World Cup 2026 Match Previews
Every World Cup 2026 knockout tie explained for newcomers — who is playing, the probable lineups, what to expect and the players to watch.
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South Africa vs Canada: what to know before the World Cup Round of 32
This is the first knockout game of the whole World Cup, and history either way: neither South Africa nor Canada has ever reached a men's World Cup knockout stage before. South Africa (green-and-gold, hard to break down) meet Canada (red, fast and front-foot). Two underdogs, one ticket to the last 16, and a tight game that could go to penalties.
Read answerBrazil vs Japan: what to know before the World Cup Round of 32
The tournament's biggest name meets its most famous giant-killer. Brazil, five-time world champions with Vinicius Junior in red-hot form, take on Japan, the disciplined side that stunned Germany and Spain at the last World Cup. Brazil are big favourites, but an upset is genuinely on the table.
Read answerGermany vs Paraguay: what to know before the World Cup Round of 32
A heavyweight meets a hard-hat. Germany, four-time world champions packed with young stars like Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, face Paraguay, a stubborn, disciplined side built to defend and counter. Germany are strong favourites, but this is a classic test of whether the underdog can hang on.
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