The stage is set for a thrilling Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a record nine African nations set to battle for places in the last 16.
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, nine African teams have progressed to the knockout stage, underlining the continent’s growing strength and competitiveness on the global football stage.
The Round of 32 gets underway on Sunday, June 28, with South Africa taking on Canada. Although the Canadians enter the contest as favourites, South Africa will be aiming to extend their impressive run in the tournament.
Action continues on Monday as five-time champions Brazil face Japan, while four-time world champions Germany take on Paraguay. African attention will also be on Morocco as they clash with the Netherlands.
Tuesday’s fixtures will see Ivory Coast face Norway, while former champions France take on Sweden. Mexico and Ecuador will also battle for a place in the Round of 16.
One of the standout ties comes on Wednesday, when Senegal face Belgium in a highly anticipated encounter. DR Congo, making their first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout stage, will seek to cause an upset against England, while hosts the United States take on Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Thursday’s schedule features Algeria against Switzerland after the North Africans’ dramatic qualification from Group J. Croatia will face Portugal, while Spain meet Austria in another mouth-watering fixture.
The Round of 32 concludes on Friday as defending champions Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi, take on World Cup debutants Cape Verde. Egypt will face Australia, while Ghana lock horns with Colombia.
FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Fixtures
Sunday, June 28
- South Africa vs Canada
Monday, June 29
- Brazil vs Japan
- Germany vs Paraguay
- Netherlands vs Morocco
Tuesday, June 30
- Ivory Coast vs Norway
- France vs Sweden
- Mexico vs Ecuador
Wednesday, July 1
- United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Belgium vs Senegal
- England vs DR Congo
Thursday, July 2
- Switzerland vs Algeria
- Croatia vs Portugal
- Spain vs Austria
Friday, July 3
- Argentina vs Cape Verde
- Australia vs Egypt
- Ghana vs Colombia
With traditional football powerhouses and emerging nations still in contention, the Round of 32 promises high-quality football, dramatic moments and the potential for more history to be made at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
