Context: The five-time world champions advanced in style after a commanding 3-0 win over Scotland to top Group C. They face a highly disciplined and dangerous Japanese side looking to pull off a monumental knockout upset.
2. France vs. Sweden
Date: July 1, 2026
Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey
Context: Pre-tournament favorites France cruised through the group phase with a perfect record, propelled by a brilliant campaign from Kylian Mbappé. They face a robust Swedish side that squeezed through as one of the best third-placed teams.
3. England vs. DR Congo
Date: July 1, 2026
Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Georgia
Context: After grinding through a competitive Group L, England enters the knockouts facing a highly motivated DR Congo squad. DR Congo earned their blockbuster ticket by coming from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1, cementing themselves as a dangerous underdog.
4. Colombia vs. Ghana
Date: TBD
Venue: TBD
Context: Colombia played out an intense 0-0 draw against Portugal to top Group K with seven points. Their reward is a blockbuster physical clash against Ghana, who famously held England to a scoreless draw during the group stage.
5. Netherlands vs. Morocco
Date: June 30, 2026
Venue: Monterrey Stadium, Mexico
Context: A rematch of high-intensity tactical football. Morocco enters the knockouts ready to replicate their deep historic tournament runs, while the clinical Dutch team aims to validate their strong group-stage performance.
Knockout Stage Format Reminders
Single Elimination: From this point forward, it is win-or-go-home.
Extra Time & Penalties: If any match remains tied at the end of the standard 90 minutes of regulation, teams will play 30 minutes of extra time. If the deadlock is still not broken, a penalty shootout will decide who advances to the Round of 16.
