World Cup 2026: Full Round of 16 schedule – Dates and kick-off times

The 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its decisive knockout phase this weekend as the Round of 16 gets underway with several heavyweight clashes across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Africa’s hopes of another deep run at the tournament now rest with Morocco and Egypt after both nations survived dramatic knockout encounters to book their places in the last 16.

Morocco continued their impressive World Cup form by eliminating the Netherlands on penalties after scoring a dramatic late equaliser, while Egypt edged past Australia in a tense shootout victory.

The Atlas Lions will now face co-hosts Canada, while Egypt have been handed a difficult assignment against reigning world champions Argentina.

Morocco seek another historic World Cup chapter

Morocco remain determined to build on the momentum from their historic 2022 campaign, where they became the first African side to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Walid Regragui’s side have extended their unbeaten run and will head into Saturday’s encounter against Canada full of confidence after overcoming the Netherlands in one of the most dramatic matches of the Round of 32.

Canada, however, have shown resilience of their own after defeating South Africa 1-0 to claim the first knockout victory in their World Cup history.

Saturday’s clash in Houston is expected to be one of the standout ties of the round as Morocco attempt to keep Africa’s dream alive.

Egypt handed Argentina test

Egypt also needed penalties to progress after drawing with Australia before eventually winning 4-2 in the shootout.

The Pharaohs now face an enormous challenge against Argentina, who edged Cape Verde 3-2 in an entertaining Round of 32 contest.

Argentina will start as favourites, but Egypt will hope their defensive discipline and composure under pressure can help produce another memorable World Cup upset for African football.

European giants and South American powers collide

Elsewhere in the Round of 16, several major football nations will battle for quarter-final places.

Brazil take on Norway after overcoming Japan 2-1, while France meet Paraguay following the South Americans’ penalty shootout victory against Germany.

There will also be a heavyweight European showdown between Portugal and Spain in Dallas, while England face Mexico in another highly anticipated tie.

Belgium’s reward for defeating Senegal is a meeting with the United States, and Switzerland will take on Colombia after both sides secured narrow victories in the previous round.

Full World Cup Round of 16 schedule

Canada vs Morocco — July 4, Houston Stadium — 17:00 GMT

Paraguay vs France — July 4, Philadelphia Stadium — 21:00 GMT

Brazil vs Norway — July 5, New York/New Jersey Stadium — 20:00 GMT

Mexico vs England — July 6, Mexico City Stadium — 00:00 GMT

Portugal vs Spain — July 6, Dallas Stadium — 19:00 GMT

USA vs Belgium — July 7, Seattle Stadium — 00:00 GMT

Argentina vs Egypt — July 7, Atlanta Stadium — 16:00 GMT

Switzerland vs Colombia — July 7, BC Place Vancouver — 20:00 GMT