World Cup 2026: Reasons to watch every tie in the last 32
Sunday, June 28
South Africa v Canada (20:00 BST)
This is uncharted territory for both countries, having never achieved a knockout before. Canada may have abandoned home soil, but expects fans to head to Los Angeles in large numbers.
Monday, June 29
Brazil v Japan (18:00 BST)
The stars are against the system. A fixture that screams World Cup: Selecao versus Samurai Blue. Curious Japan beat the five-time champions 3-2 last October and will look to avenge their 4-1 defeat in the 2006 group stage, 20 years later.
Germany v Paraguay (21:30 BST)
Paraguay will face Die Mannschaft, who are looking to avenge the 1-0 defeat they suffered in the last 16 matches in 2002, and the possibility of facing France is also on the horizon for victory.
Tuesday, June 30
Netherlands v Morocco (02:00 BST)
There may be a draw in this round. The Netherlands, who are predicted to be the winners of the tournament, are against Morocco, who reached the semi-finals four years ago and have since added sought-after 18-year-old wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi to their midfield.
Ivory Coast – Norway (18:00 BST)
Unstoppable force meets immovable object. This is Erling Haaland’s game against an Ivory Coast defense that is unbeaten in 10 eliminations. The only guarantee here is that Norwegian fans will go ‘Viking rowing’ to Dallas.
France v Sweden (22:00 BST)
We all know France’s attacking wealth, but the most interesting battle emerges at the other end of the pitch: Viktor Gyokeres versus Arsenal teammate William Saliba. Which of these Premier League champions will come out on top?
Wednesday, July 1
Mexico v Ecuador (02:00 BST)
Mexico at Azteca is a show worth starting early. You could write a scouting report on England’s potential last 16 opponents before breakfast.
England v Democratic Republic of the Congo (17:00 BST)
Speaking of Thomas Tuchel’s team, this is the Three Lions’ only family-friendly kick-off of the tournament.
Belgium – Senegal (21:00 BST)
In the group stages, both teams left their best to the last one. There are signs that there may be some sparkle left in Belgium’s golden generation, and while Senegal are officially third-worst, they have conceded eight goals in matches against France, Norway and Iraq, and off-field distractions appear to be behind them.
