FIFA World Cup 2026: US, Mexico, Canada Advance To The Round Of 16 Knockout Stage

The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has ended, and the Round of 32 is underway with almost all the matches played. Lionel Messi scored in the 29th minute during Argentina's dramatic match in Miami Friday, but Cape Verde fought back twice, including in extra time (ET). Lisandro Martínez scored a stunner in ET, and an own goal helped Argentina advance 3-2.

Egypt advanced over Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw (notable as Egypt's first World Cup knockout win; Australia equalized late). Spain defeated Austria convincingly. Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 (with Gonçalo Ramos scoring the winner) and will face Spain in the Round of 16.

Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0. England survived a scare against DR Congo to set up a Round of 16 match against co-host Mexico.

Co-host, the United States secured a historic 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina to reach the knockout stage for only the second time in tournament history. The U.S. team will face Belgium in Seattle on Monday in the Round of 16, without key striker Folarin Balogun who received a red card for serious foul play during the win and cannot appeal the suspension.

FIFA World Cup 2026 features 48 teams (the largest edition ever) playing 104 matches across 16 venues in the three host nations--US, Canada and Mexico. It began June 11 and will end July 19, 2026, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. This expanded tournament features a record number of African nations, though Egypt and Morocco have advanced from the continent so far, and Morocco will be facing Canada in the first of the Round of 16 stage matches.