World Cup 2026 Round of 16: All 8 Matches Previewed

The Round of 16 began today and runs through July 16. Two matches per day, eight fixtures total, and the result is a quarterfinal bracket that will almost certainly contain at least two or three results that nobody predicted. Here is every match broken down.

July 13 — MetLife Stadium & AT&T Stadium

France vs Morocco (18:00 UTC) — France are favourites but Morocco's defensive record (two goals conceded in four matches) makes this genuinely difficult. The Qatar 2022 semifinal rematch carries weight beyond the scoreline. Mbappé is the difference-maker; Morocco's hope is getting to extra time and testing France's penalty nerve. Prediction: France 2-0.

England vs Canada (22:00 UTC) — Canada's home crowd at AT&T Stadium gives them a weapon; England's defensive organisation is better than any team Canada have faced. Alphonso Davies vs Trent Alexander-Arnold is the key individual matchup. England win 2-0 without drama.

July 14 — SoFi Stadium & NRG Stadium

Argentina vs Netherlands (18:00 UTC) — The Qatar 2022 quarterfinal rematch, one of the most chaotic matches in recent World Cup history. Argentina won on penalties after a 2-2 draw that included Van Gaal's substitution gamble, Wout Weghorst's 11th-minute injury-time equaliser, and the most dramatic shootout of the 2022 tournament. Now Mbappé's France await in the quarterfinals — and both teams know it. Prediction: Argentina win, probably on penalties.

Brazil vs USA (22:00 UTC) — The fixture the tournament organisers could not have scripted better. Brazil swept their group; USA finished first in Group D ahead of Turkey and Australia on home soil. The NRG Stadium in Houston is sold out. Christian Pulisic has been the USA's most consistent threat; Brazil's Vinicius Júnior is the most dangerous attacker in the bracket. Brazil win 2-1 in a match that goes to the wire.

July 15 — Levi's Stadium & Arrowhead Stadium

Spain vs Norway (18:00 UTC) — The Round of 16's clearest mismatch on paper, yet Norway have spent two weeks proving that paper means nothing. Erling Haaland's four group stage goals and his two-goal Round of 32 performance against Scotland mean Spain cannot drop their defensive line. Spain's Lamine Yamal vs Norway's physical aggression: Spain win but Haaland scores. 2-1 Spain.

Germany vs Turkey (22:00 UTC) — Turkey finished second in Group D, their tournament run built on collective organisation rather than individual stars. Germany have the quality, but this fixture in Kansas City has an edge given the German-Turkish diaspora that makes this match culturally charged beyond football. Germany win 2-0 in a professional performance.

July 16 — Mercedes-Benz Stadium & Lincoln Financial Field

Portugal vs Belgium (18:00 UTC) — Two of Europe's most technically gifted squads. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo at 41 leads a team built around his legacy but increasingly relying on Bruno Fernandes and Rúben Neves. Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, 35, is playing his final World Cup with the authority of someone who intends to finish it properly. This match will be decided in midfield. Prediction: Portugal win on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Mexico vs Switzerland (22:00 UTC) — The fixture that makes Mexico's home crowd uncomfortable for the first time. Switzerland eliminated Japan 1-0 with a free kick from Shaqiri and then defended with almost supernatural calm for 90 minutes. Mexico are at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia — technically a home venue but without the Azteca atmosphere. Mexico's home crowd advantage is diminished; Switzerland's counter-attacking efficiency is at its peak. Switzerland could win this.