First Round of 16 Matchups Set for the 2026 World Cup

2026 FIFA World Cup

According to Главком: The first nine pairings for the Round of 16 have been confirmed at the World Cup being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A total of 28 teams have now secured their spots in this knockout stage. The opening match of this round is scheduled for June 28 in Inglewood, USA, where Canada will face South Africa, with kickoff set for 10:00 PM Kyiv time.

This tournament marks a historic milestone as the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, a significant expansion from previous editions. The competition is set to conclude on July 19. Notably, Group I-comprising France, Norway, Senegal, and Iraq-has already been eliminated after the group stage.

Participating Teams and Key Matchups

Among the teams advancing to the knockout rounds are several football powerhouses and rising contenders:

• Brazil
• Germany
• Argentina
• Spain
• Japan
• Sweden
• England

Some of the most anticipated Round of 16 clashes include:

• Netherlands vs. Morocco
• USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Australia vs. Egypt

With teams representing diverse regions of the globe, this tournament promises to be intense and full of surprises.

The 2026 World Cup represents a major evolution in international football, as the expanded 48-team format allows more nations to compete, raising the level of competition and global interest.

The first knockout round is expected to deliver thrilling action, featuring both traditional favorites and teams that previously lacked the opportunity to shine on such a grand stage. The outcomes of these Round of 16 matches could significantly shape the remainder of the tournament and help crown a new world champion.

As the excitement builds for the knockout stage, many fans are eager to know which teams are being favored to advance further in the tournament. A recent analysis by a supercomputer has identified the leading contender for the FIFA World Cup. To explore the predictions and insights regarding the top teams in contention, check out this detailed report on the top favorites for the tournament.