World Cup Day 25 What to Watch – England, Brazil and Mexico take centre stage in the round of 16

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 continues on Sunday with two blockbuster fixtures that could shape the road to the final in New Jersey. Brazil face a fearless Norway side led by Erling Haaland, while co-hosts Mexico prepare for a high-pressure showdown against England at the iconic Estadio Azteca. With Morocco and France already through to the quarter-finals, two more places in the last eight are up for grabs.

The knockout stage has already delivered dramatic moments, including Morocco’s victory over Canada and Paraguay’s giant-killing run before bowing out to France. The margin for error has now completely disappeared, with every match carrying enormous significance.

Brazil vs Norway

Brazil continue their pursuit of a sixth World Cup title when they meet Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium. The Selecao have progressed smoothly through the competition and remain among the favourites to lift the trophy on July 19.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has received a major boost with Neymar declared fit and available for selection. The veteran forward is expected to play a key role as Brazil attempt to overcome a Norwegian team that has impressed throughout the tournament.

Norway, spearheaded by Erling Haaland, have emerged as one of the competition’s surprise packages. Their disciplined performances and attacking threat have carried them into the Round of 16, where they now seek one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

The Scandinavians also hold a unique psychological advantage: Brazil have never beaten Norway in a World Cup match. Whether history repeats itself or the South Americans finally end that record promises to be one of the day’s most compelling storylines.

Mexico vs England

The headline attraction of Day 25 comes from Mexico City, where England face co-hosts Mexico in one of the most anticipated matches of the entire tournament. The atmosphere at the Estadio Azteca is expected to be electric as El Tri seek to use home support to propel themselves into the quarter-finals.

Mexico have enjoyed an impressive campaign, remaining unbeaten and reaching the Round of 16 without conceding a goal. Their victory over Ecuador reinforced growing belief that this could be their best World Cup run in decades.

England, meanwhile, have shown resilience rather than dominance. The Three Lions topped their group and defeated DR Congo in the previous round, but questions remain about whether they have reached top form at the perfect time.

There has also been discussion about possible weather disruptions in Mexico City, although FIFA confirmed the match will proceed as scheduled after both federations opposed altering the kickoff time.

Altitude, passionate local support and immense expectation make this one of the most difficult assignments England have faced in recent World Cups. For Mexico, an appearance in the quarter-finals on home soil would represent a historic achievement.

The Quarter-Final Picture Emerges

Morocco and France became the first teams to book their quarter-final places after victories on Saturday, setting up a fascinating encounter in the last eight. The winners on Day 25 will join them and move one step closer to football’s greatest prize.

The knockout bracket is beginning to produce intriguing possibilities, with potential heavyweight clashes awaiting in the latter stages. Every victory now carries enormous momentum and belief heading toward the semifinals.

Matches to Watch

• Brazil vs Norway (Round of 16)
• Mexico vs England (Round of 16)

By the end of Day 25, two more nations will have secured their places in the quarter-finals, while two others will see their World Cup dreams come to an end. In a tournament already full of surprises, Sunday promises another unforgettable chapter.