New Delhi: The 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end with all 16 teams confirmed to be in the last 16 after heavyweights such as Germany and Netherlands were eliminated in dramatic fashion. Defending champions Argentina survived a draw against Cape Verde, while Colombia narrowly beat Ghana to book a spot in the final.
Which teams have advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup?
The 16 teams that have qualified for the knockout rounds are:
- Canada
- Morocco
- Paraguay
- France
- Brazil
- Norway
- Mexico
- England
- Portugal
- Spain
- USA
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Colombia
- Argentina
- Egypt
fifa world cup Round of 16 schedule
There are several exciting clashes in the last 16, including England taking on hosts Mexico and an all-Iberian clash between Portugal and Spain.
Final 16 schedule completed (dates and times in IST)
Schedule date and time (IST)
- Canada vs Morocco July 4, 10:30 pm
- Paraguay vs France July 5 2:30 AM
Brazil vs Norway July 6, 1:30 a.m.Mexico vs England July 6, 5:30 amPortugal vs Spain July 7, 12:30- USA vs Belgium July 7 5:30 AM
Argentina vs Egypt July 7, 9:30 pm- Switzerland vs Colombia July 8 1:30 AM
The most watchable knockout clashes
- Mexico vs England: Hosts Mexico take on Harry Kane’s England in one of the most anticipated games in the Round of 16.
- Portugal vs Spain: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will take on Spain in an Iberian heavyweight showdown with major implications for the quarter-finals.
- Brazil vs. Norway: Brazil’s attacking stars will face a challenge from Norway, led by Erling Haaland.
- Argentina vs. Egypt: Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina begin their title defense against a tenacious Egypt team.
How the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup work
The format of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams. After the group stage, 32 teams entered the first knockout round, with the winner advancing to the top 16. From this stage onwards, the competition follows a direct knockout format – last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. If the game is tied after 90 minutes, it will enter overtime and a penalty shootout will be held if necessary.
