FIFA World Cup 2026: Knockouts are here! Who are Messi, Ronaldo facing in Round of 32?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage is wrapping up, and now the real action starts with the knockout rounds. First up is the Round of 32, where 32 teams will battle it out for a spot in the last 16.

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Who will face whom in the Round of 32

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is moving from the group stage to the high-stakes knockout phase, starting with the Round of 32. It's a do-or-die situation from here on out.

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Argentina vs Cape Verde

Lionel Messi's Argentina takes on Cape Verde on 3rd July at 3:30 AM. The reigning champions are up against a team that has surprised everyone.

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Brazil vs Japan

Brazil will play against Japan on 29th June at 10:30 PM. It's a classic clash between South American flair and the discipline of the 'Land of the Rising Sun'.

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Germany vs Paraguay

The German team is set to face Paraguay on 30th June at 2:30 AM. This match pits the European powerhouse against the 'Heart of South America'.

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France vs Sweden

France will go head-to-head with Sweden on 1st July at 12:30 AM. This promises to be a massive all-European battle in the knockouts.

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Spain vs Austria

Spain, a top favourite, will play against Austria on 3rd July at 12:30 AM. Lamine Yamal is seen here celebrating.

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USA vs Bosnia-Herzegovina

Co-host USA faces Bosnia-Herzegovina on 2nd July at 5:30 AM. The host nation looks to keep its World Cup dream alive on home soil.

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Norway vs Ivory Coast

Erling Haaland's Norway is up against Ivory Coast on 30th June at 11:30 PM. It's Haaland's hope versus the power of the 'African Elephants'.

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Mexico vs Ecuador

Mexico, another co-host, will play against Ecuador on 30th June at 12:30 AM. The famous Mexican wave will be up against the Latin 'Tricolor'.

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Egypt vs Australia

Egypt takes on Australia on 2nd July at 11:30 PM. The team from the land of pyramids will face the storm of the yellow jersey.

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Netherlands vs Morocco

The Netherlands will clash with Morocco on 30th June at 6:30 AM. The 'Oranje' army faces the African favourites, the Atlas Lions.

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Belgium vs Senegal

Belgium is scheduled to play on 3rd July. Their opponent will be Senegal.

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Switzerland vs Algeria

Switzerland is also in the knockout stage. They will face either Algeria or Austria, with the final opponent yet to be confirmed.

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Portugal vs Croatia

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal has qualified for the Round of 32, but their opponent are going to be Croatia.

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England vs DR Congo

England, led by captain Harry Kane, has also secured a spot in the knockouts. Their opponent is DR Congo.

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Ghana vs Colombia

Ghana's opponent in the Round of 32 will be Colombia. Daniel Munoz of Colombia is pictured here.