World Cup 2026: Thirty-Two Nations, One Dream. Summarised with Fixtures

The deck is stacked and herein, we begin the much-awaited Round of 32 of the World Cup. With the new rule of 48 teams facing one another with four in a group from A to group L, the top three of every group qualify for the knockout stage as the last one stands eliminated. From here on, the team that stays undefeated till the win gets their hands on the coveted trophy which marks them as the Champions of the World on 19th July.

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs United States of America

Keeping up with the “last dances”, Edin Dzeko’s Bosnia and Herzegovina has somehow managed to hold their horses and tumble their way to the Round of 32 of the World Cup. With a win, a draw and a loss each, they would move on to face the red-hot home group of the United States. While the USMNT powering their way to the Round of 32 in such dominant form was shocking for the masses, it was always a dark horse if we consider home team performances like Russia’s in their home soil, 2018 or Japan in the 2002 World Cup. several of its players playing in Bundesliga, EPL and Ligue 1 along with the tested manager in Mauricio Pochettino. With Monaco striker Folarin Balogun in the form of his life, its no surprise as to how they sealed their spot with the stacked deck, including a 2-0 victory over Australia and a thumping 4-1 over Paraguay. While the Turkish side shocked the USMNT with a consolation 3-2, it wasn’t enough for the team already eliminated to make it to the Word Cup knockout stages.

Netherlands vs Morocco

Surprisingly, one of the matches to look out for is the Netherlands vs Morocco. The Netherlands rather have a quiet announcement as they led their group, something that was expected from them all this while. After a shaky draw against Japan, they went forward and trounced Viktor Gyokeres led Sweden by 5-1. Ronald Koemen’s men have looked lethal and would like to carry this momentum against the Moroccan side who have been the runner up in the AFCON tournament. With a draw against Brazil, the Moroccans announced that they are no longer just the dark horses but a genuine title contender, although not amongst the Top 5 of France, England, Germany, Spain and Portugal. This was followed by a 1-0 victory against Scotland and a 4-2 masterpiece by Haiti. Both teams boast of some solid defensive lineups with Morocco having Hakimi, Mazraoui and Riad while the Netherlands boast of the vans (van Dijk and van de Ven) along with Jeremie Frimpong. The Netherlands vs Morocco is all set to be the ‘immovable object vs immovable object’ match in the Round of 32. 

South Africa vs Canada

Moving over from ‘immovable object vs immovable object’, the South Africa vs Canada is a match where neither of the teams are the tournament favourites. The Bafana Bafana (South African boys) faced a rather dismal setback against Mexico wherein their weakness have been exposed in front of the entire world; a sort of possession-driven football which existed twenty years ago compared to the pass-based high-intensity football of today’s age. However, through grit and resilience, they managed to draw against the experienced Czech Republic side and get a huge win against South Korea to seal their place in the Round of 32. Canada, on the other hand, has been a total surprise. Nobody expected Canada to thump a team 6-0 as they did to Qatar on 19th June. Prior to this, they also drew against Edin Dzeko led Bosnia. While South Africa is a side which has succeeded in their transition of tactics, the Canadian side has a formidable home advantage along with their sheer pace and directness. 

Brazil vs Japan

Japan, ever since their presence in 2002 World Cup have gone onwards and upwards. The emergence of serious competitive players over the last five years like Kauro Mitoma, Daichi Kamada, Ayase Ueda and so on, coupled with Brazil’s unlikely trio of Vinicius, Rayan and Igor Thiago makes this match a guaranteed entertainment much like the anime Bluelock coming to real life. Whether its episodes turn a trailer, is a story time would tell but Brazil’s road to the Round of 32 has been rather expected with a draw against Morocco and a 3-0 win each against Haiti and Scotland. Japan, too, has been impressive with draws against Netherlands, followed by a 4-0 thumping of Tunisia, and again a draw against Sweden.

Germany vs Paraguay

Given the shaky performance of Julian Nagelsmann’s men, Germany would like to face an opponent whom they have usually been facing over the last few years. Paraguay can be a tough nut to crack for them since they recovered from a fatal defeat against United States to clinch draws against Turkey and Australia to somehow make it to the knockout stages. Germany, after defeating the island nation of Curacao with the largest margin this World Cup of 7-1, saw past Cote d’Iviore 2-1 and surprisingly got handed a defeat by Ecuador with 2-1. Will they lift the trophy for the fifth time and level with Brazil? This is something only time would tell. However, for this match of the Round of 32, they do look the clear favourites on paper.

Argentina vs Cape Verde

The Cabo Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha established himself as one of the goalkeepers to look forward in this tournament as he stopped the formidable Spain to a goalless draw and stop all eight shots on target. This was followed by an attacking draw against Uruguay with the score being 2-2, showing that they are no less on the global stage when it comes to counterattacks. This was followed by a second goalless draw, this time against Saudi Arabia. While they are yet to win, they are also yet to lose and the defensive masterclass that they’ve shown has made them a fever dream watch this World Cup. The Argentine side, however, have shown clearly why they are the defending champions. Lionel Messi’s hat-trick against Algeria shows that the 39-year-old forward has no signs of aging. With a brace in the next match against Austria, the Albiceleste captain proved that his flair is still present despite not being in his prime. The Argentine attack is fluid and their defense have rarely shown any cracks as well, which shows they are every bit ready for the next challenge. Regardless, both the teams are in form. If Cabo Verde pulls this off by any chance, their next opponent would be a tad easier since they would face the winner of Egypt vs Australia in the Round of 16.

France vs Sweden

Few teams are as formidable as France. With bench strength stronger than the strongest 11 on other teams' starting lineups, France has dominated this tournament as expected. The French strikers Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele share 7 goals between them, the most by any strike pair in the history of World Cup with the entire tournament to go! Didier Deschamps’ men scored a rather easy looking 3-1 victory over AFCON Champions Senegal and 3-0 victory over Iraq and followed it up by a 4-1 victory over the Norwegian squad, something which was supposed to be an even fight – a match which we were supposed to look forward in the group tables! The Swedish team began their tournament by demolishing Tunisia 5-1, only to be dominated by the Dutch 5-1 in return! In their final match, they drew against the Asian giants Japan and qualified for the final 32. For France, their sights are clear. Do what they’ve done so far. Sweden, on the other hand, need to limit the dangerous French attack / counterattack.

Norway vs Cote d’Iviore 

Placing their B team against France in the final match of the group tables, Norway were comfortable enough to bear a 4-1 loss and sneak out to the Round of 32 where they would have their best players with enough rest and strength to give their all. In the other matches, Norway won 4-1 against Iraq and 3-2 against Senegal. On the other hand, the Elephants began their tournament with a victory of 1-0 against Ecuador, followed with an unfortunate loss against Germany. They then bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Curacao, courtesy Nicolas Pepe, and secured their way into the knockouts. With similar records in their respective group stages, Norway vs Cote d’Ivoire has the ability to be one of the most competitive matches in the Round of 32. 

Australia vs Egypt

This is one of the most interesting matches of the Round of 32 because neither of the teams can be considered the World Cup favourites. Yet, they have a fairytale dream in sight. The tall order defense of the Socceroos have seen them earn a 2-0 victory against the golden generation of Turkey which had the likes of Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz. After a setback against the United States, their hard-fought draw over Paraguay was enough to seal their way to the Round of 32. Egypt, on the other hand, managed to draw against the dark horses Belgium 1-1, followed by a clinical victory over Chris Wood led New Zealand 3-1 and a second draw against Iran. The two teams couldn’t be further alike despite their similar results. While Australia depends on physicality and defense, Egypt are comfortable without possession and their success lies on counterattack and passes. If they win, they go on to face the winner of Argentina vs Cabo Verde in the Round of 16.

Mexico vs Ecuador

Without attracting any headlines, Mexico has gone on to the job which was expected of Brazil, England or any big team with three victories and standing on top of their group. With a 2-0 win over South Africa on the opening day, they took the bittersweet revenge from the 2010 world cup. This was followed with a 1-0 win over South Korea and 3-0 over Czechia. While they would have wanted an easier Round of 32 given their first place finish, they face the unpredictable Ecuador – a defensive fortress which has overthrown Germany and banks upon relentless pressing and quick counterattacks. However, Ecuador’s overall World Cup campaign so far has been average with a win, a loss and a draw each. While Mexico’s group appeared easy on the paper apart from the Asian powerhouse South Korea, this match would test whether the co-hosts deserve to battle it out with the favourites of the World Cup or not.

Portugal vs Croatia

With a formidable team rivalling the likes of Spain and France, Portugal arrived on the World Cup scene in order to secure three victories. However, after only one victory against Uzbekistan 5-0, they were largely restricted to two other draws. Still, the Portuguese side remain undefeated. They now face the table toppers of Group L, Croatia who have victories over Panama and Ghana. Despite facing criticisms for their aging squad, the Croats have shown why experience matters in the biggest stages. While Portugal go to the Round of 32 as the top dogs, Croatia enter the tournament as a challenger which can frustrate opponents all day.

Switzerland vs Algeria

The Swiss, with their victories over Bosnia and Canada, and a below-par draw with Qatar deservingly led their table and once again proved why they are tactically the most difficult side to break down. While their unpredictability favoured them so far in the World Cup, it needs to be tested against the mighty Algerian team who arguably had to battle it out till the last day to finish a paltry third in the Group J with a win, a draw and a loss each. In their very last match, they gave it their all to score a 3-3 draw against Australia to make sure they stayed well within the sights of the Round of 32. This fighting character is what proves them as one of the rising African powerhouses alongside Ivory Coast, Ghana and Morocco. 

Belgium vs Senegal

In every World Cup over the last twenty years, one statement remained common. Belgium are the dark horses and the team one needs to watch out. With an ageing golden generation, this time they have put their foot in the right pedal and deservingly finished their group stages without a defeat, including a 5-1 trouncing of New Zealand. Senegal, on the other hand, started the tournament with a loss to the formidable Les Bleus and Norway. They had to wait till the very last day wherein they trounced Iraq 5-0 to show what the African champions are capable of. Will they carry the same enthusiasm against Belgium? This is a thing only time will tell but one thing is for sure. This match is all set to be a contest between sheer coordination vs relentless grinding.

Spain vs Austria

Along with Cape Verde, Spain remained the only team that remained undefeated in the Group H. With their initial setback of draw against Cape Verde, they recovered quickly with successive victories over Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to top the table. Austria, on the other hand, is a team known for frustrating the big dogs with defensive fortitude and superfast counter-attacks. All in all, this is a match where the La Roja should have the upper edge given their endless bench strength.

England vs DR Congo

“It’s coming home” is something we get to hear every World Cup, ever since 1966 and even more so since the early 2000s. Placed in the group of death or Group L, the Three Lions have shown some character. With a 4-2 win over Croatia and a draw with Ghana, the English side climbed to the top of the table with a 2-0 victory over Panama, fighting till the last day. On the other hand, they now have to sail the uncharted waters of DR Congo – a team which has historically been the giant killers given their relentless pressing and draw against Portugal. Although third placed, the Congolese side aren’t one that can be written off. 

Ghana vs Colombia

This has the potential to be one of the most underrated match of the World Cup. While Ghana stood third in the Group L with a draw, a win and a loss, the Super Eagles are still a stacked team with attackers like Inaki Williams, Ernest Nuamah who can surprise the topmost defence on a given day. Colombia on the other hand, had an undefeated run as they topped their group with wins against Uzbekistan and DR Congo, and a draw with the mighty Portuguese side. Both teams boast of pace, counterattack and physicality and would like to advance to the Round of 16.

Following is the schedule for the Round of 32: