World Cup 2026: Reasons to watch every tie in the last 32

Sunday, 28 June

South Africa v Canada (20:00 BST)

This is uncharted territory for both nations, who have previously never reached the knockouts. Canada may have left home soil but expect plenty of fans to travel down to Los Angeles.

Monday, 29 June

Brazil v Japan (18:00 BST)

The stars against the system. A fixture that just screams World Cup – the Selecao against the Samurai Blue. Much-fancied Japan beat the five-time champions 3-2 last October and – 20 years on – will look to avenge a 4-1 defeat in the 2006 group stage.

Germany v Paraguay (21:30 BST)

Paraguay will face Die Mannschaft seeking revenge for a 1-0 defeat in the last 16 in 2002, with the prospect of facing France looming for the winner.

Tuesday, 30 June

Netherlands v Morocco (02:00 BST)

This could be the tie of the round. The Netherlands, predicted as tournament winners, against a Morocco side who reached the semi-finals four years ago and have since added sought-after 18-year-old wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi to their midfield.

Ivory Coast v Norway (18:00 BST)

Unstoppable force meets immovable object. That’s Erling Haaland versus an Ivory Coast defence that did not concede in 10 qualifiers. The only guarantee here is Norway’s fans ‘Viking rowing’ their way into Dallas.

France v Sweden (22:00 BST)

We all know about France’s abundance of riches in attack, but the other end of the pitch throws up the most intriguing battle – Viktor Gyokeres v Arsenal team-mate William Saliba. Which of these Premier League champions will come out on top?

Wednesday, 1 July

Mexico v Ecuador (02:00 BST)

Mexico at the Azteca is a spectacle worth the early start. And you can have a scouting report on England’s potential last-16 opponent written before breakfast.

England v DR Congo (17:00 BST)

Talking of Thomas Tuchel’s side, it’s the Three Lions’ only family friendly kick-off of the tournament.

Belgium v Senegal (21:00 BST)

Both sides left their best until last in the group stages. There are signs there just might be some sparkle left in Belgium’s golden generation, and while Senegal were officially the worst third-placed qualifier, they managed eight goals in their games against France, Norway and Iraq, and their off-field distractions appear behind them.