive start that has seen the team concede zero goals through the group stage.

What happens if the match is level after 90 minutes?

Unlike the group stage, a draw cannot be the final outcome in the knockout rounds.

If Spain and Austria are tied after regulation, the match will proceed to 30 minutes of extra time. Should the deadlock persist, the winner would be decided by a penalty shootout, with the victorious nation advancing to face Portugal or Croatia.

In other words, a draw after 90 minutes keeps both teams alive, but only one can advance once the match concludes.

What happens if Austria wins and Spain loses?

If Austria eliminates Spain, it would produce one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

Rangnick’s side would advance to the Round of 16 to meet either Portugal or Croatia, inheriting Spain’s position in the knockout bracket. Austria would also keep alive hopes of reaching a World Cup quarterfinal for the first time in generations after already ending a decades-long wait for another knockout appearance.

For Spain, defeat would immediately end its World Cup campaign despite arriving in the United States among the favorites to lift the trophy.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Spain are ranked 3rd with 1879.58 points. Despite their two recent victories, they have lost one position in the ranking. With their promising project, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing after several years without shinning. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 1st in July of 2014.

Despite having lost one place in the rankings, Luis de la Fuente’s team remains above Austria. Ralf Rangnick’s team is ranked 23rd with 1,598.82 points, improving compared to previous years but still trailing Spain by a considerable margin. However, they could still surprise Spain in today’s game by relying on gegenpressing as their main approach. Nonetheless, their main task will be being effective in front of goal, as they may have only a couple of chances.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente has not managed to establish Spain as a completely dominant team. Despite the victories, they have not managed to control the tempo of the game, finding it quite difficult to break down solid defenses. To reach their best version, Pedri and Rodri need to be at their best. However, all eyes will be on Lamine Yamal, as he has still not managed to make a brilliant impact, something they will need against Austria.

Spain are not in top physical form heading into Austria clash

After a brilliant performance in the UEFA qualifiers, Spain expected to dominate the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. However, they had more problems than usual to shine, despite finishing at the top of the group. One of the main factors behind their inconsistent performances is that their stars arrived injured or had only recently returned from injury, something that could limit them significantly against Austria.

Lamine Yamal has started Spain’s last two matches, but he is coming off a fairly serious injury. In one of his most recent interviews, he revealed that he is at 80–90% of full fitness, so we have not yet seen him at his physical best. In addition, Mikel Merino, who has also been a starter, has still not managed to reach his best version, playing only 60 minutes against Uruguay.

Far from their problems ending there, Spain lost Nico Williams for the match against Austria, after a season marked by injuries. Although Álex Baena has been the starter and has performed well, he does not have the same dribbling ability. With this in mind, Luis de la Fuente’s team have lost the best version of several stars, something that could prove very costly against Austria, who could surprise them on the counterattack and with their collective play.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Austria are ranked 23rd place with 1598.82 points. They have gained one position in the ranking due to their knockout stage spot. However, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing compared to their 105th position in July 2008. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 10th in March of 2016.

Despite gaining one place in the rankings, Ralf Rangnick’s team remains quite far from Spain’s top spot. Luis de la Fuente’s team are ranked 3rd with 1879.58 points, making them favorites to secure the victory. However, they face huge struggles with injuries as Nico Williams remain with physical problems, losing one of the most important players. With this in mind, all eyes will be on Lamine Yamal’s huge talent.

Austria have managed to surprise at the 2026 World Cup. Not only did they qualify as runners-up, but they have also imposed a very attacking style of play. Head coach Ralf Rangnick has managed to implement a ‘gegenpressing’ approach that shines against attacking teams. Because of this, they could look to surprise Spain, led by Marcel Sabitzer, who is one of their most important attacking leaders.

Ralf Rangnick’s defensive strategy is key for Austria to beat Spain

Unlike Spain, Austria are not a team full of game-changing players on the wings. Instead, they have a strong collective strategy that is very physical. For this, Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer are key, as they create space with their vision of the game. However, Ralf Rangnick has one major challenge: Defensive solidity to limit Lamine Yamal’s explosive dribbling skills.

Luis de la Fuente’s team is expected to center their whole game around Lamine Yamal. If Austria look to limit him, they may need to defend in zones, with several players surrounding him. By repeating a similar strategy to the one Cape Verde used against Spain, they may be able to limit their attacking threat. Nonetheless, David Alaba, Philipp Lienhart, and Stefan Posch need to shine in defense, avoiding mistakes that could lead to a goal.

The current squad blends experienced stars with exciting young talent, giving the national team genuine belief that another deep World Cup run is possible. While the focus is firmly on the future, Spain’s past offers plenty of memorable moments that continue to shape its identity on the global stage.

Has Spain lifted the World Cup trophy?

Spain has won the World Cup once, lifting the famous trophy during the 2010 tournament in South Africa. After years of falling short despite possessing world-class players, the national team finally reached the summit under manager Vicente del Bosque.

The final against the Netherlands was decided dramatically, with Andres Iniesta scoring the winning goal in the 116th minute of extra time to secure a 1-0 victory. That unforgettable strike remains one of the most iconic moments in Spanish soccer history and completed one of the greatest eras any national team has ever enjoyed.

The triumph came between Spain’s victories at Euro 2008 and Euro 2012, allowing the country to become the first men’s national team to win three consecutive major international tournaments. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas also played a decisive role throughout the competition, conceding only two goals on the way to lifting the trophy.

Spain’s World Cup history before the breakthrough

Before 2010, Spain regularly entered tournaments with high expectations but struggled to translate its talent into World Cup success. Despite producing outstanding players over several generations, the national team repeatedly fell short in the knockout rounds.

The closest Spain came before its title-winning campaign was a fourth-place finish in 1950, while the team also reached the quarter-finals on several occasions, including in 1934, 1986, 1994 and 2002. Those performances highlighted Spain’s consistency, but the ultimate prize always remained just out of reach.

Following the historic 2010 success, the Spaniards have found it difficult to reproduce the same dominance at the World Cup. They suffered a shock group-stage elimination in 2014 while defending their title before exiting in the Round of 16 in both 2018 and 2022.

Those disappointing campaigns contrasted sharply with the team’s continued success at European level. Winning Euro 2024 under Luis de la Fuente restored confidence and reinforced Spain’s reputation as one of the world’s elite soccer nations heading into the 2026 tournament.

Records and notable achievements

Spain’s World Cup history features several impressive milestones beyond its famous triumph. David Villa remains the country’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with nine goals, while Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos share the record for the most World Cup appearances by a Spanish player.

The national team has now appeared at 17 World Cups, qualifying consistently over the past several decades. Spain also became the first European nation to win a World Cup held outside Europe when it claimed the title in South Africa.

Another unique accomplishment came during the 2010 tournament, as Spain became the only team in men’s World Cup history to lose its opening group match and still win the competition.

Match Overview

Spain enters the knockout stage with the immense pressure of being reigning European champions and a historical powerhouse. After a surprising goalless draw to open their campaign, Luis de la Fuente‘s squad found their rhythm, but the ghosts of recent tournaments loom large. Exits in the first knockout round in both 2018 and 2022 mean that anything less than a deep run would be considered a failure for La Roja.

Standing in their way is an Austrian side making their first appearance in the knockout rounds since 1978. Under the tactical guidance of Ralf Rangnick, they have transformed into a high-energy, aggressive unit capable of challenging elite opponents. With expectations low and momentum high after a dramatic group stage conclusion, Austria is playing with house money and has the tactical discipline to spring a massive upset.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

Spain‘s journey through the group stage was a tale of recovery. After being held by Cape Verde, they delivered an emphatic 4-0 win against Saudi Arabia before grinding out a disciplined victory over Uruguay to top their group. They boast the tournament’s most formidable defense, having conceded the lowest expected goals against (xGA) and fewest shots. This defensive solidity, combined with their unmatched ability to control possession, makes them a daunting opponent.

Austria, meanwhile, has relied on grit and tactical cohesion. They secured their spot in the Round of 32 with a last-gasp equalizer against Algeria, showcasing their resilience. The tactical battle will be fascinating: Spain‘s patient, possession-based buildup against Austria‘s signature high-press, counter-attacking style. The key will be whether Austria‘s aggressive press can disrupt Spain‘s rhythm or if Spain‘s technical quality can exploit the space left behind Austria‘s high defensive line.

The motivations for both squads are worlds apart. For Spain, the objective is clear: overcome their recent knockout stage curse and make a statement of intent. The sudden loss of midfielder Rodri for the rest of the tournament adds a layer of urgency and adversity. For Austria, this match is a free hit. Having already exceeded expectations, they can play without fear, aiming to make history and prove their system can topple one of the world’s best.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this fixture has been dominated by Spain. In seven official meetings, La Roja has claimed victory five times, with only one loss and one draw. Austria‘s sole victory against Spain came during the 1978 World Cup, marking the only previous encounter between the two nations at the global tournament.

Recent history is sparse, with the last competitive match taking place over two decades ago. However, the trend in their last five encounters, including qualifiers and friendlies, points to high-scoring affairs, with Spain winning all five. These matches have produced an average of 4.2 goals, including a staggering 9-0 Spanish victory in 1999 and a 5-1 win in their most recent meeting in 2009.

From a data perspective, this match presents a clash of styles and statistics. Austria has conceded at least one goal in their last 12 consecutive World Cup matches, a vulnerability Spain will look to exploit. Conversely, Spain‘s defense has been nearly impenetrable, allowing a tournament-low 0.18 expected goals per match. While history suggests goals, Spain‘s current defensive form could stifle the Austrian attack.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Spain has been dealt a massive blow ahead of the knockout rounds, while Austria arrives with a clean bill of health and a consistent lineup.

The biggest news out of the Spanish camp is the tournament-ending injury to star defensive midfielder Rodri, a loss that will force a significant tactical reshuffle. Manager Luis de la Fuente also faces doubts over the fitness of wingers Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino. These absences will test the depth of a squad already under immense pressure to perform.

Austria, by contrast, has no new injury concerns. Ralf Rangnick is expected to name an unchanged starting eleven from the side that secured qualification against Algeria. This consistency allows Austria to lean on the tactical familiarity and cohesion that has been central to their success, with key players like Marcel Sabitzer and Marko Arnautović ready to lead the charge.

Spain Projected XI (4-3-3): Simon; Cucurella, Laporte, Cubarsi, Porro; Olmo, Gavi, Pedri; Baena, Oyarzabal, Yamal.
With Rodri out, Dani Olmo is expected to slot into a more central role, providing creativity alongside the technical mastery of Gavi and Pedri. The attack will lean heavily on the explosive talent of Lamine Yamal on the right wing, with Mikel Oyarzabal leading the line.

Austria Projected XI (4-3-3): A. Schlager; Mwene, Lienhart, Alaba, Posch; X. Schlager, Seiwald, Sabitzer; Schmid, Arnautovic, Laimer.
Rangnick‘s trusted lineup focuses on a high-energy midfield trio designed to press relentlessly. The experience of David Alaba at the back and Marko Arnautović up front provides a veteran spine, while Marcel Sabitzer will be the creative hub orchestrating Austria‘s attacks.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Spain vs Austria live stream on Fubo. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and iOS and Android mobile devices.

In addition to the 2026 tournament, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions from around the world. You can watch leagues such as Liga MX, LaLiga and Bundesliga.

A subscription to the platform costs $14.99/month, giving you access to all live matches.

SEE MORE: Schedule of World Cup games on US TV.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

After a slick combination from a corner kick, Mbappe opened the scoring for France in the Round of 32 against Sweden before completing his brace in the 74th minute to seal a 3-0 victory. The two goals not only drew him level with Messi in the Golden Boot race at six goals apiece, but pushed him past Klose’s historic mark of 16, bringing his all-time World Cup tally to 18, one behind the Argentine’s 19.

In a post-match statement reported by L’Equipe, Mbappé was asked whether the all-time scoring record was on his mind “No, no, no. The objective is to go as far as possible with the team and to be back here on July 19th,” he said, referencing a potential return to MetLife Stadium for the final. “Obviously, the more goals I score, the higher I’ll climb in the standings.“

Mbappé then turned his attention to his former PSG teammate when asked who he thought would ultimately own the record: “I am convinced that Leo (Messi) is going to score more goals, but I don’t pay attention to that. I’m focusing more on our opponents and the rest of the competition. I want to make history for my country and make the people proud.“

World Cup all-time goalscoring leaders

Mbappe steps up as one of France’s leaders

Mbappe burst onto the World Cup scene as a 19-year-old in Russia 2018, and now, competing in his third tournament at 27, he stands as one of the last remaining members of that title-winning squad. Beyond his goal contributions, he has been handed the captain’s armband and is expected to set the tone for a team with championship ambitions.

When asked if he feels more liberated in this role, Mbappe was characteristically direct: “I’ve already said that I am fully aware of what is at stake and what I am experiencing. We prepared for this so we could arrive with maximum chemistry; we have perfect communication within the squad, with the guys, so we know exactly what we need to do. The approach to these matches is different from the group stage, there is more pressure. You just have to manage the stress and the emotions of knowing that you could be going home. But this squad is ready.“

The match is scheduled for Monday, July 6. What comes after this one for the winner could be an even tougher challenge, as either Spain or Portugal could await in the quarterfinals.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET at Seattle Stadium, which has a capacity of 68,740. Located in one of the country’s most soccer-passionate cities, the venue is expected to provide another fantastic atmosphere.

Their previous match

Belgium had already secured their place in the Round of 16 after surviving one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament, while the USMNT were able to win without extra time.

It was a huge comeback from Belgium against Senegal. Trailing by two goals late in the second half, they scored twice to force extra time before converting a late penalty to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory.

The USMNT prevailed in a match that was far from easy. Folarin Balogun gave them the lead late in the first half, but the forward was sent off in the second half, making the task much harder. Despite playing with 10 men, they held on to their advantage until Malik Tillman scored a late free kick to seal a 2-0 victory.

Their furthest World Cup run

The USMNT enjoyed their best World Cup campaign in 1930, finishing in third place in the inaugural tournament, while Belgium’s best World Cup finish came in 2018 when they defeated England 2-0 to secure third place, their highest finish in the tournament.

The USMNT striker, who had given the hosts a 1-0 lead just before halftime, was sent off for a from-behind challenge on Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic. The referee deemed the tackle serious foul play, and while it didn’t appear to be intentional or overly dangerous, its reckless nature was enough to warrant a straight red rather than a yellow card.

The dismissal is a major blow for the USA on multiple fronts. Balogun has been the focal point of the American attack throughout the tournament, and losing their leading scorer left Pochettino’s side to defend a slim one-goal lead with 10 men for the final 25-plus minutes of the match.

Despite being down a man, the USMNT refused to sit back, continuing to push forward in search of a second goal to settle the nerves. That goal arrived in the 82nd minute, when Malik Tillman curled home a stunning free kick to seal the win and send the USA through to the Round of 16.

On top of that, the red card carries an automatic one-match suspension, ruling him out of the USA’s next fixture should they advance past Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The USMNT miss Balogun for next game

The USMNT secured a historic win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, claiming their first World Cup knockout victory since 2002, when they beat Mexico in the Round of 16.

Now, they’ll face Belgium on July 6 at Seattle Stadium in the Round of 16, looking for a win that would send them to the quarterfinals and match the USMNT’s best-ever finish at a World Cup.

The bad news for the team is that Balogun’s red card carries an automatic one-match suspension, ruling him out of the crucial match against Belgium in the Round of 16.

Despite trailing far behind in total career goals, Lukaku‘s scoring rate for Belgium sits above both Messi and Ronaldo when measured on a per-match basis. Lukaku has scored 91 goals in 129 caps for Belgium, a rate of 0.71 goals per game.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, has scored 145 goals in 231 appearances for Portugal, working out to 0.63 goals per game, while Messi has found the net 123 times in 202 caps for Argentina, a rate of 0.61 per game.

While Ronaldo and Messi have both scored dramatically more goals across their careers — a product of extended longevity and well over 200 caps apiece — Lukaku has done his damage in noticeably fewer appearances, giving him the highest scoring rate of the three.

Lukaku’s impressive impact at the 2026 World Cup

While Lukaku has been one of Rudi Garcia’s most important pieces in North America, the strangest part is that much of his scoring rate in this tournament has come without even starting the match.

After a fitness-troubled club season at Napoli where he only managed to play only 64’ across seven games last season, Lukaku has been used almost exclusively as a substitute at the 2026 World Cup — and he’s delivered every single time he’s been called upon.

He came off the bench to force an own goal in Belgium’s opening draw with Egypt, then did the same to score and assist against New Zealand in the 5-1 win at the group-stage finale.

In the crucial Round of 32 clash against Senegal, introduced at halftime, he pulled Belgium back into a match they looked set to lose, scoring to cut the deficit to 2-1 before his side eventually completed an incredible comeback in extra time.

With first place in Group J already secured, head coach Lionel Scaloni heavily rotated his squad for the final group game against Jordan. The move allowed fringe players to make their World Cup debuts, gave key starters some rest, and provided an opportunity to recover some important pieces ahead of the knockout rounds.

After Wednesday’s training session, before the squad departed for Miami, ESPN Argentina’s Diego Monroig reported that Cristian Romero has been working with the first-choice lineup. The defender was forced off in the second group game against Austria with knee discomfort and sat out the match against Jordan entirely.

Now back to full fitness, Romero has rejoined his teammates in training without issue. Barring any late setbacks, Nicolas Otamendi is expected to make way for the Tottenham Hotspur center back to slot in alongside Lisandro Martinez.

Lautaro Martinez wins the race over Julian Alvarez

Another key takeaway from training is that Julian Alvarez will not be starting alongside Lionel Messi. Despite a prolific 2025-26 club season, the Atletico Madrid forward will begin on the bench, with Lautaro Martinez, who has started all three group games, retaining his spot in the lineup.

Alvarez arrived at the World Cup managing an ankle sprain suffered during Atlético Madrid’s UEFA Champions League match against Arsenal, and he struggled to hit top form as a substitute against Algeria and Austria. When given the chance to start alongside Martinez against Jordan, he failed to make a convincing case for himself, another factor working against him heading into the knockout stage.

Argentina’s projected lineup against Cape Verde

The one constant between the posts is Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez, who will face Cape Verde without the protective splint he has been wearing throughout the tournament due to a fractured finger. According to reports, the lineup Scaloni used in Wednesday’s session mirrors the one fielded against Austria.

The back line is expected to feature Nahuel Molina at right back ahead of Gonzalo Montiel, with Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez as the central defensive pairing. On the left, Facundo Medina is set to hold his place after a series of strong performances, keeping Nicolas Tagliafico—who lost his starting spot earlier in the tournament to injury—on the bench.

The midfield picks itself, with Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez forming the trio Scaloni has consistently leaned on. The one variable is Thiago Almada, who is also expected to feature from the left side of midfield, as he has done throughout the group stage.

Up front, Lionel Messi leads the line in sensational form, having scored six goals across Argentina’s three group stage matches. The captain will be partnered by Lautaro Martinez, and while Alvarez’s high-pressing style has its merits, against a Cape Verde side likely to sit in a deep defensive block, Martinez’s sharpness and movement inside the box makes him the more effective option for this matchup.

Bosnia and Herzegovina are currently 61st in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,408.93 points. That is three places higher than in the June 11 update after drawing with Canada, losing to Switzerland, and defeating Qatar to qualify for the knockout stage.

After finishing third in Group B, Bosnia and Herzegovina turned what had seemed like an early exit into a place in the Round of 32, giving them confidence ahead of the biggest match in their World Cup history.

The USMNT’s ranking

While Bosnia and Herzegovina reached this round as one of the best third-placed teams, the USMNT enjoyed a strong group-stage campaign, defeating Paraguay and Australia before losing to Turkey in their final match.

The USMNT are currently 15th in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,677.17 points. That is two places higher than in the June 11 update after winning Group D, having already secured first place before their final match.

The difference in experience is significant, as the USMNT have spent years among the world’s top national teams. Their highest ranking was fourth in 2006, while their lowest position was 36th in 2012.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s highest ranking

As an independent country only since 1992, Bosnia and Herzegovina needed time to establish themselves internationally, becoming eligible to enter World Cup qualification for the first time in 1998. Despite that delayed start, they reached their highest-ever ranking of 13th in 2013, while their lowest position was 173rd in 1996.

Senegal took control early, breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute when Habib Diarra pounced on a rebound after Ismaila Sarr rattled the crossbar with a header. The Lions of Teranga doubled their lead in the second half, with Sarr himself finishing off a sprint past three defenders after a long ball from Moussa Niakhate.

Belgium looked to be heading for an early exit, but substitute Romelu Lukaku pulled one back late to make it 2-1. The Red Devils then completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time, when Youri Tielemans scored from a header to level the score at 2-2 and send the match to extra time.

However, just as the match appeared to be heading toward a penalty shootout, the referee pointed to the spot for Belgium late in the game, and Youri Tielemans made no mistake, sealing the win and sending his team through.

With this crucial win, Rudi Garcia’s men keep alive their campaign to surpass Belgium’s best-ever World Cup showing, the third-place finish they achieved back in 2018.

Belgium’s Round of 16 rival and venue

Belgium will stay in Seattle for their Round of 16 match, facing the winner of the USMNT and Bosnia and Herzegovina, who meet in their own Round of 32 tie. The co-hosts are the ones being favored to win the game, setting up what would be a great matchup between Kevin De Bruyne and Christian Pulisic.

For Senegal, the result brings a heartbreaking end to a tournament that once again showed flashes of the spirit that carried them to the quarterfinals back in 2002, but ultimately fell just short at the hands of a Belgian side that refused to go down without a fight.

The USMNT are currently 15th in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,677.17 points. That is two places higher than in the June 11 update after victories over Paraguay and Australia secured first place in the group before their final match against Turkiye.

Their position reflects years of consistency on the international stage, although they are still below their historical peak. The USMNT reached their highest-ever ranking of fourth in 2006, while their lowest position was 36th in 2012.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ranking

Bosnia and Herzegovina enter the match with one of the lowest FIFA rankings among the remaining teams in the competition, but they have already exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stage.

They are currently 61st in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,408.93 points. That is three places higher than in the June 11 update after a draw with Canada, a loss to Switzerland, and a victory over Qatar earned them a place as one of the best third-placed teams.

The nation has continued to make steady progress since becoming independent in 1992. Bosnia and Herzegovina reached their highest-ever ranking of 13th in 2013, while their lowest position was 173rd in 1996.

Only one team is ranked lower than Bosnia and Herzegovina

Among all the teams that advanced to the knockout stage, Bosnia and Herzegovina are ranked higher than only one nation. Ghana, currently 65th in the world ranking, are the only remaining team below them.

Christian Pulisic will start for the USMNT despite not being in the starting lineup for the previous two matches. The 27-year-old star has revealed that he felt very good against Turkey and is ready to play. As one of the best players in the squad, head coach Mauricio Pochettino will restore him to the starting lineup, hoping he can create space against Bosnia and Herzegovina’s solid defense.

Alongside Pulisic, Mauricio Pochettino will bet on Folarin Balogun as striker and Weston McKennie as attacking midfielder. In addition, Malik Tillman and Tyler Adams would be in charge of balancing the team in midfield. Therefore, the USMNT will maintain the tactical approach that shined in the debut of the 2026 World Cup, to secure their place in the Round of 16.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will maintain their tactical approach, focusing on defensive solidity. Their defensive line usually stays deep inside their own box, supported by Armin Gigovic and Ivan Bašić, who drop back from midfield. However, they are usually efficient on the counterattack, as Kerim Alajbegović is very quick. With Edin Džeko and Ermedin Demirović as strikers, they may rely on crosses into the box.

USMNT confirmed lineup vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

After Christian Pulisic recovered full fitness, USMNT arrive for the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina with no injuries in their roster. Despite this, Mauricio Pochettino could make some adjustments to his starting lineup. However, the game idea would be the same: Press high and seek to be dominant with the ball. Their main challenge would be defensive, as the opposition’s counterattacks could be dangerous.

With this in mind, USMNT will lineup as follows: Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream; Sergino Dest, Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman, Antonee Robinson; Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic; Folarin Balogun.

Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed lineup vs USMNT

Bosnia and Herzegovina have managed to secure their place in the Round of 32, basing their game on defensive solidity. Coming off a victory against Qatar, head coach Sergej Barbarez may not change his starting lineup. Heading into their match against the USMNT, they have one main challenge: Be efficient in the counterattacks, as thay mey not have many chances to score.

Considering this, Bosnia and Herzegovina will play as follows: Nikola Vasilj; Stjepan Radeljic, Tarik Muharemovic, Nikola Katic; Sead Kolasinac, Armin Gigovic, Ivan Bašić, Amar Dedic; Kerim Alajbegovic; Ermedin Demirovic, Edin Džeko.

With the Golden Boot race heating up and the world watching every goal, Mbappe’s latest comments have added another layer to the World Cup story. What matters most to the Real Madrid forward could reveal the true priority behind France’s title challenge.

The 27-year-old has joined Lionel Messi at the top of the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot race after scoring twice in France’s dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden in the round of 32. The French forward now has six goals in the tournament, matching Messi’s tally and moving closer to the Argentine’s all-time World Cup scoring record.

Mbappe’s performance against Sweden continued his incredible tournament form, as he scored his 18th World Cup goal in only his 18th appearance. Messi currently holds the record with 19 goals in 29 matches, meaning Mbappe is only one goal away from matching one of soccer’s greatest achievements.

The France star has already created his own place in World Cup history. His 10 knockout-stage goals are the most ever recorded by a player, surpassing legendary Brazilian forwards Leonidas and Ronaldo.

Mbappe reveals what matters more than surpassing Messi

Despite being locked in a fascinating scoring battle with Messi, Mbappe insisted that individual records are not his main focus. The 27-year-old believes the ultimate prize is much bigger than finishing as the tournament’s top scorer. “Of course, the more goals you score, the higher you climb in the rankings. I’m not telling anyone anything new there,” Mbappe explained after the game.

However, the French captain admitted he expects Messi to continue adding goals during Argentina’s World Cup journey. “But I’m also convinced that Leo [Messi] is going to score more goals, so I don’t focus too much on that. I’m more focused on the opponents we might face and how close we’re getting to our goal: the final,” he added.

Mbappe’s priority is clear: winning the World Cup trophy with France matters more than defeating Messi in the Golden Boot race. The forward is focused on helping Les Bleus complete another deep tournament run after winning the competition in 2018 and reaching the final in 2022.

Mbappe chasing history but keeping focus on France’s dream

The Golden Boot race remains one of the most exciting storylines of the tournament, with Messi and Mbappe leading the way while Erling Haaland follows closely behind with five goals. Harry Kane has also entered the battle after scoring twice against DR Congo, moving level with Haaland.

Mbappe’s numbers are already extraordinary. He has scored 18 World Cup goals in only 18 matches, while Messi needed 29 games to reach 19 goals. His efficiency has placed him among the greatest World Cup performers in history despite being only 27 years old.

Norway’s journey at the 2026 World Cup has turned into one of the biggest stories of the tournament, with Haaland becoming the player everyone is watching whenever he steps onto the pitch. His latest achievement has raised the question of how far this incredible run can go as Norway prepares for an even bigger challenge ahead.

The Vikings secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the Round of 32, booking a historic place in the next stage of the tournament. The match appeared destined for extra time after Antonio Nusa opened the scoring for Norway before Manchester United forward Amad Diallo equalized for Ivory Coast in the second half.

The deciding moment arrived in the 86th minute when Haaland found himself in the perfect position to finish Patrick Berg’s cross. The goal was far from his most spectacular strike, but it carried enormous importance as Norway recorded its first-ever World Cup knockout victory.

The victory means Stale Solbakken’s side advanced to face Brazil in the Round of 16, matching the country’s best-ever World Cup performance from the 1998 tournament. For Haaland, however, the night was about much more than progression in the competition.

The historic record Haaland achieved at the World Cup

With his goal against Ivory Coast, Erling Haaland became the first player in 72 years to score in each of his first three World Cup appearances. The Norwegian striker reached the milestone after scoring twice against Iraq, twice against Senegal, and then adding the winner against Ivory Coast.

The achievement placed the 25-year-old alongside a very exclusive group of players and highlighted how quickly he has adapted to soccer’s biggest international stage. He was rested for Norway’s final group match against France, meaning his record came across only three appearances.

The Manchester City forward became only the third player in history to achieve the feat, following previous legends who made similar starts decades earlier. The other two players grouped into this specific narrative are Guillermo Stabile and Sandor Kocsis. What makes the record even more impressive is that Haaland achieved it during Norway’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years.

Haaland marks record faster than Messi and Ronaldo

The goal against Ivory Coast also marked another incredible achievement for the Norwegian superstar. Haaland became the fastest player in men’s international soccer history to reach 60 goals for his country, doing so in only 53 appearances.

The previous record belonged to Hungarian icon Ferenc Puskas, who scored 60 goals in 63 matches. Haaland surpassed that mark by reaching the same number in 10 fewer games.

The numbers become even more remarkable when compared with modern soccer’s biggest names. Lionel Messi needed 122 matches to score his first 60 international goals for Argentina, while Cristiano Ronaldo reached the milestone after 130 appearances for Portugal.

The Athletic reported that “Haaland reached the 60-goal mark in 69 fewer games than Lionel Messi, and 77 fewer than Cristiano Ronaldo.” At just 25 years old, Haaland has already created a goal record that puts him among the greatest international scorers in soccer history.

Listen to the full tactical breakdown on Spotify to hear how the Round of 16 is taking shape.

The headline story belonged entirely to Les Bleus, who delivered an incredibly polished 3-0 dismantling of Sweden. Spearheading the clinical performance was Kylian Mbappé, who fired home a magnificent brace to officially pull level with Lionel Messi at five goals apiece in an electric Golden Boot race. Outscoring their tournament opponents 13-2 so far, France has set up a fascinating Round of 16 date with giant-killers Paraguay.

Meanwhile, host nation Mexico sent a packed Estadio Azteca into absolute pandemonium. El Tri put together a structured, commanding defensive performance to blank Ecuador 2-0, keeping their passionate tournament run moving directly into the single-elimination second round.

The drama concluded with a historic breakthrough for Norway in their tight tactical clash against the Ivory Coast. With the match hanging completely in the balance late, Erling Haaland popped up to bury a dramatic match-winner, securing Norway’s first-ever Men’s World Cup knockout victory and locking in a mouth-watering Round of 16 block-buster against Brazil.

You can stream the entire daily overview right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Recap on Spotify to stay entirely up to date on final scores, updated bracket dynamics, and expert tactical reviews.

Listen to the full analysis on Spotify to catch up on the complete tactical breakdowns.

The show leads with Paraguay’s monumental shock victory over four-time World Cup champions Germany. After holding firm through an incredibly physical 120 minutes of tactical football, the South American side showed nerves of steel to pull off a historic penalty shootout win. The hosts analyze Paraguay’s organized low block, Germany’s repeated missed opportunities in the final third, and the massive tactical ramifications this sudden exit leaves for the remaining teams in the bracket.

The drama continued in an equally thrilling encounter between Morocco and the Netherlands. The Atlas Lions showcased their signature resilience, fighting back to score a spectacular late equalizer against the highly favored Dutch side before prevailing in a high-stakes, tense penalty shootout. The hosts break down the key second-half substitutions, the rapid shifts in momentum, and why Morocco’s defensive discipline and devastating counterattack make them one of the most dangerous opponents left in the field.

Additionally, the duo recaps Brazil’s hard-fought victory over Japan, extracting the major tactical takeaways from the Seleção’s narrow escape. The program concludes with an analytical look ahead at the next slate of crucial Round of 32 matches.

You can stream the entire daily overview right now. Check out The 90th Minute on Spotify to get the ultimate breakdown of final scores, penalty shootout statistics, and expert knockout predictions.

While his UEFA Champions League dreams evaporated in a semifinal exit against PSG, Kane put together one of the most dominant individual goalscoring campaigns in elite soccer history. Across 51 appearances during the 2025-26 club calendar, the Englishman exploded for 61 goals in a Bayern Munich shirt, with 36 of those strikes coming in domestic play to secure his status as Europe’s undisputed Golden Boot winner.

Kane seamlessly translated that lethal club form onto the international stage with the Three Lions. After banging in six goals across the UEFA qualifiers and international friendlies, the clinical striker has tacked on five more tallies at the 2026 World Cup, single-handedly turning the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot into a wide-open thriller.

That combined total of 72 goals places Kane alone in second place for the most goals scored in a single season since the turn of the century. That position was previously occupied for over a decade by Cristiano Ronaldo, who famously terrorized opposing defenses during the 2011-12 campaign by racking up 69 goals in 69 total appearances.

During that unforgettable third season with Real Madrid, Ronaldo made history by scoring 46 goals in La Liga, 10 in the Champions League, three in the Copa del Rey, and one in the Spanish Supercopa, totaling 60 club goals in 55 matches. When paired with his nine goals in 14 appearances for Portugal across friendlies and Euro qualifiers, his final tally sat at 69, a benchmark that has now been overtaken by Kane.

Messi stands alone at the summit

Despite not playing as a traditional target man, instead revolutionizing the sport under Pep Guardiola as a pioneering false nine, Lionel Messi established an era-defining goalscoring standard that will remain incredibly difficult for Kane to equal, even as the Englishman knocks on the door.

During that legendary 2011-12 season, Messi set a seemingly unbreakable world record by scoring 82 goals in 69 total appearances. While wearing the iconic FC Barcelona shirt, the Argentine maestro struck 50 times in La Liga, 14 times in the Champions League, and added nine more goals across various domestic and European cup competitions.

On the international stage, Messi duplicated that ruthless efficiency by logging nine goals in nine appearances for the Argentina national team to finalize his 82-goal masterpiece. In sharp contrast to Kane and Ronaldo, Messi reached his total without the benefit of a major summer tournament like the Euros or the World Cup, compiling his international stats purely through friendlies and CONMEBOL qualifiers ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

It is crucial to clarify that this particular seasonal benchmark is entirely separate from the record for the most goals scored in a single calendar year, which Messi also monopolizes. While Kane currently trails Messi’s club-and-country seasonal record by 10 goals, Messi’s separate calendar-year milestone stands at an astonishing 91 goals scored in 2012, a legendary feat that remains firmly out of reach.

This year marks Senegal’s fourth appearance at a World Cup, following their debut in 2002 and subsequent trips in 2018 and 2022. The West African nation didn’t commit to a qualification campaign until 1970, and even withdrew from the process for the 1966 and 1990 editions, meaning it took decades before they finally broke through onto the sport’s biggest stage.

Senegal’s road through Group I in 2026 was a bumpy one. Pape Thiaw’s side lost its opening two matches, against France and Norway, before salvaging its tournament with a commanding 5-0 win over Iraq.

That last group stage result not only secured their advancement but made history as the first time an African nation had scored five goals in a single World Cup match.

Senegal’s best World Cup campaign

Senegal’s finest hour on the World Cup stage remains their unforgettable debut in 2002, when they became just the second African nation ever to reach the quarterfinals.

Bruno Metsu’s men stunned the world by opening the tournament with a 1-0 win over defending champions France, followed that up with draws against Denmark and Uruguay to advance out of the group.

In the knockout stage, they edged Sweden 2-1 in extra time in the Round of 16, sealed by a golden goal from Henri Camara. Their run finally came to an end in the quarterfinals, where Turkey won 1-0, also via golden goal, to end Senegal’s fairytale run one step short of the semifinals.

None of Senegal’s subsequent trips to the tournament have matched that achievement. They exited in the group stage in 2018 on a fair-play tiebreaker after finishing level with Japan and were eliminated in the Round of 16 in 2022, falling 3-0 to England.

Senegal’s overall World Cup record

Senegal have featured in three completed World Cups prior to this year’s tournament, along with their partial campaign so far in 2026. Across those, they’ve never advanced beyond the quarterfinal stage they reached on their very first attempt.

Excluding their still-ongoing 2026 campaign, Senegal have played 12 World Cup matches all-time, winning 5, drawing 3, and losing 4, scoring 16 goals while conceding 17.

While the USMNT lost to Turkey in their final group match, most of the regular starters were rested after the team had already secured first place in the group. How quickly they regain their rhythm could be a key factor in the knockout stage.

Bosnia and Herzegovina entered their final group match under much more pressure. After drawing with Canada and suffering a heavy defeat to Switzerland, they needed a victory over Qatar to finish as one of the best third-placed teams and reach the Round of 32.

How the USMNT’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina impacts the bracket

The USMNT do not have an easy path despite facing a third-placed team in the opening knockout round. If they defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina, they will face the winner of Belgium vs Senegal in the Round of 16, with that match taking place a few hours earlier.

How the USMNT’s draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina impacts the bracket

While only advancing matters in the knockout stage, the manner in which a team progresses can also be significant. A draw after 90 minutes forces an additional 30 minutes of extra time, adding more physical demands to players who have just completed long club seasons. If the match also goes to penalties, the extra workload could become a factor for a team hoping to make a deep tournament run.

How the USMNT’s loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina impacts the bracket

The USMNT’s section of the bracket is filled with European teams. A defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina would guarantee that a European nation reaches the semifinal if Belgium defeat Senegal, as the quarterfinal opponent from that side would come from Portugal, Croatia, Spain, or Austria.

This year’s edition, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, represents Belgium’s 15th trip to the World Cup. Across the 23 editions held since the tournament began, that means Belgium have missed out on qualification eight times, including notable absences during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as more recent misses in 2006 and 2010.

Belgium’s group-stage form in 2026 has been steady if unspectacular. After opening with a 1-1 draw against Egypt and following it up with a goalless stalemate versus Iran, Rudi Garcia’s side saved their best for last, thrashing New Zealand 5-1 to finish atop Group G and set up a Round of 32 date with Senegal.

Belgium’s best World Cup campaigns

Belgium’s golden generation delivered the nation’s high-water mark in 2018, when the Red Devils finished third at the tournament held in Russia, their only podium finish in team history.

That run included a stunning quarterfinal upset over Brazil, won 2-1 in Kazan, before Belgium fell 1-0 to eventual champions France in the semifinal. Roberto Martinez’s side bounced back to see off England 2-0 in Saint Petersburg to claim third place, edging out the fourth-place finish that had stood as Belgium’s previous benchmark since 1986.

That 1986 campaign in Mexico remains fondly remembered in its own right. Guy Thys’s squad memorably beat the Soviet Union 4-3 after extra time in the Round of 16, then edged Spain on penalties in the quarterfinals, before running into a Diego Maradona-inspired Argentina, who won the semifinal 2-0 on their way to lifting the trophy.

Belgium had a last chance to make it to the podium, but they lost the third-place playoff to France, 4-2, closing out a tournament that first put the nation on the World Cup map.

Belgium’s overall World Cup record

Belgium have appeared in 14 World Cups prior to this year’s tournament, reaching the final four on two occasions but never advancing to a final. That body of work has been enough to place them 10th on the tournament’s all-time points table, with 78 points accumulated to date.

Excluding their ongoing 2026 campaign, Belgium have played 45 World Cup matches all-time, winning 18, drawing 10, and losing 17, having scored 68 goals while conceding 70.

After a brilliant run to the semifinals and a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, Belgium hit rock bottom in Qatar four years ago by crashing out in the group stage. That premature exit forced the federation to pivot, and despite subsequent captaincy controversies surrounding star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, the Red Devils still cruised through the UEFA qualifiers without suffering a single defeat.

The squad, now coached by Rudi Garcia, navigated a highly turbulent group stage, opening with a 1-1 draw against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt before grinding out a scoreless stalemate with Iran following Nathan Ngoy’s early red card. However, a comprehensive 5-1 blowout victory over New Zealand ultimately secured them the top spot in Group G, setting up this monumental clash against a dangerous Senegal side.

What happens if Belgium wins over Senegal?

If Belgium secures a victory over Senegal today, they will officially punch their ticket to the Round of 16 and keep their championship aspirations alive, while the African nation’s tournament run will officially come to an end. The Red Devils would then enjoy four crucial days of rest and preparation before taking the pitch for their next knockout match on July 6th.

In that upcoming Round of 16 matchup, they would face the winner of today’s concurrent clash between the USMNT and Bosnia & Herzegovina. That next-round fixture would also be played right back at Lumen Field in Seattle, with a coveted spot in the World Cup quarterfinals on the line.

What happens if Belgium and Senegal draw?

If Belgium and Senegal remain deadlocked after 90 minutes of regulation, regardless of the scoreline, the match will head into a grueling extra-time period consisting of two 15-minute halves. There is no golden goal rule in effect, meaning the full 30 minutes of extra time must be played to completion even if one side manages to find the back of the net.

Should the stalemate persist after 120 total minutes of grueling action, the European and African sides will settle the score via a high-stakes penalty shootout to determine who advances to the next round.

What happens if Belgium losses against Senegal?

A defeat for Belgium against Senegal would result in immediate elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Because the tournament has officially transitioned from the group stage into the single-elimination knockout rounds, teams are operating under a strict win-or-go-home scenario.

A loss would instantly terminate Belgium’s summer run while sending Senegal into the Round of 16. Furthermore, a defeat would likely signal the final World Cup appearances for several icons of Belgium’s “Golden Generation,” including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Axel Witsel, and potentially the 34-year-old Courtois.

Match Overview

The United States Men’s National Team faces a historic knockout clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. After a commanding group stage performance that saw them top Group D, Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad carries the weight of a host nation’s expectations. The USMNT secured six points with dominant wins against Paraguay and Australia before rotating the team in a narrow, inconsequential loss to Turkiye, ensuring their key players are rested and ready for the single-elimination rounds.

For Bosnia and Herzegovina, this match represents the pinnacle of their footballing history. Making their first-ever appearance in the knockout stage of the tournament, they are the definitive underdogs. Having navigated a tough group to advance, every moment from here on is a chance to create a legendary upset. The stakes are immense, pitting a tournament favorite playing on home soil against a resilient side with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The tournament trajectories of these two nations could not be more different. The USA has looked confident and potent, scoring eight goals across three games and demonstrating both attacking flair and defensive solidity when it mattered most. Their only defeat came in a match with nothing on the line, showcasing the depth Pochettino has at his disposal. In contrast, Bosnia and Herzegovina scraped through the group stage, with their progression secured by a crucial win over Qatar. Their attack has been surprisingly clinical, outperforming their expected goals (xG) metric, a trend they must continue to stand a chance.

The tactical battle will likely see the USA dominate possession and territory at Levi’s Stadium. With a dynamic midfield and aggressive wing play, the Americans will aim to stretch Bosnia‘s defensive shape and create openings for their clinical forwards. Bosnia, meanwhile, is expected to deploy a compact 4-4-2 formation, absorbing pressure and looking to launch quick counter-attacks. Their strategy will hinge on bypassing the American press with direct passes to their experienced forward line, turning defensive situations into sudden goal-scoring opportunities.

Motivation runs high on both sides, but for different reasons. As a host nation, the USA is under immense pressure to deliver a deep run in the tournament, and this Round of 32 fixture is seen as a mandatory step toward that goal. With a rested first-choice lineup, anything less than a victory would be a national disappointment. For Bosnia, the pressure is off. Having already exceeded expectations by reaching this stage, they can play with a sense of freedom that could make them a dangerous opponent for a heavily favored host.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between the USA and Bosnia & Herzegovina. The two nations have previously faced each other three times, with all encounters being international friendlies. In those matches, the United States holds an undefeated record, securing two wins and one draw. This lack of competitive history adds a layer of unpredictability to this crucial knockout match.

Looking at the three friendly matches, the most recent clash was in December 2021, which ended in a 1-0 victory for the USA. Before that, the teams played to a 0-0 draw in January 2018. Their first-ever meeting in August 2013 was a high-scoring affair, with the USMNT emerging as 4-3 victors in a thrilling contest. While these results favor the Americans, the non-competitive nature of the games offers limited insight into this high-stakes encounter.

Statistically, both teams have shown a consistent trend for goals. An impressive 13 of the USA‘s last 17 international matches have seen both teams find the back of the net. Bosnia & Herzegovina shares a similar pattern, with 11 of their last 12 games also ending with both sides scoring. This suggests that while the USA is the favorite, Bosnia‘s clinical finishing could see them get on the scoreboard in what promises to be an engaging match.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers enter this crucial knockout game with key players available, though the USA is managing a couple of minor fitness issues while Bosnia welcomes back important figures.

For the USA, Mauricio Pochettino will make late decisions on defenders Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty, though neither were part of the primary starting XI in the group stage. With his core players rested during the final group match against Turkiye, Pochettino has a fresh and formidable lineup ready to deploy. The focus will be on unleashing the attacking trio of Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, and a supporting cast that looked sharp in the opening rounds.

Bosnia and Herzegovina‘s coach, Sergej Barbarez, has a nearly full-strength squad to choose from. Key defender Amar Dedic has returned to training and is expected to start, while Tarik Muharemovic is available again after serving a suspension. This gives Barbarez tactical flexibility and the ability to field his strongest possible team for this historic occasion, with veteran striker Edin Dzeko leading the line.

USA Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Freese; Freeman, Ream, Richards, Robinson; Adams, Tillman; Dest, McKennie, Pulisic; Balogun.
This lineup represents the USA’s strongest and most trusted XI, which Pochettino deployed in the crucial first two group games. With Adams and McKennie anchoring the midfield, the platform is set for Pulisic and Dest to provide creative sparks from the wings, feeding striker Folarin Balogun.

Bosnia & Herzegovina Projected XI (4-4-2): Vasilj; Memic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Bajraktarevic, Sunjic, Basic, Alajbegovic; Dzeko, Demirovic.
This classic 4-4-2 formation provides defensive stability and a direct threat on the counter. The experience of Edin Dzeko and the energy of Ermedin Demirovic up front will be Bosnia’s primary outlet, while a compact midfield will aim to disrupt the USA’s rhythm.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina live on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, computers, smartphones, and tablets, allowing you to stream the game from anywhere.

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Christian Pulisic next game with USMNT is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, facing Bosnia and Herzegovina in the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, also known as Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California in the 2026 World Cup. As the hosts of the event and having put in a stellar performance against Paraguay and Australia, they could aim for a third consecutive victory by relying on the offensive style of play that defines them.

After already completing the 2025–26 season with AC Milan, Christian Pulisic will have a period of rest following the 2026 World Cup. However, the USMNT star will not return to action until August 2026, when he begins preseason. As announced by the Rossoneri, they will travel to Jakarta to face Chelsea FC at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Saturday, August 8.

Even though Pulisic began the season as AC Milan‘s best player, he suffered a notable drop in form. After playing 34 matches, he managed to score only 10 goals and provide 4 assists, going through the second half of the season with almost no goal contributions. Because of this, the 27-year-old star shined in these friendlies with the USMNT to get back into peak condition ahead the World Cup.

Pulisic faces career-defining test at World Cup 2026

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Christian Pulisic’s future was a rather controversial topic. With only one year remaining on his contract with AC Milan, he reportedly attracted interest from numerous Premier League clubs. However, his inconsistent end to the season raised serious doubts. With this in mind, the 27-year-old star has a major opportunity to shine at the 2026 World Cup and clear up uncertainty about his future.

Due to his poor end to the season, the reported interest from numerous Premier League clubs gradually faded. In addition, Pulisic found himself in a worse position to renegotiate his contract extension with the Rossoneri. Because of this, he could look to shine with the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup, proving his true potential. With this, Christian could again be considered as AC Milan’s conerstone, recovering his all-around impact.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Belgium are ranked 10th place with 1,735.41 points. They have lost one position in the ranking due to their draw to Egypt and Iran. However, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing compared to their 71st position in June 2007. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 1st from September of 2018 to March of 2022.

Despite dropping one place in the rankings, Rudi Garcia’s team remain above Senegal. Pape Thiaw’s team are ranked 18th with 1,653.43 points, making Belgium the favorites to secure the victory. However, they need to maintain the same level they showed against New Zealand, being solid in defense and clinical in attack, something they failed to achieve in their first two matches.

Rudi García has managed to restore Belgium’s consistency over the past period. To achieve this, he has kept Kevin De Bruyne as the central figure of his team. Although he has scored only two goals, he has been the team’s most important player, building their collective play. However, their biggest challenge will be the defensive side of the game, as Senegal have excelled in attack and could cause them significant problems.

Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard could be Belgium’s key

Facing one of the most attacking and physical teams at the 2026 World Cup, Belgium could choose not to dominate possession. Instead, they could focus on winning the ball back and breaking quickly on the counterattack, looking for Kevin De Bruyne. With this approach, he would become the key player in finding Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard, who could exploit Senegal’s defensive spaces on the counter and look to score.

Senegal may look to press high Belgium, dominating the game. in light of this, Rudi Garcia’s team may decide to play in the counterattack. Revonering the ball and finding De Bruyne will be a key asset. Then, Doku and Trossard can widen the rival’s defense, to break into and trying to score. Without having a striker in plein form, they may need to shine to chase the victory.

As a result, they have relatively little World Cup history. Their best finish is reaching the Round of 32 in 2026, only their second appearance in the tournament.

While they are not among the traditional soccer powers, Bosnia and Herzegovina can take pride in what they have achieved despite having a population of just over 3.1 million.

Their first participation

The 1998 World Cup was the first tournament Bosnia and Herzegovina were eligible to enter, but they failed to qualify. More than a decade later, they secured their first World Cup berth by winning their qualifying group for the 2014 tournament.

Led by stars such as Edin Džeko and Miralem Pjanić, they arrived in Brazil as the only nation making its World Cup debut. Their first campaign ended in the group stage despite remaining in contention for the knockout rounds until the final match.

Bosnia and Herzegovina lost 2-1 to Argentina in their opening match, with Vedad Ibišević scoring the country’s first-ever World Cup goal. They then suffered a 1-0 defeat to Nigeria in a decisive match before beating Iran 3-1 in their final group game.

Their 2026 campaign

The 2026 tournament has already become the most successful World Cup campaign in the nation’s history. After drawing 1-1 with Canada, losing 4-1 to Switzerland, and defeating Qatar 3-1, Bosnia and Herzegovina finished third in Group B to qualify for the Round of 32 under the expanded tournament format.

Garcia is sticking with Charles De Ketelaere in the false-nine role up front, a setup that has defined Belgium’s attack throughout the group stage, with Lukaku held in reserve to be introduced from the bench.

Lukaku has been Belgium‘s most decisive weapon precisely as a substitute, delivering the goods every time he’s been called upon in this tournament. He came off the bench to force an opponent into an own goal in Belgium’s opening draw with Egypt, then scored the winner against New Zealand in the group-stage finale, adding an assist along the way.

Garcia has made clear that using Lukaku as an impact substitute, rather than a starter, is a tactical choice. In fact, he did start in Belgium’s second group game against Iran, and struggled to keep up with the pace of the match — he failed to register a single shot, picked up a yellow card, and was substituted in the 73rd minute.

Lukaku’s fitness issues after a tough season

Lukaku’s tournament has been shadowed by a difficult club campaign. A pre-season injury at Napoli kept him sidelined for months, and he managed just 64 minutes across seven matches throughout the season, scoring only once, in a February match against Hellas Verona.

That lack of match sharpness left real doubt over whether Lukaku would even make Belgium’s World Cup squad. He has since nearly doubled his season’s club minutes in the space of Belgium’s three group games, but Garcia continues to manage his workload carefully, knowing the striker could perform better for him coming off the bench than starting the match.

Doku has officially been named to the starting XI to face Senegal in this crucial knockout match. After briefly leaving the team’s base camp to attend the birth of his son (which caused him to miss the group-stage match against Iran), the Manchester City winger made a seamless return to action against New Zealand and is now in peak physical condition to anchor the attack against the African powerhouse.

Belgium enters the knockout rounds after snapping a frustrating streak of three consecutive World Cup draws (dating back to a scoreless stalemate with Croatia in 2022) by securing a dominant 5-1 blowout over New Zealand. By locking up the top spot in Group G with five points, the Red Devils are now desperate to erase a recent winless funk against African opposition, having previously fallen to Morocco 2-0 and settling for a 1-1 draw against Egypt earlier in this tournament.

On the other side of the pitch, Senegal scraped into the knockout bracket by securing the final wild-card spot among the top third-place finishers, surviving the group phase with just three points. After opening their campaign with highly competitive 3-1 and 3-2 losses to France and Norway respectively, a resounding 5-0 clinical destruction of Iraq threw a much-needed lifeline to the Lions of Teranga, who are making the most of their fourth World Cup appearance in national history.

A historic, first-ever meeting between two powerhouse nations

Despite both programs consistently ranking among the top 20 nations in the world over the last decade, Belgium and Senegal have remarkably never crossed paths on the soccer pitch, not even in an international friendly. This means that tonight’s high-stakes Round of 32 battle will mark the first time these two teams have ever shared a field, opening up a brand-new head-to-head chapter on the sport’s grandest stage.

Confirmed lineups for Belgium and Senegal

Belgium’s confirmed lineups (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper; Hans Vanaken, Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans; Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku.
Head coach: Rudi Garcia.

Senegal’s confirmed lineups (4-2-3-1): Mory Diaw; Krepin Diatta, Pathe Ciss, Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs; Idrissa Gana Gueye, Habib Diarra, Pape Gueye; Iliman Ndiaye,Ismaila Sarr, Sadio Mane.
Head coach: Pape Thiaw.

Brian Cipenga initially shocked the Three Lions by hammering a powerful near-post strike past Jordan Pickford, and with Aaron Wan-Bissaka clearing a shot off the line while Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made several spectacular stops, the African underdogs appeared on the verge of history. However, a towering header in the 75th minute followed by an astonishing right-footed blast inside the box in the 86th minute allowed Kane to single-handedly rescue England and punch their ticket to the Round of 16.

Earlier in the tournament against Panama, Kane cemented his status as England’s most prolific World Cup goalscorer by eclipsing Gary Lineker’s previous national record of 10 goals. Following his late-game heroics on Wednesday, the Bayern Munich talisman has continued to build on his legendary international resume, extending his career tournament tally to 13 goals.

Kane, who has accounted for five of England’s eight goals (62.5%) during this 2026 campaign, has now drawn level with Haaland in the tournament scoring race, leaving him just one goal behind co-leaders Mbappe and Messi. On the all-time global stage, the clinical forward is now tied with French legend Just Fontaine for sixth place in World Cup history with 13 goals, passing iconic figures like Brazil’s Pele (12 goals), Hungary’s Sandor Kocsis (11), and Germany’s Jurgen Klinsmann (11).

Harry Kane’s goals against DR Congo

A pinpoint, inswinging cross from Anthony Gordon into the heart of the penalty area found Harry Kane, who utilized a brilliant off-the-ball run to lose his marker and power home a clinical equalizer.

Moments later, Kane dropped deep to receive a pocket pass from Gordon on the edge of the 18-yard box, quickly shifting the ball onto his favored right foot before unleashing a thunderous strike into the back of the net for the 2-1 winner.

2026 World Cup Golden Boot race

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Senegal are ranked 18th place with 1653.43 points. They have lost three positions in the ranking due to their loss to France and Norway. However, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing compared to their 99th position in June 2013. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 12th in January of 2026.

Even though Senegal have improved significantly in recent years, they still remain a considerable distance behind Belgium in the rankings. Rudi Garcia’s team are ranked 10th with 1,735.41 points. However, they are not at their best at the moment and could struggle to defeat Pape Thiaw’s team, who have a squad full of stars. To do so, Senegal need to improve their finishing in front of goal.

Led by Sadio Mané, Senegal have established as one of the best national teams. Head coach Pape Thiaw relies on a dominant style of play, looking to break quickly on the counterattack through Mané, Iliman Ndiaye, or Ismaïla Sarr. However, they also have plenty of quality to build up play in midfield. Lamine Camara and Pape Gueye are able to press high and possess excellent vision, endangering Belgium’s chances.

Sadio Mané has a golden opportunity to silence the skeptics in Senegal

Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Senegal have disappointed their supporters, as they were defeated by France and Norway in the group stage. Although they impressed against Iraq, fans now have serious doubts about whether they can beat a strong team like Belgium and reach the Round of 16. Because of this, Sadio Mané has a great opportunity to shine once again by leading his team to become a top contender once more.

Unlike France or Norway, Belgium have not been a brilliant attacking team. Although they have defensive solidity, they have struggled to be dominant in front of goal, missing several big chances. Because of this, Senegal could have a significant advantage, as Sadio Mané is in excellent form to lead the team’s goalscoring efforts, having yet to score in the tournament. If he manages to do so, he would further enhance his historic legacy.

Match Overview

Belgium enters the knockout stage with surging momentum after a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand secured them the top spot in Group G. Currently riding a 16-game unbeaten streak, the Red Devils are looking to prove that their golden generation’s successors can finally deliver on the international stage. This high-stakes clash is a critical test of their title ambitions.

Senegal, on the other hand, staged a dramatic comeback to reach the Round of 32. After two initial losses, the Lions of Teranga saved their tournament with a stunning 5-0 win against Iraq. For them, this match is a massive opportunity to eliminate a European powerhouse. In a win-or-go-home scenario, Senegal’s resilience makes them an incredibly dangerous opponent.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The two teams arrive here on vastly different trajectories. Belgium started slow, grinding out two draws before exploding offensively in their final group game. This tournament is about demonstrating tactical evolution and consistency. In contrast, Senegal‘s journey has been a rollercoaster, surviving back-to-back defeats before delivering a commanding performance when it mattered most, showcasing their clutch mentality.

The tactical battle will be a fascinating clash of styles. Belgium will likely deploy a fluid, possession-based 4-2-3-1 system, aiming to use their technical midfielders and dynamic wingers to control the tempo and create openings. Senegal is expected to counter with a compact and physical 4-3-3 formation, focusing on defensive solidity, congesting the midfield, and launching rapid counter-attacks into the space left by Belgium’s advancing players.

For Belgium, the motivation is to validate their status as a top contender and prove that their demolition of New Zealand was a true reflection of their quality, not an anomaly. The pressure is on them to perform. For Senegal, this match feels like a free hit. Having already stared elimination in the face, they can play with a sense of freedom that could unsettle their highly-favored opponents.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

This knockout match at Lumen Field will mark a historic occasion, as it is the first-ever meeting between Belgium and Senegal in any competition, friendly or official. With no prior history to draw from, both teams will be stepping into uncharted territory.

While they haven’t faced Senegal, Belgium has played against African nations six times in past tournaments, securing three wins, two draws, and just one loss. Their most recent encounter was a 1-1 draw with Egypt in the group stage of this competition. Senegal has faced European opposition nine times in the finals, with a record of two wins, three draws, and four defeats, including a 3-2 loss to Norway earlier in this tournament.

Statistically, the group stage revealed key trends. Senegal has been remarkably clinical, scoring eight goals from just 5.25 expected goals (xG), proving they can punish opponents with limited chances. Belgium scored six goals from a higher 6.79 xG, indicating they create more but have been less efficient. However, Senegal‘s defense has been porous, conceding six goals, which could be an area for Belgium‘s potent attack to exploit.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both squads approach this crucial knockout match with key players available, but each side is monitoring at least one significant injury concern.

Belgium receives a defensive boost with the return of Nathan Ngoy from suspension. However, they are likely to be without Sporting defender Zeno Debast, who has been struggling with an injury since the start of the tournament and is not expected to be fit for this clash.

Senegal‘s primary concern is in goal, where first-choice keeper Edouard Mendy is a major doubt due to a knee injury that forced him out of the last match. Mory Diaw is on standby to deputize again. On a positive note, the rest of the squad is fully available, with no suspensions to worry about.

Belgium Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Castagne, Mechele, Ngoy, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Vanaken; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; De Ketelaere.

This lineup allows Belgium to control the midfield through Youri Tielemans while unleashing the creative genius of Kevin De Bruyne in the number ten role. The pace and trickery of Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard on the wings will be crucial to breaking down Senegal’s organized defense.

Senegal Projected XI (4-3-3): Diaw; Diatta, Niakhate, Seck, Diouf; Gueye, Camara, Gueye; Sarr, Ndiaye, Mané.

Senegal’s strength lies in its powerful and experienced spine. Pape Gueye will be the engine in midfield, while the attacking trio of Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, and Iliman Ndiaye offers a wealth of Premier League experience, speed, and goal-scoring threat on the counter-attack.

More details on how to watch

You can find the Belgium vs Senegal live stream on Fubo. The platform is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and gaming consoles, as well as web browsers and mobile apps.

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A subscription costs just $14.99/month, providing an affordable way to follow all the drama from the knockout stages. This plan gives you access to every single match of the competition live and on-demand.

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England begins its knockout campaign against DR Congo in Atlanta, with Thomas Tuchel’s side aiming to continue its unbeaten run and move closer to its World Cup ambitions. The Three Lions finished top of their group, while DR Congo reached the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams after producing one of the biggest stories of the tournament.

The match presents a difficult challenge for England because DR Congo have already shown they can frustrate elite opposition. The Leopards held Portugal to a 1-1 draw, pushed Colombia close, and secured a historic qualification after defeating Uzbekistan 3-1.

England’s route has been more comfortable on paper, with victories over Croatia and Panama helping the team finish first in Group L. However, performances have created debate, especially after a goalless draw against Ghana where Tuchel’s side struggled to break down a deep defensive structure.

The reason Bukayo Saka is dropped to the bench

The Arsenal winger has been one of the most important players in Tuchel’s squad, but the manager has decided to manage his workload during the knockout stages. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, “Noni Madueke back as Bukayo Saka continues to manage fitness, Declan Rice replaces Morgan Rogers & Djed Spence starts as expected.”

The reason behind Saka’s absence is linked to a lingering Achilles issue that has been monitored since before the tournament. Tuchel has been cautious with the winger’s minutes, using him carefully rather than risking a more serious problem that could affect England’s later matches.

Per Sofascore’s statistics, Saka has contributed 1.7 goals/assists per 90 minutes at the World Cup so far, showing his importance despite limited involvement earlier in the tournament. However, it has been suggested that the winger has not looked completely comfortable physically, leading England’s staff to prioritize keeping him available.

Why Thomas Tuchel is protecting Saka

Saka’s importance to England is clear, especially in knockout football where individual moments often decide games. His ability to beat defenders, create chances, and deliver dangerous final balls makes him one of the players Tuchel can rely on when England needs inspiration.

The winger started England’s final group match against Panama after previously being managed carefully, but the coaching staff appears determined to avoid pushing him too hard. With a potential deep run ahead, preserving Saka’s fitness could become a major factor.

England enters the knockout stage after finishing top of Group L, while DR Congo arrives as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams following an impressive group-stage campaign. Victory will send the winner into a Round of 16 meeting with Mexico, making every selection decision even more significant.

The Three Lions opened with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, followed by a frustrating 0-0 draw against Ghana before eventually overcoming Panama 2-0. Those performances exposed England’s occasional difficulties against teams willing to defend deep. DR Congo is expected to adopt a similarly organized approach after frustrating Portugal during a 1-1 draw earlier in the tournament.

The African nation, meanwhile, has earned widespread praise for its performances during the group stage. DR Congo drew with Portugal, narrowly lost 1-0 to Colombia, and then defeated Uzbekistan 3-1, securing a historic place in the knockout rounds after a 52-year absence from the World Cup.

Why Anthony Gordon is starting on the bench

With the release of the team news, the mystery surrounding Anthony Gordon’s exclusion became clearer. Marcus Rashford has retained his place on the left wing after impressing during England’s recent performances, with Tuchel rewarding the Manchester United forward for his form rather than making another change.

According to multiple pre-match reports, Rashford’s display against Panama convinced the England manager to maintain continuity heading into the knockout stage. Gordon featured prominently in the opening group matches against Croatia and Ghana but struggled to consistently influence proceedings, leaving the door open for Rashford to seize the opportunity.

Tuchel’s decision appears to be based on tactical considerations as much as individual form. DR Congo has built its tournament success on a disciplined defensive structure, and Rashford’s pace, experience and direct running are viewed as qualities that could help unlock a compact back line.

Rather than indicating a loss of confidence in Gordon, the selection reflects England’s depth in attacking positions. Gordon remains a valuable option from the bench should Tuchel require fresh energy later in the contest.

England makes three changes for the knockout clash

Thomas Tuchel has made three alterations to the side that defeated Panama in the final group-stage match. With Declan Rice returning after recovering from a calf problem, Tottenham defender Djed Spence starts at right-back, while Noni Madueke replaces Bukayo Saka, who has been rested on the bench to manage his fitness.

England is also without injured defenders Jarell Quansah and Reece James, forcing Tuchel into defensive adjustments. Spence gets the opportunity after replacing Quansah during the victory over Panama when the Liverpool defender suffered an ankle injury.

The country returned to the FIFA World Cup in 2026 after a 52-year absence, marking only the second appearance in the nation’s history. The first came in 1974 when the country competed under the name Zaire, becoming the first sub-Saharan African nation to qualify for the tournament.

That debut, however, remains one of the toughest moments in the country’s soccer history. Zaire lost all three group-stage matches without scoring, suffering defeats against Scotland, Brazil, and a famous 9-0 loss against Yugoslavia.

The tournament became remembered for the infamous moment involving defender Ilunga Mwepu, who ran out of the defensive wall and kicked the ball away during Brazil’s free-kick attempt. BBC Sport later reported that the incident was connected to deeper issues surrounding the team, including pressure from the country’s leadership after players faced problems with promised bonuses and conditions.

For decades after that tournament, DR Congo struggled to return to soccer’s biggest competition. Problems involving instability, soccer administration, and a lack of consistent development prevented the nation from reaching another World Cup stage until the current generation emerged.

How far have DR Congo advanced in the World Cup?

DR Congo’s best-ever World Cup finish came in the 2026 tournament, where the national team reached the Round of 32 for the first time in history. This became the country’s greatest achievement at the competition after qualifying for the knockout stage from the group phase.

The Leopards achieved a historic campaign after competing in Group K against strong opposition. They earned a 1-1 draw against Portugal, suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Colombia, and completed a dramatic comeback victory over Uzbekistan with a 3-1 win.

That victory delivered several historic milestones. DR Congo recorded its first-ever World Cup win, collected its first points at the tournament, and reached the knockout rounds for the first time. The progress represented a complete turnaround from the 1974 campaign, when the nation finished bottom of its group without a victory.

DR Congo’s World Cup record

Before 2026, DR Congo’s World Cup record consisted only of their appearance as Zaire in 1974. A summary of their historical stats across both appearances:

The contrast between the two tournaments shows the scale of the national team’s transformation. A side that once struggled to compete globally has now become one of Africa’s most exciting World Cup stories.

With Thomas Tuchel leading England at the 2026 World Cup, the national team arrived with a squad filled with world-class talent, including captain Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice. After dominating qualifying with a perfect record, England now hopes to turn impressive performances into the one achievement that has escaped many talented squads throughout history.

England’s road to the 2026 World Cup began dominantly. The national team qualified after winning all eight matches in their group, scoring 22 goals and conceding zero, showing the defensive discipline and attacking quality expected from a side considered among the tournament contenders.

Under Tuchel, the Three Lions have developed a more aggressive tactical identity, usually operating in a 4-2-3-1 formation built around pressing, midfield control, and attacking flexibility. The German coach has focused on creating a strong team environment while relying on the individual brilliance of players who can decide matches at the highest level.

Has England ever won a World Cup?

Yes, England has won the FIFA World Cup once in its history. The national team lifted the trophy on home soil in 1966, creating the greatest moment in English soccer history.

Managed by Sir Alf Ramsey, England defeated West Germany 4-2 after extra time in the final at Wembley Stadium. The match became legendary because Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick, the only hat-trick ever recorded in a men’s World Cup final.

The victory completed a historic tournament for the Three Lions, who were known as the “wingless wonders” because of Ramsey’s tactical approach. Captain Bobby Moore lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy, creating an image that remains one of the most famous moments in soccer history.

Despite inventing the sport, England had missed the first three World Cups due to a dispute with FIFA before making their official debut in 1950. Since then, the national team has become one of the most consistent World Cup participants, although another championship has remained out of reach.

England’s best World Cup finishes after 1966

After their famous triumph, England has experienced several heartbreaking exits and unforgettable tournament runs. The national team reached the semi-finals in 1990, finishing fourth after losing to West Germany in a penalty shootout during a dramatic tournament in Italy.

The Three Lions produced another memorable campaign in 2018, reaching the semi-finals under Gareth Southgate. England eventually lost to Croatia after extra time, but restored belief among supporters after years of disappointing tournament performances.

The national team also reached the quarter-finals multiple times, including in 2022, when England was eliminated by France after Harry Kane missed a late penalty. Overall, England has reached the quarter-final stage more times than many nations, showing its ability to compete deep into tournaments.

England’s biggest World Cup records

England’s history includes several important individual and team achievements. Harry Kane is among the country’s leading World Cup scorers, while Gary Lineker remains England’s top World Cup goalscorer with 10 goals across the 1986 and 1990 tournaments.

Goalkeeper Peter Shilton holds the record for most World Cup appearances for England, featuring in 17 matches across three tournaments. The national team has also created an unwanted record, being eliminated in the quarter-finals more times than any other nation in World Cup history.

According to the latest data verification ahead of the match, England commands the 4th position in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking with an official baseline total of 1,840.46 coefficient points.

Their wildcard challengers represent an unpredictable, intensely physical threat capable of exploiting a momentary lapse in concentration. DR Congo enters the Round of 32 occupying the 41st spot globally on the Inside FIFA leaderboard, carrying a baseline score of 1,495.48 points. This massive separation across the global hierarchy leaves the Three Lions carrying the undisputed burden of expectations before kickoff.

Group Layout and Form Comparison

England validated their top-four ranking by turning in a highly functional group phase, recovering from a tight tactical stalemate against Ghana to log dominant performances across their other assignments. DR Congo, on the other hand, displayed immense defensive resilience to emerge as a dangerous wildcard qualifier from a group controlled by Colombia and Portugal.

The table below outlines the tournament metrics and global rankings for the two opponents:

Elite Longevity

England’s presence inside the absolute upper tier of the global index reflects a sustained multi-year window of competitive consistency. While their all-time historic floor saw them drop to an alarming 27th worldwide back in February 1996, modern structural changes have stabilized the program. The Three Lions reached their absolute competitive peak in recent cycles, scaling the mountain to reach 3rd in the world in late 2023.

Because the FIFA calculation matrix applies its absolute highest match-weight multiplier to World Cup knockout fixtures, the algorithmic movement in the Round of 32 is intensely volatile. Operating as a top-five favorite means England faces a demanding mathematical terrain; the system heavily penalizes higher-seeded teams for failing to secure wins in normal time.

Heading into this highly anticipated elimination game, DR Congo sits at the 41st position in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking with an official baseline of 1,495.48 points.

The challenge awaiting them features an opponent occupying the absolute upper tier of the international leaderboard. England commands the 4th spot globally, holding a commanding 1,840.46 ranking points under Thomas Tuchel. This sets up a profound statistical gap between the two sides, establishing a pure underdog narrative where the African squad can perform with absolute tactical freedom.

Group Stage Performance and Global Rank

DR Congo managed to reach this stage of the competition by fighting through a brutal Group K pool alongside Colombia and Portugal, eventually claiming a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed wildcard teams. England, on the other hand, comfortably controlled their destiny by taking the top spot in Group L.

The table below outlines the comparative metrics, merging tournament performance with global rank data:

Historical Context

A broader look at DR Congo’s path on the international ladder shows the extensive ground the program has recovered over the past decade. The Leopards bottomed out at their lowest structural floor in October 2011, when severe organizational transitions saw them drop to 133rd in the world.

Conversely, their absolute peak arrived in the summer of 2017, when a spectacular continental run drove them to an all-time high of 28th globally.

Because World Cup knockout fixtures are assigned the highest possible match-weight value within the FIFA calculation index, the mathematical rewards on the pitch are substantial. The algorithm strictly insulates lower-seeded sides from severe point deductions in the event of a defeat against top-five opposition, meaning a loss carries minimal mathematical risk.

Match Overview

England enters the knockout stage as Group L winners, but their journey has been far from dominant. After an explosive opening win against Croatia, the Three Lions were held to a frustrating draw by Ghana and required a second-half surge to overcome Panama. The pressure is on for manager Thomas Tuchel to unlock his squad’s full potential as they are heavy favorites to advance.

For DR Congo, this match is a historic moment. Reaching the knockout rounds for the first time ever, the Leopards have already exceeded all expectations. They have proven to be a disciplined and resilient side, notably securing a hard-fought draw against Portugal in the group stage. While they are the clear underdogs, they enter this clash with nothing to lose and a chance to deliver one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The two nations arrive at this fixture from vastly different paths. England navigated their group unbeaten, securing the top spot with a professional, if sometimes uninspired, approach. In contrast, DR Congo battled through as one of the best third-placed teams, showcasing immense mental fortitude to secure a vital win against Uzbekistan on the final matchday to make history.

This match projects to be a classic clash of styles. England will almost certainly control possession and territory, tasked with breaking down a compact and organized DR Congo defense. The Leopards have been formidable at the back, conceding just 0.61 expected goals (xG) per match—the exact same figure as England. The key to the game will be whether England’s creative players can find the speed and precision needed to penetrate a low block, a challenge they struggled with against Ghana.

Motivation for England is clear: this is the first major hurdle in what they hope is a deep tournament run, and anything less than a convincing win will be seen as a failure. For DR Congo, the objective has already been achieved. They play with the freedom of a team that has already made its nation proud, aiming to frustrate their highly-favored opponents and seize any opportunity that comes their way.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

This Round of 32 clash in Atlanta will be the first-ever meeting between England and DR Congo. With no historical precedent in either competitive fixtures or friendlies, both teams will be stepping into uncharted territory, analyzing each other based solely on recent tournament form.

While they haven’t faced DR Congo, England has a strong and unbeaten record against African opposition at the global tournament, posting four wins and five draws in nine matches. Their most recent encounter was the goalless draw against Ghana earlier in this competition, a result that highlights the challenges a well-organized CAF side can present.

DR Congo has faced European teams three times in its tournament history and is still searching for a first victory, having recorded one draw and two losses. However, their impressive 1-1 draw with Portugal in the group stage demonstrated their ability to compete with Europe’s elite. Under coach Sébastien Desabre, they have built a reputation for being exceptionally difficult to break down, keeping 29 clean sheets in their last 57 matches.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

England faces a significant defensive headache heading into the knockouts, while DR Congo reports a fully fit squad ready for their historic match.

Manager Thomas Tuchel is dealing with a mounting injury crisis at right-back. With Reece James, Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento, and Ben White all sidelined, England‘s options are severely limited, forcing a likely start for Djed Spence. On a more positive note, the midfield will be bolstered by the expected return of Declan Rice, whose presence should provide defensive stability and free up Jude Bellingham to influence the attack.

DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre has no injury concerns and can field his strongest side. The experience of players from top European leagues, such as Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa and former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe, will be crucial. Wissa, who scored a brace against Uzbekistan, is the team’s primary offensive threat and will be tasked with leading the line against a formidable English defense.

England Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Bellingham; Saka, Rogers, Rashford; Kane.
This lineup reflects Tuchel‘s attempt to balance an injury-hit defense with a potent attack. Spence is expected to fill the void at right-back, while Rice‘s return will be vital for controlling the midfield. Up front, Harry Kane will lead the line, supported by a dynamic trio of Saka, Rogers, and Rashford, who will be responsible for breaking down DR Congo‘s defense.

DR Congo Projected XI (4-4-2):
Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Mbuku, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Cipenga; Wissa, Bakambu.
Desabre is likely to deploy a disciplined 4-4-2 formation designed to absorb pressure and hit England on the counter-attack. The backline, featuring Premier League experience with Wan-Bissaka, will form a compact low block. The attack will rely on the pace and clinical finishing of Yoane Wissa, who has been their standout player in the tournament so far.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the England vs DR Congo live stream on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and iOS and Android mobile devices.

In addition to the 2026 tournament, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other soccer competitions. You can watch leagues such as Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, as well as other tournaments and matches from around the world.

The service is available for a monthly fee of $14.99. This single subscription ensures you don’t miss any of the action from the biggest international competition.

SEE MORE: Schedule of World Cup games on US TV.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

Speaking with media members on Tuesday ahead of the team’s final training session, the American captain provided an encouraging update on his physical status. “I felt great in the last game against Turkey. I’m feeling good this week, and I’m definitely ready to go for tomorrow,” Pulisic stated, while confidently adding that he is physically prepared to log a full 120 minutes if the knockout match requires extra time.

The AC Milan forward has completely recovered from the lingering calf tightness that kept him sidelined as a precaution during the group-stage match against Australia. He made a seamless return to the pitch in the group finale against Turkey, where head coach Mauricio Pochettino heavily rotated his squad, subbing Pulisic on in the 58th minute to inject immediate pace, creativity, and elite dribbling down the right wing.

Later, during an exclusive interview with Fox Sports, Pulisic offered a realistic assessment of what the Americans will face against their European opponents: “We’re expecting a really tough game. We saw a lot of good things from them in the group stage. We’ve seen in the knockouts so far that there hasn’t been an easy game for anyone, so we’re not expecting an easy game at all. I think it’s gonna be a good battle. We have to put on a really good performance if we want to win.“

The single-elimination matchup against Bosnia represents a massive hurdle for the USMNT, serving as an opportunity to punch a ticket to the Round of 16 while simultaneously shattering a frustrating historical narrative. Entering Wednesday’s match, the Stars and Stripes are desperate to snap a glaring, multi-tournament winless slump when facing European opposition on the big stage.

In total, the USMNT’s active drought against UEFA opponents has ballooned to 13 consecutive matches without a victory. The Americans last tasted success against a European nation over five years ago (a friendly win over Northern Ireland back in March 2021), a persistent monkey on their back that the squad is eager to shake off under the bright lights of a home World Cup.

Pulisic stands on the precipice of USMNT history

Now fully cleared by the medical staff, Pulisic is locked into Pochettino’s starting XI against Bosnia and Herzegovina as the U.S. chases a spot in the next round. Having already tallied a crucial assist in the tournament opener against Paraguay, the former Borussia Dortmund winger aims to replicate his clutch 2022 World Cup heroics, though this particular match holds immense individual significance for his international legacy.

As it stands, Pulisic has racked up 33 career goals across 88 caps for the USMNT, leaving him just one strike away from tying soccer legend Eric Wynalda (34 goals) for fourth place on the United States’ all-time men’s scoring list.

In the first half, Mexico were clearly the better side, controlling possession and dictating the rhythm of the game while creating the better chances. They took a deserved 2-0 lead at halftime through goals from Quiñones and Jiménez that put the match in their control.

There was not much action in the second half as Mexico stepped back to defend their lead, while Ecuador could not create clear chances despite having more possession. Crosses came from many areas but did not reach the forwards, allowing Mexico to secure the victory.

Julian Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, exploiting space behind the Ecuadorian backline and blasting the ball into the top corner, before Raul Jimenez, linking up beautifully with Quiñones, mirrored the feat by slotting home another top-corner strike just nine minutes later. The comfortable 2-0 victory adds Ecuador to the long list of visiting national teams that have failed to solve the riddle of the iconic venue.

The triumph marks the 10th consecutive World Cup match in which Mexico has remained unbeaten on the hallowed grass of the Estadio Azteca. Serving as the primary fortress for El Tri across the 1970, 1986, and now 2026 tournaments, the host nation has racked up eight victories at the stadium while grinding out just two draws.

The complete history of Mexico’s World Cup matches and results at the Estadio Azteca stands as follows:

• 1970 World Cup: Mexico 0-0 Soviet Union (Group stage)
• 1970 World Cup: Mexico 4-0 El Salvador (Group stage)
• 1970 World Cup: Mexico 1-0 Belgium (Group stage)
• 1986 World Cup: Mexico 2-1 Belgium (Group stage)
• 1986 World Cup: Mexico 1-1 Paraguay (Group stage)
• 1986 World Cup: Mexico 1-0 Iraq (Group stage)
• 1986 World Cup: Mexico 2-0 Bulgaria (Round of 16)
• 2026 World Cup: Mexico 2-0 South Africa (Group stage)
• 2026 World Cup: Mexico 3-0 Czechia (Group stage)
• 2026 World Cup: Mexico 2-0 Ecuador (Round of 32)

England or DR Congo up next

After the heartbreak of Qatar 2022 (where they infamously failed to advance past the group stage), Mexico has rediscovered its elite form under head coach Javier Aguirre, and with the Azteca serving as their fortress, they look prepared for anyone. El Tri‘s opponent for the upcoming round will be decided by the high-stakes clash between England and the DR Congo, who square off on Wednesday, July 1st.

Historically, the times Mexico bowed out as tournament hosts, the heartbreaks occurred away from the Azteca, suffering a heavy 4-1 quarterfinal defeat to Italy in 1970 at the Estadio Luis Dosal in Toluca, and a painful 1986 quarterfinal penalty shootout loss to West Germany at the Estadio Universitario in Monterrey. Having seemingly learned from past structural mistakes, El Tri will have the Estadio Azteca, officially designated as Mexico City Stadium for this tournament, as their home ground for at least one more knockout match.

A record-breaking Mexican squad

The decisive victory over Ecuador was far more than just another standard advancement in the knockout bracket, it was a flashing warning sign to the rest of the world regarding what this 2026 Mexican squad can achieve. By preserving the 2-0 shutout, they stand alone as the only defensive unit in the entire tournament that has yet to concede a single goal.

Furthermore, when factoring in their 2-1 consolation victory over Saudi Arabia in their final group match four years ago, Mexico is currently riding a historic five-game World Cup winning streak, a blistering run of form that sets a brand-new gold standard for the national program.

The co-hosts broke the deadlock through a well-worked attacking move that caught Ecuador off guard. Roberto Alvarado slipped a pass into space to spring Julian Quiñones, who took the ball in stride and fired it past goalkeeper Hernan Galindez to open the scoring — his third goal of the tournament.

El Tri doubled their advantage soon after, when brilliant interplay between Quiñones and Raul Jiménez carved out space at the edge of the box, allowing Jiménez to curl a finish into the top corner to seal the game and give his team a spot in the next round.

With the win, Javier Aguirre’s men keep alive their bid to match or better Mexico‘s best-ever World Cup showings, the quarterfinal runs they produced as hosts back in 1970 and 1986.

Mexico’s Round of 16 rival and venue

After defeating Ecuador, Mexico will face the winner of England and DR Congo in the Round of 16 on July 5 at Mexico City Stadium, keeping El Tri on home turf for a second straight knockout match.

On paper, England would appear to be the likely next opponent, as clear favorites over the African side. Should they come out on top, Mexico would have a chance at revenge, as the two sides have met only once before at a World Cup, back in 1966, when the Europeans won 2-0 in the group stage.

If DR Congo pull off the upset, it would mark their first-ever World Cup meeting with Mexico. The two sides do have one prior meeting, though, a 2006 friendly that the North Americans won 2-1 in the buildup to that year’s World Cup in Germany.

The opening whistle for the crucial matchup has been temporarily put on hold due to torrential rainfall and a high threat of lightning and electrical activity currently hammering the stadium. While meteorologists had anticipated inclement weather for the region, the rapid deterioration of atmospheric conditions just an hour before game time ultimately forced FIFA officials to delay the start of the match.

Both national squads had already arrived at the venue and were preparing to take the pitch for their standard pre-match warm-up routines at 8 p.m. ET, even as an ominous darkness blanked the sky above the stadium while fans cautiously began returning to their seats in the stands.

As of right now, tournament organizers have officially pushed back the kickoff by one hour from its original slot, slating the match between Mexico and Ecuador to begin at 10 p.m. ET. With the severe weather conditions finally easing up around the stadium, both national teams have officially taken the pitch to undergo their pregame warm-up routines ahead of the newly scheduled start time.

What does FIFA say about adverse weather conditions?

As previously seen across various tournaments hosted in the United States, FIFA enforces strict safety guidelines mandating that any lightning strike detected within an eight-mile radius of an open-air venue triggers an immediate shelter-in-place order. Under these rules, both teams must remain inside their respective locker rooms and fans are required to clear the open seating bowl to seek shelter under covered concourses, with a mandatory 30-minute countdown clock resetting with every subsequent lightning strike.

This exact protocol was previously utilized during the France-Iraq group stage match earlier this month, when a massive thunderstorm and severe lightning rolled over Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. In that particular instance, the match on American soil was ultimately delayed for nearly two hours before conditions cleared, a lengthy disruption that tournament officials are hoping to avoid duplicating tonight in Mexico City.

The shootout doesn’t always go the full five rounds. If one side builds a lead the other team mathematically cannot overcome — even with all of its remaining attempts — the shootout ends immediately. That’s how, in the 2022 final, Argentina’s win was sealed after their fourth penalty, even though both teams technically had one kick left.

If the teams are still level after all five initial kicks have been taken, the shootout moves into sudden death. From that point on, each side takes one penalty per round, and the shootout ends as soon as one team scores and the other misses in the same round.

There’s no cap on how many sudden-death rounds can be played — if every eligible outfield player and goalkeeper has already taken a kick and the score is still tied, the order resets and the cycle continues until a winner emerges.

Before any of this begins, the referee runs through a couple of formalities. Two coin tosses decide which team kicks first and which end of the field the shootout will be taken at, since both teams take all of their penalties at the same goal.

The rules goalkeepers and kickers have to follow

Goalkeepers face strict limits during a shootout. They must stay on the goal line, though they’re allowed to move side to side along the line. They can take one step forward at the moment of the shot, but they must keep at least one foot on the line.

Stepping forward off the line before contact, touching the woodwork as a distraction, or trying to put off the kicker verbally can all result in the kick being retaken if it’s missed.

Kickers have their own restrictions, too. The ball must be struck cleanly — if a player makes contact with it more than once during their attempt, the kick is disallowed if scored, or recorded as a miss if it wasn’t.

The country’s best World Cup performance came in 2006, when Ecuador reached the Round of 16 for the first time. They advanced from the group stage after victories over Poland and Costa Rica before finishing second behind host nation Germany following a defeat in the final group match.

Their memorable run ended against England in the Round of 16. Ecuador produced a disciplined performance but were eliminated 1-0 after David Beckham scored the winning goal from a free kick in the 60th minute.

Their other participations

In their other appearances before 2026, Ecuador were unable to reach the knockout stage. On their World Cup debut in 2002, they finished fourth in a group with Italy, Mexico and Croatia, although they closed the tournament with a memorable victory over Croatia.

In 2014, Ecuador again fell short after finishing third behind France and Switzerland with four points. Their only victory came against Honduras, with Enner Valencia playing a starring role.

In 2022 they narrowly missed out in a disappointing way after beating Qatar and drawing with the Netherlands before a decisive 2-1 defeat to Senegal in their final group match.

The 2026 campaign

This campaign has already brought Ecuador close to matching their best World Cup run. The expanded tournament format allowed the best third-placed teams to advance, and Ecuador took advantage after recovering from a loss to Ivory Coast and a draw with Curaçao by defeating Germany to finish third and reach the Round of 32.

Despite this being the biggest match of Mexico‘s tournament so far, Aguirre has opted to go in a different direction with his captain from kickoff. Taking his place is Cesar Montes, who slots in alongside Johan Vasquez at the heart of the defense.

The call isn’t tied to fitness or any disciplinary issue — Alvarez is fully healthy and has no suspension hanging over him, but Aguirre preferred to go back to the same central defensive pairing he used in the opener against South Africa, where Montes was sent off and missed the following match.

Alvarez took his place in Matchday 2 against South Korea, and played alongside Montes in the final group game against Czechia. But for this crucial game against Ecuador, Aguirre is going back to his preferred pairing, with Montes and Vasquez forming the central defense together once again.

Mexico looking for a spot in the Round of 16

Mexico are hoping to make the most of home advantage and will look for a win in front of their own fans to keep playing on home soil. Should they beat Ecuador, Mexico would play at Mexico City Stadium against the winner of England and DR Congo, who meet in Atlanta in their own Round of 32 tie.

Playing as hosts has historically suited Mexico well, as their best World Cup campaigns came when they hosted the tournament in 1970 and 1986, reaching the quarterfinals on both occasions. This year they’ll look to set a new mark, having gotten off to a strong start by winning all of their group-stage matches without conceding a single goal.

Ecuador are currently 24th in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,592.59 points. That is one place lower than in the June 11 update, despite recovering from a defeat to Ivory Coast and a draw with Curaçao by beating Germany to qualify for the knockout stage.

After finishing third in Group E, Ecuador went from being on the brink of elimination to becoming a confident side capable of challenging a team that won all three of its group-stage matches.

Mexico’s ranking

Mexico have enjoyed an excellent tournament so far, winning all three group-stage matches against South Africa, South Korea and Czechia to finish top of Group A and earn a home knockout match against Ecuador.

They are currently ninth in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,736.01 points. That is five places higher than in the June 11 update after their perfect group-stage campaign.

Mexico have spent long periods among the world’s top national teams. Their highest ranking was fourth in 1998, while their lowest position came in 2015, when they dropped to 40th.

Ecuador’s highest ranking

Ecuador have also reached impressive heights in the FIFA World Ranking. Their highest-ever position was 10th in 2013, while their lowest ranking was 76th in 1995.

Jimenez has been included in the starting XI against Ecuador. Head coach Javier Aguirre made the tactical decision to rest the Fulham striker on the substitutes’ bench during the final group-stage match against Czechia, as Mexico had already locked up the top spot in the group. Now fully fresh and fit, Jimenez will make his highly anticipated return to the lineup.

El Tri enters the knockout stage on the heels of a flawless group-stage campaign, distinguishing themselves as the only team in the entire tournament to not concede a single goal during the opening round. A clinical 2-0 victory over South Africa set the tone before a gritty 1-0 win over South Korea, which allowed Aguirre to heavily rotate his squad as Mexico cruised past Czechia 3-0 to complete a perfect start.

Conversely, Ecuador arrives in the Round of 32 after securing a dramatic knockout berth as a third-place qualifier out of Group E. A tough 1-0 defeat to the Ivory Coast and a frustrating scoreless draw against Curaxao left La Tri‘s tournament hopes hanging by a thread, but a historic 2-1 upset over Germany punched their ticket to the knockouts, providing a massive morale boost they hope to ride all the way.

Mexico and Ecuador clash after a heated night at the team hotel

In a fiery matchup between two Latin American rivals, Ecuador’s arrival in Mexico City was met with a hostile reception from the locals. On Monday night, June 29th, a large group of passionate Mexican supporters swarmed the hotel where the Ecuadorian national team was staying, setting off a barrage of loud fireworks, aggressive chants, musical serenades, and car horns in a deliberate attempt to disrupt the players’ sleep, with video clips of the scene quickly going viral on social media.

On Tuesday morning, the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) quickly fired back, releasing an official statement condemning the “unsporting actions” ahead of the match. “Regarding certain off-the-pitch actions that occurred in the buildup to the Round of 32 match, the Ecuadorian Football Federation informs that it has sent a formal complaint to the organization, as this behavior is a far cry from the principles of fair play, equality, and unity that a football World Cup should represent,” part of the statement read.

Confirmed lineups for Mexico and Ecuador

Mexico’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Raul Rangel; Jorge Sanchez, Johan Vasquez, Cesar Montes, Jesus Gallardo; Gilberto Mora, Erik Lira, Luis Romo; Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez; Julian Quiñones.
Head coach: Javier Aguirre.

Ecuador’s confirmed lineup (4-4-2): Hernan Galindez; Alan Franco, Joel Ordoñez, William Pacho, Piero Hincapie; John Yeboah, Pedro Vite, Moises Caicedo, Nilson Angulo; Gonzalo Plata, Enner Valencia.
Head coach: Sebastian Beccacece.

The match between Paraguay and France is scheduled for July 4, just one day after the Round of 32 concludes. While France may enter as the favorite, Germany’s elimination showed that no team can afford to underestimate its opponent.

Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET at Philadelphia Stadium, one of the tournament’s largest venues with a capacity of 67,593. The stadium should see another packed crowd as Paraguay attempt to continue their remarkable run against a great team.

Their previous match

The two teams reached this stage in very different ways. While the tournament has already produced several surprises, including Cape Verde’s draw against Spain, Paraguay and France booked their places in the Round of 16 with contrasting performances.

Paraguay’s victory was filled with tension. Germany came from behind to level the match at 1-1, had a goal disallowed in extra time, and Paraguay missed two penalties that could have sealed the shootout before finally advancing.

France, meanwhile, had a much more comfortable path. They showcased their attacking quality throughout the match against Sweden, securing a 3-0 victory to book their place in the Round of 16 with an impressive all-around performance.

A famous antecedent

These teams have produced two memorable meetings. The first came at the 1958 World Cup, when Paraguay led 3-2 before France mounted a comeback to win 7-3. They met again in the Round of 16 in 1998, where eventual champions France needed a 114th-minute golden goal from Laurent Blanc to eliminate Paraguay.

The France captain’s brace marked his tenth goal in a World Cup knockout match, leaving behind a three-way tie with Brazilian greats Leonidas and Ronaldo, who had each scored eight.

It was also Mbappe’s 18th World Cup goal overall, moving him past Miroslav Klose and into outright second place on the all-time World Cup scoring list, behind only Lionel Messi, who currently leads with 19.

How Mbappe’s record stacks up against Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

The number puts real distance between Mbappe and the two players most often compared to him. Lionel Messi, despite playing in 12 World Cup knockout matches across six tournaments, has scored five knockout goals — five fewer than Mbappe, who has needed just eight elimination games to reach ten.

The gap with Cristiano Ronaldo is even more striking. Across 22 World Cup matches and six tournaments, the Portuguese forward has never scored in a knockout match, going scoreless in all six of the elimination games he’s played. Mbappe now has more knockout goals on his own than Messi and Ronaldo have combined.

Breaking down Mbappe’s record

Mbappe’s knockout pedigree dates back to his very first World Cup. As a 19-year-old in 2018, he scored a brace in France’s thrilling 4-3 Round of 16 win over Argentina before adding the winning goal in the final against Croatia, becoming only the second teenager in history to score in a World Cup final, after Pele in 1958.

He doubled down on that reputation in Qatar four years later, scoring in the Round of 16 against Poland before producing a hat trick in the final against Argentina — the first hat trick in a World Cup final since Geoff Hurst in 1966 — even though France ultimately lost the match on penalties.

In a recent interview with Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Yamal was asked whether he would like to share the pitch with Alvarez at the Camp Nou, and the teenager left the door wide open for the Argentine star: “Right now I’m not thinking about it much, but I hope so, because he is a great player. If he comes, we will welcome him with open arms because he will be coming to the best club in the world, to the best fanbase in the world, and to the best city in the world for me.“

While the financial finer points remain up in the air with the World Cup still taking center stage, Yamal made sure his personal message to Alvarez was crystal clear. “If I were him, I would do it. We are waiting for him if he wants to come. Come on over,” the 18-year-old concluded.

With Robert Lewandowski recently departing Barcelona as a free agent to sign with the MLS side Chicago Fire, a massive vacancy has opened up for a world-class No. 9 in Catalonia. Alvarez has been a top target for sporting director Deco for several seasons, and the club views the combination of their vacant striking role and the player’s desire for a change of scenery as the perfect storm to finalize a deal.

Following Argentina’s recent victory against Austria, Alvarez himself was quite vocal about the mounting transfer speculation. “I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about this, but I can’t hide or pretend otherwise either. I try to be an honest person. I spoke with the people at the club, with those I needed to talk to. I think a transfer is best for everyone, and I want to fulfill my dream,” he stated.

Though he has refrained from naming Barcelona outright, the Catalan giants have been his lifelong dream destination, a passion heavily influenced by his childhood idol, Lionel Messi. While Atletico Madrid remains highly reluctant to sell their prized asset for anything less than his staggering 500 million euro release clause, the striker’s firm stance and the heavy recruitment from Barcelona figures like Yamal could alter the landscape in the weeks ahead.

Atletico Madrid files official complaint to FIFA against Barcelona

The transfer market bad blood between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid has boiled over multiple times recently, to the point where Los Colchoneros even mocked the media speculation by trolling fans with a Photoshopped image of Yamal in an Atletico jersey. However, as the rumors surrounding Álvarez continue to intensify, the capital city club has taken definitive legal action.

In an official statement given to the Spanish news agency EFE, Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin confirmed the legal escalation: “Our responsibility is to defend the interests of Atlético de Madrid, and that is why we are going to file a complaint with FIFA against Barcelona for negotiating with a player who has an active contract during the protected period.“

Paqueta was forced off at halftime in Houston after picking up the issue during the first half against Japan, and scans the following day confirmed the worst for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

In an official statement, the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) said: “Paqueta underwent scans on Tuesday that confirmed a muscle injury to the back of his left thigh. The player will undergo an intensive treatment programme under the supervision of the national team’s medical staff, with the aim of recovering and returning to action as soon as possible”.

While the CBF did not provide a recovery timeline, the midfielder will follow an intensive treatment protocol with the goal of completing his recovery as soon as possible. However, the outlook isn’t especially encouraging — even the mildest grade of muscle tears typically require two to three weeks of recovery.

With Paqueta now sidelined, Ancelotti faces a decision: shift another midfielder or open a spot in the side for Neymar, who could fill the void in that position and has been building up his minutes step by step heading into the latter stages of the tournament.

Neymar’s road back: from the bench to a possible start

Neymar’s path to the 2026 World Cup has been anything but smooth. The 34-year-old, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, suffered a Grade II muscle injury to his right calf while playing for Santos, just one day before Ancelotti named him in his 26-man squad.

The injury kept him out of Brazil’s first two group games, a 1-1 draw with Morocco and a 3-0 win over Haiti, and marked an extension of an absence that had already stretched back to October 2023, when Neymar tore his ACL playing for Brazil against Uruguay. By the time he was passed fit to feature against Scotland, he hadn’t played a competitive minute for the national team in 980 days.

Neymar made his tournament debut off the bench in that Scotland match, coming on in the 76th minute and playing roughly 14 minutes. He remained in a substitute role for the Round of 32 win over Japan, where he didn’t end up coming on, though Ancelotti explained the idea had been to use him in extra time had the match gone there.

When do Brazil play next?

Brazil’s Round of 16 match against Norway is set for July 5 at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Norway booked their spot in the next round with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in the Round of 32, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal late on.

Listen to the full tactical breakdown on Spotify to see who survives the carnage.

The most stunning headline of the day came from Boston, where Paraguay pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament by eliminating four-time champions Germany. After grinding out a 1-1 draw through extra time, the match went to a tense penalty shootout. Highlighting the dramatic conclusion, German penalty specialist Kai Havertz missed his opening spot-kick, and goalkeeper Orlando Gill made critical stops to hand Germany its first World Cup shootout loss in history, sealed by José Canale’s sudden-death winner.

The penalty shootout misery spread to the Netherlands as well. The Dutch fell victim to a highly organized Moroccan side, bowing out in a dramatic shootout following a scoreless stalemate. The result marks the earliest World Cup exit in Dutch football history, while Morocco locks in a highly anticipated Round of 16 date.

The only favorite to survive the day’s slate was Brazil, though they had to fight through pure anxiety against Japan. The Samurai Blue took a shock first-half lead through Kaishū Sano before Casemiro found a second-half equalizer. Just as the match seemed destined for extra time, substitute Gabriel Martinelli popped up in the 96th minute to slide home a dramatic, breathtaking match-winner to rescue a -1 victory for the Seleção.

You can stream the entire daily overview right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Recap on Spotify to see how the Round of 16 bracket is shaping up after a historic day of giant-killings.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to hear the complete knockout breakdown.

The program leads with a deep tactical analysis of Canada’s hard-fought Round of 32 triumph over South Africa. Jesse Marsch’s side put together an incredibly resilient defensive performance, managing key moments under intense pressure to punch their ticket to the historic Round of 16.

The hosts highlight the standout performers who kept the clean sheet intact and discuss what this defensive stability means for Canada’s long-term tournament ambitions.

You can stream the entire daily breakdown right now. Check out The 90th Minute on Spotify to get the latest match reactions, predictions, and complete coverage of the road to the final.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Mexico are ranked 9th place with 1736.01 points. Having secured three consecutive victories, they have escalated five positions compared to the start of the tournament. In recent years, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing compared to their 40th position in July 2015. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 4th in May of 2006.

With their solid performances, Mexico have a privileged spot in the ranking than their opponents, Ecuador. Despite coming off a win over Germany, they have dropped one place in the rankings and now sit 24th with 1,592.59 points. With this in mind, Javier Aguirre’s team remain the top contenders to reach the Round of 16. To do so, they will need to produce their best attacking performance, as they are facing a solid defense.

Unlike their opponents in the group stage, Javier Aguirre’s team will face one of the best defenses at the 2026 World Cup. Despite not standing out in front of goal, Ecuador have one of the tournament’s most compact teams. Sebastián Beccacece has built a solid defensive unit with Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapié, and Joel Ordóñez. In addition, they can take advantage of their pace on the wings to create danger, looking for Gonzalo Plata or Kevin Rodríguez up front.

Julian Quiñones is Mexico’s scoring hope against Ecuador

Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Mexico have excelled in attack, competing head-to-head against all of their opponents. Because of this, they remain the clear favorites to defeat Ecuador, having advanced through the group stage without conceding a single goal. Although they do not have strikers in top form, Julián Quiñones remains one of the team’s leading goalscorers and is expected to be Javier Aguirre’s biggest hope.

With his outstanding dribbling ability and pace, Julián Quiñones has consistently found space in opposition defenses. With Raúl Jiménez occupying opposing defenders, he has become Mexico’s top scorer with two goals. Facing Ecuador’s solid defense, the 29-year-old star is the team’s biggest hope to lead them to victory. To achieve that, the quiet work of Raúl Jiménez and Roberto Alvarado will be crucial, as they draw defenders away to give him space to finish calmly.

As Mexico’s top scorer, Julián Quiñones could be marked by Ecuador with two defenders in an attempt to limit his impact. In that case, he would become the key player in creating space for Raúl Jiménez, who would face the pressure of being clinical in front of goal. Therefore, the 29-year-old star remains Javier Aguirre’s most decisive player in their pursuit of a place in the Round of 16.

Match Overview

Mexico and Ecuador meet in a win-or-go-home Round of 16 showdown with a place in the next stage on the line. El Tri enters in top form after winning all three group-stage matches to finish first.

Ecuador, on the other hand, advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-place teams by rebounding from a draw against Curaçao with a key victory over Germany. The matchup also adds another chapter to Mexico’s growing rivalry with CONMEBOL opposition.

The current tournament, co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, marks the 13th time Sweden has qualified for the sport’s premier showcase. This means that across the 23 total editions of the tournament (including this year’s event), the European nation has failed to qualify ten times, notably sitting out the 2010 tournament in South Africa, the 2014 edition in Brazil, and the 2022 iteration in Qatar during the current century.

So far in the 2026 World Cup, Sweden has looked highly volatile, pairing soaring highs with devastating lows. After kicking off the tournament with a comprehensive 5-1 blowout victory against Tunisia, the Netherlands dismantled the Blue and Yellow by that exact same scoreline, forcing Sweden to secure a knockout berth as a third-place qualifier following a gritty 1-1 draw with Japan.

Sweden’s best World Cup campaigns

While they are rarely discussed in the same breath as Europe’s absolute traditional powerhouses, Sweden has historically punched well above its weight on the global stage. Their deepest run came during the 1958 tournament, when Sweden finished as the World Cup runners-up, taking home the silver medal and coming agonizingly close to securing the sport’s most coveted silverware.

In that unforgettable year, Sweden served as the tournament host, utilizing home-field advantage to put together the greatest team performance in national history. After eliminating the Soviet Union and West Germany in the knockout rounds, they squared off against Brazil at Rasunda Stadium in Stockholm, where a 17-year-old Pele scored twice in a 5-2 Brazilian victory to claim the title.

While that 1958 masterclass remains Sweden’s lone appearance in a World Cup final, the nation has knocked on the door of the championship match on other occasions. They reached the semifinals in both 1938 and 1994, falling to Hungary and Brazil respectively, which forced them into the third-place match rather than the final.

Consequently, the European side holds two official third-place finishes, one obtained in 1950 (when the tournament featured a final round-robin group rather than standard knockout matches) and another in 1994. In that 1994 tournament, also hosted by the United States, they dismantled Bulgaria 4-0 to secure the bronze, a high-water mark they are eager to chase down now that they are back in North America.

Sweden’s overall World Cup record

Sweden has competed in 13 World Cups throughout its history, managing to finish among the top four teams on three separate occasions. This historical consistency has allowed them to climb to 11th place on the tournament’s all-time points leaderboard, having accumulated 70 points over the years.

Excluding their current 2026 campaign, Sweden has played in 51 total World Cup matches, securing 19 victories, grinding out 13 draws, and suffering 19 defeats, creating one of the most perfectly balanced historical records in international soccer.

Doue will begin the match on the substitutes’ bench due to a tactical decision by head coach Didier Deschamps. The Paris Saint-Germain winger has been in excellent form and is not dealing with any injury or physical discomfort; rather, the French manager has simply opted for a different strategic approach, leaving the dynamic wide player out of the opening XI.

In fact, Deschamps chose to completely revamp what many expected to be his starting left flank. While Theo Hernandez and Doue handled the heavy lifting against Senegal and Norway in France’s toughest group-stage fixtures, Deschamps instead deployed Lucas Digne and Bradley Barcola on the left side, a duo that previously paired up during a more comfortable group match against Iraq.

As a result of the shuffle, France’s frontline will feature Barcola and Ousmane Dembele out wide on the wings. Michael Olise will pull the strings as the central playmaker directly behind the primary striker, a focal point role that superstar Kylian Mbappe has anchored throughout the competition.

Doue has emerged as one of the premier young talents in France over the last few years, playing a pivotal role in PSG’s deep UEFA Champions League runs to earn a coveted spot in this star-studded national team. After contributing to France’s 2025 UEFA Nations League Final Four campaign, he started against both Senegal and Norway, opening his tournament account against the latter by scoring his first career World Cup goal in a 4-1 rout.

France managing injuries ahead of knockout push

After grinding out a tough win over Senegal in their tournament opener, France quickly transformed into an absolute juggernaut, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Iraq and a commanding 4-1 blowout of Erling Haaland’s Norway. Les Bleus head into the single-elimination stage in blistering form, though the coaching staff is still forced to manage a handful of lingering fitness concerns.

For Tuesday’s clash against Sweden, forward Marcus Thuram is highly unlikely to feature as he continues to nurse a stubborn calf injury. Meanwhile, as first reported by RMC Sport, veteran midfielder N’Golo Kante has been dealing with a persistent knee issue, which has notoriously prevented the 2018 World Cup champion from making his debut in this year’s tournament.

France are currently second in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,906.84 points. That is one place higher than in the June 11 update after overtaking Spain, with victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway helping them move up the standings.

After winning all three group-stage matches, France will look to carry that momentum into the knockout rounds. Argentina are the only team ranked above them in the latest FIFA update.

Sweden’s ranking

As winners of Group I, France were paired with one of the eight best third-placed teams to advance from the expanded group stage. That team turned out to be Sweden.

Sweden have experienced both highs and lows in the FIFA World Ranking over the years. Their highest position came in 1994, when they reached second place, while their lowest ranking was 45th in 2017.

Sweden are currently 37th in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,525.58 points after climbing one place from the June 11 update. A win over Tunisia, a draw against Japan and a loss to the Netherlands were enough to secure a place in the knockout stage.

France’s highest ranking

France have consistently been among the world’s top national teams throughout their history. Their highest position came when they reached first place, most recently on April 1 this year, while their lowest ranking was 27th in 2010.

Sweden sit at No. 37 in the latest FIFA World Rankings, more than 380 points behind the side they’re about to face. Sweden’s group stage was a mixed bag — they opened with a 5-1 win over Tunisia, were then thumped 5-1 by the Netherlands, and closed things out with a 1-1 draw against Japan.

That haul of four points was just enough to sneak Graham Potter’s men through as one of the eight strongest third-place teams, with goal difference playing a major role in keeping their World Cup alive.

Awaiting them is a France side ranked all the way up at No. 2, and arriving with the tournament’s most fearsome attack on display. Didier Deschamps’ group made light work of Group I, opening with a 3-1 win over Senegal, following it with a 3-0 victory against Iraq, and rounding things off with a 4-1 demolition of Norway to finish with a perfect record.

Sweden looking to make the most of a tough draw

France are the clear favorites to advance in this matchup, though they’ll need to be wary of Sweden’s Premier League-stocked front line. Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak, and Anthony Elanga have combined for four of Sweden’s seven goals at the tournament so far.

Sweden will look to pull off a major upset at the New York New Jersey Stadium to book a place in the Round of 16, where Paraguay await after eliminating Germany on penalties.

France, meanwhile, arrive as one of the favorites to lift the trophy, powered by Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, who have combined for eight of their side’s group-stage goals.

It will be the first-ever World Cup meeting between the two nations, with France holding a commanding edge in their broader head-to-head history, having won 12 of their meetings to Sweden’s six victories, with five draws.

El Tri have emerged as one of the strongest performers of the tournament so far, finishing Group A with an impeccable record. Javier Aguirre’s side collected three wins from three matches, scored six goals, and conceded zero, becoming the first Mexico team to complete a World Cup group stage without dropping points.

They started the tournament with a 2-0 victory over South Africa before following it with a narrow 1-0 win against South Korea. The final group match showed their confidence and depth as Mexico defeated Czechia 3-0 despite making several lineup changes.

The results have created excitement among supporters, especially because Mexico is playing on home soil. The atmosphere at the Mexico City Stadium has become a major advantage, with thousands of fans expecting Aguirre’s team to finally break past the last 16 barrier that has haunted the national team for decades.

Ecuador arrives after shocking Germany

Ecuador’s journey has been far more complicated. Sebastian Beccacece and his players struggled early in Group E, suffering a 1-0 defeat against Ivory Coast before drawing 0-0 with Curacao despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances.

Their World Cup survival depended on the final group match against Germany, where Ecuador produced one of the biggest results of the tournament. After falling behind, Ecuador fought back to win 2-1 and secure qualification as one of the best third-placed teams. The victory gave Ecuador the belief that they can compete against even the strongest opponents.

What happens if Mexico wins and Ecuador loses?

A Mexico victory sends El Tri directly into the Round of 16 and continues their historic home World Cup campaign. The national team would keep alive hopes of reaching the famous “fifth game,” the quarter-final stage that Mexico has not reached since the 1986 World Cup.

Mexico would also remain at the Mexico City Stadium for the next knockout match, where the home crowd could play another important role. Their opponent would be the winner of the Round of 32 clash between England and DR Congo. A win would transform the pressure surrounding Aguirre’s team into genuine belief that this generation can achieve something special.

What happens if Ecuador wins and Mexico loses?

An Ecuador victory would create one of the biggest shocks of the tournament. La Tri would eliminate the co-host nation and move into the Round of 16, replacing Mexico in the bracket.

Ecuador would face the winner of England vs DR Congo in the next round and continue a tournament run that already includes a major upset against Germany. For Mexico, defeat would bring another painful early knockout exit and extend the wait for a historic quarter-final appearance.

What happens if Mexico and Ecuador draw?

A draw after 90 minutes would not decide the match because this is a knockout fixture. Unlike the group stage, there are no points or standings involved, meaning the clash must eventually produce a winner. If the score remains level after extra time, the match will go to a penalty shootout.

The winner of that shootout advances to face the winner of England vs DR Congo. The possibility of penalties adds another layer of drama, especially for Mexico, which is trying to overcome its long history of knockout-stage disappointment.

Even though Carlo Ancelotti’s team secured their place in the Round of 16, they struggled to defeat Japan. After losing control in the first half, they took over in the second half by relying on crosses into the box. Against Norway, they may not have the same opportunity, as their opponents are also strong in the air and have a solid defense. For that reason, they may need to reshape their tactical approach.

As they have done throughout the 2026 World Cup, Norway could implement a fairly conservative approach, dropping deep to leave very little space for Brazil. In response, they could look to attack on the counter, with Antonio Nusa playing a key role in breaking forward through quick transitions. Erling Haaland will have plenty of room to exploit his greatest strength: Breaking quickly and attacking space, making Martin Ødegaard’s vision crucial.

When and at what time will Brazil vs. Norway be played?

Brazil will face Norway in the Round of 16 on Sunday, July 5, at 4:00 PM EST. It will be the third match of the round, following Paraguay vs France or Sweden and Canada vs Morocco. Nevertheless, the pressure is on Carlo Ancelotti’s team, who are considered top contenders. Moreover, they have a stellar roster that imposes them as favorites to secure their quarterfinals.

Ståle Solbakken’s team arrive as the surprise package, having secured their Round of 16 for the first time in 28 years. With just a promising team, they are only looking to make history, not having any pressure to be top contenders. Moreover, both sides will have enough time to prepare the game.

Which stadium will host Brazil vs. Norway?

New York/New Jersey Stadium, also known as MetLife Stadium, will host the match between Brazil and Norway. With a capacity of 82,500 spectators, this venue is one of the largest in the tournament. After hosting Super Bowl XLVIII, WrestleMania 29, and WrestleMania 35, this stadium has become a regular venue for world-class events.

For Haaland, this World Cup represents his first appearance on soccer’s biggest stage. Despite his lack of previous World Cup experience, the Manchester City striker had immediately shown why he is considered one of the most dangerous forwards in the world.

Norway had already impressed in Group I, finishing second behind France and securing qualification. The Manchester City star scored twice in two of the group stage matches, becoming one of the biggest stories of the tournament while helping Norway reach the knockout stage for the first time since 1998.

Haaland reaches another historic milestone for Norway

Against the Ivory Coast, Haaland once again showed why he has become the face of Norwegian soccer. The striker scored his 60th goal for Norway in only his 53rd appearance, reaching a landmark that highlights one of the greatest international scoring rates in modern soccer.

Before the match, Haaland already held Norway’s all-time goalscoring record. He had scored 59 goals in 52 matches, breaking the previous national record of 33 goals that had stood for 92 years.

His scoring numbers are extraordinary. Haaland has maintained a rate of more than one goal per game for Norway, becoming one of the most productive international players of his generation.

The forward’s consistency has been remarkable. Before facing the Elephants, he had scored in 12 consecutive competitive matches for Norway and found the net in 18 of his previous 21 competitive appearances for the national team.

Golden Boot race full of legends

Haaland’s goal against the Ivory Coast is his fifth at the tournament, and it has put him close to the top of the World Cup scoring charts. His battle with Mbappe has become one of the defining individual stories of the tournament.

Both players are chasing Messi’s six-goal lead, while also trying to guide their national teams toward a deep tournament run. Their rivalry represents the next era of soccer’s greatest attacking talents.

Match Overview

France and Sweden meet in one of the standout matchups of the World Cup knockout stage, with a place in the next round at stake. Led by Kylian Mbappe, Les Bleus cruised through the group stage and enter as one of the tournament favorites.

Sweden opened with a win over Tunisia but was humbled 5-1 by the Netherlands, though the Swedes remain confident their attack can trouble the two-time champions. With elimination on the line, this is a World Cup clash you won’t want to miss.

Ivory Coast and Norway meet at AT&T Stadium with both nations chasing their first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout match. While Norway arrives with Erling Haaland leading a dangerous attack, Ivory Coast hopes its talented squad can continue a historic campaign after finally escaping the group stage.

The match represents a major milestone for Ivory Coast. The national team reached the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time after finishing second in Group E behind Germany.

The Elephants collected six points during the group stage with victories over Ecuador and Curacao, while their only defeat came against Germany in a narrow 2-1 loss. That achievement ended years of frustration after Ivory Coast previously exited in the group stage during all three of its earlier World Cup appearances.

Coach Emerse Fae has built a team based on defensive discipline, attacking transitions, and a wide range of offensive options. The national team has shown that goals can come from different players, making selection decisions difficult even during the biggest matches.

The Amad Diallo decision surprises fans

The biggest lineup discussion before kickoff focused on Amad Diallo. The Manchester United winger was expected by many supporters to start after making a strong impact during Ivory Coast’s group-stage campaign.

However, Diallo was named among the substitutes for the Round of 32 clash against Norway, with Fae choosing Nicolas Pepe, Yan Diomande, and Yohan-Ange Bonny as the attacking options in the starting XI. The decision was not linked to an injury or fitness issue. Instead, it came down to tactical choices and Ivory Coast’s attacking depth.

Diallo had already shown his importance earlier in the tournament. After beginning as a substitute against Ecuador, he came off the bench and scored a dramatic late winner, proving he could change games when introduced.

Why Amad Diallo is starting from the bench

Ivory Coast’s attacking competition is one of the main reasons behind Diallo’s absence from the starting lineup. The national team has several dangerous players capable of creating chances, allowing Fae to use different approaches depending on the opponent.

Nicolas Pepe enters the Norway match in excellent form after scoring twice against Curacao. Yan Diomande had also become one of the biggest breakout stars of the tournament, using his speed and creativity to cause problems for opposing defenses.

Because of that, Diallo has been viewed as a powerful impact option rather than an automatic starter. His ability to attack tired defenders, carry the ball forward, and create moments late in matches gives Ivory Coast another weapon from the bench.

The tactical idea is clear: start with a balanced attacking structure and introduce Diallo when spaces appear. Against Norway’s physical defenders, his pace and dribbling could become even more dangerous in the second half.

Norway’s history at the World Cup has been short but memorable. The national team has qualified for the tournament only four times: 1938, 1994, 1998, and 2026.

The first appearance came in the 1938 World Cup in France. At that time, the tournament used a straight knockout format, and Norway faced eventual champions Italy in the opening round. The match finished 1-1 after normal time, but Italy eventually won 2-1 after extra time, ending Norway’s campaign immediately.

The 1994 World Cup in the United States brought one of the most unusual eliminations in tournament history. Norway defeated Mexico 1-0 but failed to reach the knockout stage because all four teams in their group finished level on points. The deciding factor was goals scored, leaving Norway painfully eliminated.

Four years later, Norway produced its most famous World Cup moment. During the 1998 tournament in France, the national team shocked defending champions Brazil with a dramatic 2-1 victory in the group stage. That result helped the country reach the knockout stage for the first time. However, the journey ended in the Round of 16 after a narrow 1-0 defeat against Italy.

Norway finally returns after 28-year wait

The 2026 World Cup marked Norway’s first appearance since 1998 and represented a major achievement for coach Stale Solbakken. After years of disappointment in qualifying campaigns, Solbakken finally built a team capable of competing at the highest level.

Norway dominated European qualifying extraordinarily. The national team won all eight qualifying matches, scored 37 goals, and conceded only five.

The attacking numbers have been historic, with Erling Haaland leading the way. The Manchester City striker scored 16 goals during qualifying, matching the record for most goals by a player in a World Cup qualifying campaign.

Norway’s best World Cup finish

Norway’s best World Cup result is reaching the Round of 16 in both 1938 and 1998. The national team has never progressed beyond that stage.

In the 2026 World Cup, Norway reached the knockout phase again by advancing to the Round of 32, marking another historic achievement after their long absence.

Although the team entered the tournament with ambitions of making a deep run, reaching the knockout stage already represents a major step forward.

The national team’s journey has also produced a unique World Cup record. Norway remains one of the few teams to have faced Brazil multiple times without losing, earning victories and draws against one of soccer’s greatest powers.

The national team arrived at the 2026 World Cup after a long absence from global competition and with a squad that combines experienced leaders with exciting young talent. After years of falling short despite producing legendary players, Ivory Coast entered the tournament determined to finally break through.

Before this tournament, Ivory Coast had qualified for three previous World Cups: 2006, 2010, and 2014. Despite having some of Africa’s most talented players, the national team was eliminated in the group stage every time. The 2006 tournament marked Ivory Coast’s first appearance on soccer’s biggest stage.

Led by Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, and a golden generation of players, the Elephants were placed in a difficult group with Argentina and the Netherlands and were unable to reach the knockout rounds. Then, four years later in South Africa, Ivory Coast again faced a challenging group featuring Brazil and Portugal.

The national team earned four points and recorded a memorable 3-0 victory over North Korea, but it was still not enough to advance. The 2014 World Cup in Brazil produced the most painful exit. Ivory Coast needed only a draw against Greece in their final group match, but a late penalty ended their hopes and sent the Elephants home once again.

The breakthrough finally arrives in 2026

Despite those disappointments, Ivory Coast achieved a unique record before 2026. The national team had won at least one match in every World Cup tournament it had qualified for, showing consistent competitiveness even without progressing further.

The 2026 World Cup changed everything for Ivory Coast. Under coach Emerse Fae, the national team finally achieved the milestone that previous generations could not reach.

Ivory Coast advanced beyond the group stage for the first time in its history, reaching the Round of 32. The achievement ended a long wait for the Elephants, who had previously been unable to escape the first phase of the tournament.

The national team qualified after finishing second in Group E behind Germany. Ivory Coast collected six points thanks to victories over Ecuador and Curacao, while their only defeat came in a narrow 2-1 loss against Germany.

The campaign showed the balance that Fae has built. Ivory Coast remained defensively strong while relying on talented attackers to create moments in transition.

Ivory Coast’s best-ever World Cup finish

Before 2026, Ivory Coast’s best World Cup results were all group-stage appearances. The golden generation featuring Drogba came close, but never managed to reach the knockout rounds.

The Round of 32 appearance in the 2026 World Cup is officially the best finish in Ivory Coast’s World Cup history. It represents the first time the Elephants have moved beyond the group stage and created a new benchmark for future teams.

The achievement also places Ivory Coast among the African nations that have broken through on soccer’s biggest stage. The national team now has the opportunity to continue building its legacy and prove that this generation can achieve what previous stars could not.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Ivory Coast are ranked 31st place with 1,565.47 points. After their latest victory over Cape Verde, they have escalated two positions in the ranking. In recent years, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing compared to their 75th position in March-May of 2004. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 12th in February of 2003.

After several years without being able to regain their form, head coach Emerse Fae has managed to rebuild a very promising project with Ivory Coast. Despite this, they still remain behind their opponents in the FIFA Rankings. Ståle Solbakken’s team are ranked 23rd with 1,594.04 points, gaining several places compared to the start of the tournament. Nevertheless, Ivory Coast could spring an upset with a victory, shining on the counterattack.

Ivory Coast have proven to be one of the most solid teams defensively. Conceding only two goals in the group stage, they will look to limit Norway in every attacking aspect. In addition, they are capable of making very quick transitions, breaking efficiently on the counterattack. Facing an opponent that seeks to dominate possession, they need to be clinical with the few chances they create to score.

Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande set to shine vs Norway

Despite their solid group stage, Ivory Coast once again enter the match against Norway as the underdogs. Without being an offensive powerhouse, they need to be very solid defensively, containing Erling Haaland’s attacking threat. With this in mind, Emerse Fae’s team keep Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande as their main attacking options, both of whom could make the difference in the Round of 32 clash.

Ivory Coast base their attacking approach on counterattacks, so the transitions of Christopher Opéri and Guéla Doué at full-back are essential. If they can find Diallo and Diomande making runs into space, they can be decisive by dribbling and creating space to score. Although they are not the national team’s top scorers, they have created plenty of space for Nicolas Pépé and Franck Kessié, making them the team’s key attacking axis.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Norway are ranked 23rd place with 1594.04 points. They have escalated eight positions in the ranking despite their 4-1 loss to France. In recent years, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing compared to their 88th position in July 2017. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 2nd in July–August 1995.

Under Ståle Solbakken, Norway are enjoying one of the best periods in their recent history, with stars such as Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth, Martin Ødegaard, among others. In addition, they are ranked higher than their opponent, Ivory Coast, in the rankings. Emerse Fae’s team are ranked 31st with 1,565.47 points in the FIFA Rankings, climbing positions but still well behind their opponents.

Although Norway usually play an attacking, counterattacking style, they could adapt to dominate possession. Ivory Coast are a team that usually sit deep defensively, allowing their opponents to control the ball. Because of this, Martin Ødegaard and Fredrik Aursnes could be crucial, as they are capable of controlling the tempo of the game and finding the forwards in space. However, the wingers will be key to breaking down the opposition’s defense.

Haaland could face a pretty tough test against Ivory Coast

Throughout his career, Erling Haaland has proven to be one of the most prolific strikers in the world. However, he usually shines against opponents that leave space, allowing him to break quickly on the counter and take advantage of open areas. Unlike many of his previous opponents, Ivory Coast are a very well-organized defensive team that leave very little space. Therefore, he may not have his best match.

Without space to counterattack and facing a solid defense, Haaland would have to shine in tight spaces, something that is quite difficult for his style of play. Therefore, he would have to take advantage of his aerial ability to score and make the difference. In addition, Norway would have chances to attack into space by winning the ball during Ivory Coast’s counterattacks. If they manage to do so, he could make an enormous difference.

Match Overview

With a Round of 16 berth on the line, Ivory Coast and Norway square off in a win-or-go-home clash after strong group-stage performances. Ivory Coast enters as a confident underdog looking to pull off a major upset.

On the other hand, Norway, led by Erling Haaland, advanced despite a final group-stage loss to France and now aims to extend its World Cup run. Expect a tightly contested battle with everything at stake. Don’t miss this thrilling knockout matchup.

The Netherlands had broken through in the 71st minute, when Cody Gakpo finished off a rebound after a great assist from West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville.

But Morocco refused to fold, drawing level right as stoppage time began through a long ball that found Issa Diop, who rose highest to head it past Bart Verbruggen and force this Round of 32 tie into extra time.

Neither side could find a breakthrough across the additional 30 minutes, sending the match to penalties to decide who advances. After a dramatic penalty shootout, Ismael Saibari converted his spot kick to seal a 3-2 win and send his side through to the next round.

With the win, Mohamed Ouahbi’s men continue to build on the momentum of their historic run to the semifinals at Qatar 2022, proving once again that they remain one of the most dangerous teams left in the competition.

Morocco’s Round of 16 rival and venue

Morocco now know exactly where their journey continues: they will face Canada in the Round of 16 on July 4 at Houston Stadium, after the co-hosts edged past South Africa 1-0 courtesy of a late Stephen Eustaquio goal.

It will mark Canada’s first-ever appearance at this stage of a World Cup, where they’ll face a strong side looking to claim its first title after clinching fourth place in the last edition.

For the Netherlands, the heartbreaking shootout defeat brings their tournament to an end, closing the book on a campaign that included an emphatic 5-1 win over Sweden and top spot in Group F, even as Ronald Koeman’s men fall short of matching their runner-up finish from 2010.

The incident occurred during a corner kick, when van Hecke went down on his own near the box, putting him in the wrong place at the wrong time as a Moroccan player accidentally kicked him in the head.

The defender was left with a visible cut on his forehead, with blood quickly running down his face, in a clash that has been notably physical from the opening whistle.

Medical staff rushed onto the field to treat the wound, and van Hecke was eventually able to jog to the sideline under his own power before being cleared to continue the match.

Canada awaits the winner

Whoever comes through this physical encounter in Monterrey will not get much time to recover. The winner of the game between the Netherlands and Morocco is set to face Canada in the Round of 16 on July 4, at Houston Stadium, after the co-hosts edged past South Africa 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Stephen Eustaquio.

It would mark Canada’s first-ever appearance in that stage of a World Cup, where Jesse Marsch’s men will have a hard test from whichever side advances out of this Round of 32 battle.

Speaking to MagentaTV as a television pundit, Klopp reflected on the squad’s systemic issues and the agonizing defeat suffered at Houston Stadium: “There are 500,000 ways to win a football match. You just have to find one. There was only one goal, one dream, and it has burst. It was dramatic. We didn’t function.“

While Germany dominated the tempo and controlled 75% of the possession, Klopp pinpointed Die Mannschaft‘s recurring struggles to translate individual quality into clinical attacking production, noting that the team “created too little.” Out of Germany’s 21 total shots across 120 grueling minutes, only six found the target, with Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill standing tall to anchor the upset.

The Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull also highlighted the psychological weight of the match, pointing out that the immense pressure sat entirely on the European giants. “Paraguay had the opportunity to achieve something. Germany had the pressure to achieve something. Everyone in the stadium thought: Now they’re going to turn it around! But we didn’t. We let them off the hook,” Klopp said.

With 2026 likely marking the final World Cup cycle for several veteran mainstays like Manuel Neuer and Antonio Rudiger, Klopp emphasized that a complete overhaul is required at the foundational level: “We can talk about the DFB. We one hundred percent have to change a few things. We can start with the U10s and wait a few years to see what comes out at the top.“

Whether Klopp will be part of that eventual rebuilding process remains to be seen, as Nagelsmann firmly stated after the match that he has no intention of resigning from his post. With the former Liverpool boss locked into his corporate Red Bull role through 2029 and Nagelsmann’s managerial contract running through 2028, any immediate shakeup in the German dugout would require a heavy-handed intervention from the DFB board.

The disallowed goal to Tah, a bad call according to Klopp

The defining controversy of the Round of 32 clash came in extra time with Jonathan Tah’s disallowed goal. As the center-back rose to power home a header that would have given Germany a 2-1 lead in the 104th minute, VAR instructed referee Jalal Jayed to review a potential foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill, whose path was deemed obstructed by Waldemar Anton.

The minor interference was enough for the referee to waive off the goal, paving the way for Germany’s eventual shootout demise, a decision Klopp fiercely disputed: “If this goal is illegal, Arsenal won’t become English champions. We win the game if that goal stands. The referee made a clear mistake!“

Reactions across social media echoed Klopp’s frustration, frequently drawing comparisons to the physical nature of modern Premier League officiating. Former Germany international Ilkay Gundogan shared a similar sentiment online, pairing his frustration over the call with a dose of harsh self-criticism regarding the team’s flat performance on the pitch.

Scaloni opted to start Messi on the bench in the 3-1 win over Jordan, a decision made with qualification already secured, giving his captain some rest before bringing him on in the second half, where he went on to score the final goal.

With the knockout stage now upon them, there is little doubt that Messi will be back in the starting lineup, alongside players like Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister, who are all expected to keep their spots.

However, according to Argentine insider Gaston Edul of TyC Sports, Scaloni is still weighing three selection battles: Nicolas Otamendi or Cristian Romero at center back, Nicolas Tagliafico or Facundo Medina at left back, and Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez up front.

Breaking down Scaloni’s doubts

The uncertainty at center back stems from Romero picking up a knee issue during the Austria match, with Scaloni substituting him in the second half against Jordan for Otamendi as a precautionary measure.

However, reports indicate that the Tottenham defender has since trained fully alongside his teammates and is available for selection, meaning Scaloni could still hand him a starting spot if he sees fit.

At left back, Edul reports that Tagliafico has a strong chance of keeping his place after playing the full 90 minutes against Jordan, having missed the first two matches against Algeria and Austria due to a muscle strain.

Finally, the last selection battle appears to be tilting toward Martinez in the starting role up front. The Inter Milan striker is reportedly in better physical condition than Julian Alvarez, who arrived at the tournament carrying a left ankle issue.

Alvarez managed to log minutes in the first two matches before starting against Jordan, where he failed to make a significant impact, leaving the door open for Martinez to start in the XI.

Julio Enciso opened the scoring for Paraguay in the 43rd minute, filtering into the box to bury a sharp header off a well-placed cross from Matias Galarza. While Kai Havertz later answered with a header of his own to equalize for Germany, Die Mannschaft couldn’t find a regulation winner, ultimately falling in the ensuing shootout to seal their elimination.

The loss goes down as one of Germany‘s most bitter World Cup disappointments, marking their first elimination by a South American nation in over two decades. The last time the Germans were sent packing by a CONMEBOL team was the 2002 World Cup final in Yokohama, where Ronaldo Nazario scooped up the Golden Boot by scoring both goals in Brazil‘s 2-0 triumph.

Since that 2002 final, Germany’s World Cup exits had all come from European foes, falling in the semifinals to Italy in 2006 and Spain in 2010 before lifting the trophy against Argentina in 2014. While Die Mannschaft did endure humiliating, early first-round departures in both 2018 and 2022, those failures notoriously occurred during the group stage rather than the win-or-go-home knockout rounds.

In fact, Germany’s modern knockout record against South American opposition had been nearly flawless prior to Monday’s collapse. Before that 2002 defeat to Brazil, their last knockout-stage loss to a CONMEBOL nation also occurred on the grandest stage, the 1986 World Cup final, when they fell to Diego Maradona’s iconic Argentina squad.

South American teams prove to be Germany’s Kryptonite in 2026

Despite the lack of high-quality chances Paraguay generated throughout the match, Germany simply could not dismantle the defensive wall the South American side constructed. For a European powerhouse that spent years dominating the international landscape, CONMEBOL opponents have officially become a massive headache for Die Mannschaft this summer.

After opening the tournament with a 7-1 thrashing of Curacao and a 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast, Germany ran into a buzzsaw against Ecuador, dropping a 2-1 decision that marked their first-ever group-stage loss to a South American team. Now, by crashing out against Paraguay, the Germans have also seen a legendary streak snapped: since the modern Round of 16 format was introduced in 1986, Germany had never lost its opening match of the knockout stage.

The Netherlands cruised through Group F as winners, opening with a 2-2 draw against Japan before bouncing back with a 5-1 thrashing of Sweden and a 3-1 win over Tunisia.

Those results gave Ronald Koeman’s side seven points and top spot in the group. For this crucial game, Virgil van Dijk will start and continue captaining the side, having anchored the Dutch defense without missing a minute through the group stage.

Morocco, meanwhile, had to work harder for their place in the knockouts, finishing second in a brutal Group C behind Brazil. The Atlas Lions held the five-time champions to a 1-1 draw in their opener before beating Scotland 1-0 and Haiti 4-2, finishing on seven points but settling for second on goal difference.

For the decisive game, Achraf Hakimi will also start, having been one of Morocco’s most important attacking outlets from right-back throughout the group stage, with no fitness concerns reported.

Netherlands confirmed lineup

Ronald Koeman will once again deploy the same group that demolished Sweden and beat Tunisia to close out the group stage, with Brian Brobbey keeping his place as the focal point of the attack after scoring three goals in his last two starts.

Netherlands’ confirmed starting XI: Bart Verbruggen; Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Micky van de Ven; Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong; Crysencio Summerville, Brian Brobbey, Cody Gakpo.

Morocco confirmed lineup

Mohamed Ouahbi will make no changes to the group that beat Haiti to close out the group stage, with Ismael Saibari leading the line after scoring three goals already at this tournament.

Morocco’s confirmed starting XI: Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Noussair Mazraoui; Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui; Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss; Ismael Saibari.

In a match where Die Mannschaft stood as heavy pre-kickoff favorites, Paraguay broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute by forcing a high turnover, allowing Matias Galarza to deliver a pinpoint cross that Julio Enciso emphatically headed home. With Paraguay sitting deep to preserve the lead in the second half, Florian Wirtz unpicked the lock with a cross that Kai Havertz glancingly deflected with his head to level the score.

With regulation resolving in a stalemate, the match proceeded to extra time, where Germany‘s Jonathan Tah seemingly poked home a 2-1 winner, only for the goal to be disallowed due to a foul on Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill. In the ensuing high-stakes penalty shootout, Paraguay ultimately held their nerve to claim the monumental victory.

Paraguay’s next opponent

With their spot in the World Cup Round of 16 officially locked down, the South American underdogs will advance to face the winner of the blockbuster knockout clash between France and Sweden, who square off the following day. The Round of 16 matchup is scheduled for Saturday, July 4th at 5 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

France cruised into the knockout rounds on the back of a perfect group-stage campaign, topping their group with convincing victories over Senegal (3-1), Iraq (3-0), and Norway (4-1). Conversely, Sweden squeaked through as one of the tournament’s top third-place finishers, weathering an inconsistent 4-point group run that featured a 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia, a heavy 5-1 loss to the Netherlands, and a gritty 1-1 draw with Japan.

Sitting at No. 2 in the FIFA World Rankings, France enters the knockouts as a premier title favorite for the 2026 crown. Their terrifying frontline is spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, who have logged four goals apiece as Les Bleus launch their pursuit of a third consecutive World Cup final appearance.

Sweden, meanwhile, is navigating a transitional and inconsistent period under manager Graham Potter after qualifying via the grueling UEFA playoffs. Across his first nine matches at the helm, the Englishman has posted a balanced 3-3-3 record, with star strikers Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres still searching for their first goals of this World Cup, leaving Anthony Elanga to carry the torch as the squad’s primary attacking catalyst.

Japan managed to surprise Brazil in the first half. Without dominating possession, they were very dangerous, as they broke quickly on the counterattack.Because of this, Brazil were unable to recover control of the midfield, leaving plenty of space. Kaishu Sano scored an important goal to give Japan the lead in the first half. However, they were unable to maintain their intensity and were outplayed by their opponents in the second half.

After Carlo Ancelotti’s adjustments, Brazil regained control of the match in the second half. Constantly pressing their opponents, they wore them down physically, forcing them deep into their own penalty area. Taking advantage of Japan’s weakness in the air, they delivered a series of crosses that resulted in Casemiro’s equalizer. After that, the match changed completely, but it was Gabriel Martinelli who changed everything.

Recognizing their attacking superiority, Brazil decided to substitute Matheus Cunha to give the team more explosiveness with Gabriel Martinelli. After numerous attacks into the penalty area, Rayan recovered the ball in the opposition’s box and passed it to Bruno Guimarães. Efficiently, he then found Martinelli, who controlled the ball and finished across goal, scoring the winning goal in the final minute. With this, they secured their place in the Round of 16.

Despite numerous injuries, Morocco have remained one of the best teams at the 2026 World Cup. Playing an attacking style, they come into the match against the Netherlands as the underdogs. Led by Ismael Saibari and Brahim Díaz, they will look to break through the opposition’s high press and find the back of the net. However, Achraf Hakimi could be the difference-maker, making runs into space and exploiting the gaps behind the opposition’s defense.

Under Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands have emerged as one of the most attacking teams in the tournament. With a possession-based style of play, they create space in the opposition’s defense. To achieve this, Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey need to be highly clinical, as Morocco could capitalize on any counterattack to score. Because of this, Virgil van Dijk and Jan Paul van Hecke will need to deliver strong defensive performances.

What happens if Netherlands win over Morocco?

In case the Netherlands secure a victory over Morocco, they will immediately secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. With this, Ronald Koeman’s team would reaffirm their status as one of the top contenders. They would face Canada on July 4 at 1:00 PM EST at Houston Stadium. Nonetheless, Mohamed Ouahbi’s team would disappoint after finishing fourth in the previous edition.

What happens if Netherlands draw to Morocco?

If the Netherlands and Morocco draw after 90 minutes, they would have to determine the winner of the tie in extra time. Therefore, they would play two 15-minute periods. In case there is still no winner, the match would go to a penalty shootout, where the winner would be decided and would face Canada on July 4.

What happens if Netherlands lose to Morocco?

A defeat for the Netherlands against Japan would eliminate them immediately from the 2026 World Cup. With this, Ronald Koeman’s team would really disappoint fans. Meanwhile, Mohamed Ouahbi’s team would regain their status as one of the top contenders after the sudden changes that affected their consistency before the World Cup. Nonetheless, they would still have a long way to go to equal their Qatar 2022 performance.

The Atlas Lions sit at No.6 in the latest FIFA World Rankings, edging out their upcoming opponent by a single spot. Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad had to work for their place in the knockouts, opening Group C with a gritty 1-1 stalemate against Brazil before grinding out a 1-0 win over Scotland and finishing the job with a 4-2 victory against Haiti.

That tally of seven points was enough for second in the group, with only goal difference separating them from a Brazilian side that finished above them.

Standing in their way is the Netherlands ranked just behind at No. 7, and arriving with considerably more attacking firepower on display. Ronald Koeman’s group stumbled out of the gate with a 2-2 draw against Japan, but quickly found their rhythm, blowing past Sweden 5-1 and closing out their campaign with a 3-1 win over Tunisia.

Morocco eyeing redemption and another deep run

Few nations have captured global attention quite like Morocco did during their unforgettable march through Qatar 2022, becoming the first team from Africa to ever reach a World Cup semifinal.

Along the way, they dismantled some of Europe’s biggest names, eliminating Belgium, Spain, and Portugal in succession before their dream run was finally halted by France, with a fourth-place finish following defeat to Croatia in the third-place playoff.

That golden generation has only grown stronger since. Achraf Hakimi remains a defensive cornerstone, while breakout talent Ismael Saibari, already with three goals to his name through the group stage, gives Morocco a sharper attacking edge than the side that shocked the world four years ago.

The Netherlands currently sit at No.7 in the FIFA World Rankings. The Dutch opened with a 2-2 draw against Japan, before bouncing back in style with a 5-1 thrashing of Sweden and a 3-1 win over Tunisia to close out the group stage.

Those results gave them seven points and top spot in Group F, with forward Brian Brobbey emerging as the team’s leading scorer through the first round with three goals.

Morocco, by contrast, head into this crucial game ranked just one spot higher at No. 6 in the rankings, making this one of the most evenly matched ties of the entire Round of 32.

The Atlas Lions held five-time champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their opener, before following it up with a 1-0 win over Scotland and a 4-2 victory over Haiti, finishing on seven points as well as Brazil, but settling for second place in Group C behind them on goal difference.

Netherlands chasing a first title after three runner-up finishes

Despite being one of the most consistently dangerous nations in World Cup history, the Dutch have never lifted the trophy, falling short in the final on three separate occasions, in 1974, 1978, and most recently in 2010.

Ronald Koeman’s current group will be eager to use that long wait as motivation, knowing that another deep run through the knockout stage could finally put the Netherlands’ name on the one trophy that has eluded them for over half a century.

Gabriel Martinelli has scored the latest goal in World Cup history, excluding extra time. After scoring in the 95th minute against Paraguay, he has surpassed Francesco Totti, Nacer Chadli, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Edgar Davids, and Stephen Eustáquio, who made up the list in that order, according to MisterChip, a well-known soccer statistician, via X.

Unlike Totti, Chadli, Huntelaar, Davis, and Eustáquio, Gabriel Martinelli is a regular substitute for Brazil. So far at the 2026 World Cup, he has played just 77 minutes across four matches. Despite that, he has proven to be one of the most decisive wingers in the world, making the most of every opportunity he gets. With Ivory Coast or Norway as Brazil’s possible opponents, he could have a bigger role in his second World Cup appearance.

Gabriel Martinelli did not arrive at the 2026 World Cup as an undisputed starter for Arsenal. During his team’s historic season, he played 53 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing 7 assists. Although he delivered solid performances, he had to share minutes with Leandro Trossard. Therefore, he now has a great opportunity to establish his talent with Brazil at the tournament, aiming to become one of the team’s stars in the near future.

Gabriel Martinelli faces tough fight for Brazil starting spot

Since Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival at Brazil, Vinícius Jr. has been the team’s most important player, enjoying creative freedom. Because of this, he is usually an undisputed starter, playing the full 90 minutes and leaving Gabriel Martinelli with few opportunities to play. However, Martinelli would have to adapt to any attacking position if he wants more playing time, making his situation much more difficult.

With no place on the wings, Martinelli would have to compete with Lucas Paquetá and Neymar for a spot as the attacking midfielder. Unlike them, he would allow Vinícius the freedom to drift inside while he occupies the flank. As a result, Brazil would gain numerical superiority in attack, which is ideal against defensive teams. Nevertheless, he may not start throughout the tournament, as he is not even the second-choice option in several positions.

In case he manages to score another goal or provide key assists, Martinelli could force Ancelotti to rethink his tactical approach. However, he would have very few minutes to achieve that, meaning he would need standout performances against Norway or Ivory Coast, depending on the result.

Match Overview

The Netherlands and Morocco meet in one of the standout Round of 32 matchups, with a coveted spot in the Round of 16 on the line. Morocco enter after collecting seven points in the group stage, missing first place only on goal difference.

Meanwhile, the Dutch also earned seven points and finished atop their group. With both teams carrying strong momentum and plenty of talent into the knockout rounds, this clash has all the makings of a tightly contested battle.

Die Mannschaft has finally snapped a miserable tournament streak that followed their 2014 championship run, during which they repeatedly failed to advance past the opening round. Both in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, the European giants suffered humiliating group-stage eliminations that shocked the soccer world.

Julian Nagelsmann’s squad started the current campaign on the right foot, cruising to a 7-1 win over Curacao and a gritty 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast. However, a stunning 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, marking the first time a South American nation has ever beaten Germany in the World Cup group stage, has raised serious questions heading into the knockouts, especially against a stingy Paraguay team looking to make history of its own.

What happens if Germany wins over Paraguay?

If Germany secures a victory over Paraguay today, they will punch their ticket to the Round of 16 and keep their championship aspirations alive, while the South American nation’s tournament run will officially come to an end. Die Mannschaft would then get five days of rest before playing on July 4th at Philadelphia Stadium against the winner of the blockbuster France vs. Sweden matchup.

What happens if Germany draws against Paraguay?

If Germany is unable to break the deadlock against Paraguay during the regulation 90 minutes, the match will head into extra time, consisting of two grueling 15-minute halves. Should the stalemate persist after 120 total minutes of play, the European and South American sides will settle the score via a high-stakes penalty shootout to determine who advances.

What happens if Germany loses against Paraguay?

A loss for Germany against Paraguay would result in immediate elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Because the tournament has shifted into the single-elimination knockout rounds, this is a strict win-or-go-home scenario, meaning a defeat would instantly end Germany’s summer while sending Paraguay to the Round of 16 in historic fashion.

Historically, the matchup favors Germany when looking at past encounters against Paraguay. The lone previous World Cup meeting between the two nations came in the Round of 16 back at Korea-Japan 2002, where the Germans ground out a narrow 1-0 victory over the South Americans, courtesy of an 88th-minute match-winner from Oliver Neuville that finally broke down a resilient Paraguayan defense.

Germany currently sit at No.12 in the FIFA World Rankings, dropping two spots since the start of the tournament. Julian Nagelsmann’s side opened with an emphatic 7-1 win over Curacao, followed it up with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast. In their final group match, they fell 2-1 to Ecuador, though it had no real impact, as they finished the group stage with six points and top spot in Group E.

Paraguay, by contrast, head into this one as significant underdogs on paper. The South Americans currently sit at No.37 in the FIFA having climbed four spots after their victory over Turkey in the group stage.

Despite a tricky group, Paraguay advanced as one of the eight best third-placed teams, setting up a daunting first knockout test against one of the tournament’s traditional heavyweights.

Germany returns to the knockout stage

Beyond the rankings and the result against Paraguay, simply being back in the knockout rounds represents a notable milestone for Germany. The four-time champions failed to escape the group stage in both 2018 and 2022, a stunning fall from grace for a nation that had reached at least the semifinals in eight of its previous ten World Cup appearances before that.

Paraguay’s historic return to the World Cup stage

Regardless of today’s result, Paraguay have already exceeded expectations simply by making it back to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. Their best-ever finish came at that very tournament in South Africa, where La Albirroja reached the quarterfinals, while they’ve also made the Round of 16 on three separate occasions throughout their history.

After suffering a medial ligament injury in his left ankle against Ivory Coast, Nico Schlotterbeck will be absent from Germany’s defensive line. Unlike other cases in the tournament, he will not return to the national team, as his recovery is reportedly expected to take two months. As a result, head coach Julian Nagelsmann loses his defensive leader for one of Germany’s most important matches of the 2026 World Cup.

Julian Nagelsmann will not be able to replace Schlotterbeck in Germany’s 2026 World Cup roster, as the deadline to do so has already passed. As a result, they will have to rely on Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Malick Thiaw, and Waldemar Anton as alternatives in defense. Nevertheless, Nico has decided to remain with the national team, staying with the squad and offering support as a leader in the dressing room.

While Paraguay are not a brilliant attacking team, they could cause significant problems for Julian Nagelsmann’s team through their aerial play. There, Nico Schlotterbeck’s absence could be felt greatly, as he is one of the tallest players in the defensive line. In addition, they will also be without his outstanding ability to play out from the back, something that very few defenders in the squad can offer, forcing structural changes.

Who will take Schlotterbeck spot in Germany’s defense vs Paraguay?

After the evident defensive problems against Ecuador, Germany arrive with major warning signs ahead of their match against Paraguay. Because of this, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has decided to continue with Antonio Rüdiger as Jonathan Tah’s ideal partner. Although both are very experienced players, they are not as impressive in building out from the back as Nico Schlotterbeck.

With less effectiveness in playing out from the back, Germany will rely on Joshua Kimmich as constant support for the defensive line. However, Aleksandar Pavlović will have to take on a more important role in progressing the ball, as he is the strongest in that aspect. Facing a very solid defensive line, the defense will have to play a key role, looking for through balls or trying to gain an advantage through aerial play.

Musiala will begin the match on the substitutes’ bench following a tactical choice by head coach Julian Nagelsmann. The manager has opted to sacrifice the playmaker’s flair and creativity in favor of a more physical, robust starting lineup designed to go toe-to-toe with a notoriously stingy Paraguayan defense.

To execute this game plan, Nagelsmann has moved Kai Havertz into the attacking midfield role behind the striker, the space typically occupied by Musiala. Meanwhile, the vacant No. 9 position will be filled by Deniz Undav, who has emerged as Die Mannschaft‘s top scorer with three goals this tournament and will serve as the physical target man to battle Paraguay‘s center-backs.

This marks the first time in Musiala’s World Cup career that he will start a match on the bench. The Bayern Munich star was a locked-in starter throughout the entire group stage, just as he was during Germany’s pre-tournament friendlies against Sweden and the USMNT.

After netting a goal in Germany’s dominant 7-1 opening win over Curacao, Musiala followed up with two quiet performances against the Ivory Coast and Ecuador. His inability to dictate the tempo or generate high-quality chances in those subsequent matches ultimately prompted the 23-year-old’s drop from Nagelsmann’s starting XI.

Nagelsmann’s thoughts on Paraguay

During his pre-match press conference, Nagelsmann highlighted the unique challenges posed by the South American side: “They play a very defensive football, they have a direct style of play, and they are in very good physical condition. They are an uncomfortable opponent for us and will demand a lot from us.“

The German manager emphasized Paraguay’s proficiency in direct long-ball execution, keeping a compact defensive block, and aggressively fighting for second balls. Anticipating a grueling, physical battle, Nagelsmann structured a lineup built to handle those aerial demands and ground duels, a tactical shift that ultimately forced Musiala out of the XI.

Germany enters the knockout stage following a group stage campaign that included dominant wins over Curacao (7-1) and the Ivory Coast (2-1), alongside a shocking 2-1 upset at the hands of Ecuador, marking the first time a South American nation has ever defeated them in the group stage. After snapping their post-2014 curse to finally advance past the opening round, the Germans are now focused on restoring the program to its traditional powerhouse status.

Paraguay, meanwhile, punched its ticket to the knockout rounds as one of the tournament’s top third-place finishers. La Albirroja rebounded from a heavy 4-1 loss against the USMNT to secure a crucial 1-0 win over Turkey and a gritty, scoreless draw against Australia. Competing in their first World Cup in 16 years, the South American side is aiming to replicate their historic 2010 run, which saw them reach the quarterfinals.

In a major boost for Paraguay, star playmaker Miguel Almiron returns to head coach Gustavo Alfaro’s starting XI. The Atlanta United star was issued a costly red card during the group stage match against Turkey, forcing him to sit out the group finale against Australia due to a one-game suspension. With his ban now served, Almirón slides right back into the lineup to spearhead La Albirroja‘s attack.

Nagelsmann calls for a ‘perfect match’ against Paraguay

Having conceded just twice during the group stage, Paraguay rode a resilient, defense-first identity into the knockout rounds, presenting a structural blueprint that will be incredibly difficult to break down. For Nagelsmann, navigating this defensive minefield means Germany will need to execute flawless football to avoid another unexpected setback.

During Sunday’s pregame press conference, Nagelsmann broke down Paraguay’s direct, physical approach and issued a clear directive to his squad: “They try to stay compact, win their duels, and look to contest the second balls. When they win that second ball, they play direct, trying to look for space in behind. They have very good players, they defend well, and they are strong, physical footballers. We need a perfect match tomorrow.”

Confirmed lineups for Germany and Paraguay

Germany’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Jonathan Tah, Nathaniel Brown; Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic; Leroy Sane, Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz; Deniz Undav.
Head coach: Julian Nagelsmann.

Paraguay’s confirmed lineup (4-5-1): Orlando Gill; Juan Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Jose Canale, Junior Alonso; Miguel Almiron, Damian Bobadilla, Andres Cubas, Matias Galarza Fonda, Julio Enciso; Gabriel Avalos.
Head coach: Gustavo Alfaro.

“I was waiting for extra time to bring on Neymar. I spoke with him. If we weren’t winning, or if the match was still tied, he was coming on in the 60th or 65th minute. But we were ahead, and I didn’t want to change the structure, because the team had control of the game,” Ancelotti said.

During the match, Ancelotti brought on Endrick at the start of the second half, then introduced Gabriel Martinelli in the 66th minute. The Arsenal forward ended up being decisive, scoring the late winning goal that sent Brazil through to the next round.

Ancelotti also addressed Lucas Paqueta and Casemiro, who left the field with some physical discomfort. “We have to evaluate them tomorrow, it was a very demanding match,” the coach said regarding the two midfielders.

Brazil’s next rival

Having gotten past Japan, Brazil’s attention now turns to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of Ivory Coast vs. Norway, who meet each other on Tuesday in the Round of 32. The match is set for Sunday, July 5, at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Whether Ancelotti’s side draw the Ivorians or Erling Haaland’s Norway, Brazil will know their next opponent only after that tie is settled, with both nations carrying genuine attacking threats that could pose a very different kind of challenge than the one Japan presented.

Reflecting this tournament progress on the live leaderboard index, Paraguay has climbed to a live, unofficial position of 37th in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking. While La Albirroja officially stepped on North American soil occupying the 41st global seat on June 11, their hard-fought path out of the initial stage of the 2026 World Cup has forced an upward trend in the algorithm.

Defying the odds to continue their campaign means their baseline metrics are trending in the right direction just as they run headfirst into a traditional elite power.

The Round of 32 Seeding Equation

The challenge ahead is clearly outlined by a massive numerical gulf on the international ladder. Germany commands the 12th spot globally on the official leaderboard, carrying a dominant tier of 1,726.22 points.

While the paper metrics present a clear separation, Paraguay’s defensive growth since their opening matchday has given them a distinct competitive identity.

Comparative Knockout Baseline & Global Rank

Gustavo Alfaro’s side shook off a heavy 4-1 opening blowout against the United States to secure their survival by executing back-to-back clean sheets. A crucial 1-0 victory over Turkiye followed by a gritty 0-0 stalemate with Australia allowed them to claim one of the highly coveted third-place wildcard tickets.

Historic context

Paraguay achieved its absolute competitive peak back in 2001, when a golden generation briefly drove them to a historic peak of 8th in the world. Conversely, their absolute lowest floor came during a severe modern transition period that saw them plummet to 103rd globally.

Because World Cup knockout ties carry the highest possible match-weight multiplier in the FIFA calculation matrix, the pitch in the Round of 32 functions as a high-yield point environment. A defeat against a giant like Germany carries almost zero mathematical penalty for a 37th-ranked underdog, giving Paraguay complete freedom to play without fear.