The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage is rapidly taking shape as seven countries—Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Paraguay, Morocco, France, and Norway—have officially booked their places in the Round of 16 following dramatic Round of 32 encounters. Co-hosts Mexico became the seventh nation to advance after securing a decisive 2–0 victory over Ecuador, courtesy of first-half goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, in a tense match that saw Ecuador’s Piero Hincapié sent off in stoppage time. They join fellow co-hosts Canada, who made history by defeating South Africa, as well as Paraguay and Morocco, both of whom advanced via thrilling penalty shootout victories over heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands, respectively. Rounding out the currently qualified teams are Brazil, who overcame Japan 2–1, Norway, who eliminated Côte d’Ivoire with a late Erling Haaland winner, and France, who confidently swept past Sweden 3–0. With these results, three exciting Round of 16 fixtures have been officially confirmed: Canada will face Morocco in Houston, Paraguay is set to clash with France in Philadelphia, and Brazil will take on Norway in New York/New Jersey, while Mexico now awaits the winner of the upcoming match between England and DR Congo to determine their next knockout opponent.
