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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Brazil vs Norway: what to know before the World Cup Round of 16
Vinicius vs Haaland: two of the planet's best attackers go head-to-head. Brazil are chasing a record sixth World Cup with Vinicius Junior flying; Norway are back at the big stage after 28 years, powered by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. Brazil are favourites, but Norway have never lost to Brazil, and even beat them at the 1998 World Cup.
Read answerEngland vs Mexico: what to know before the World Cup Round of 16
England's talent against Mexico's fortress. This one is at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, 7,200 feet up with a fierce home crowd, where Mexico have never lost a World Cup match. Mexico haven't conceded all tournament; England have Harry Kane in the form of his life. England are slight favourites, but altitude, atmosphere and Mexico's defence make it a serious test.
Read answerSpain vs Portugal: what to know before the World Cup Round of 16
The Iberian derby, and a passing of the torch. Spain's 18-year-old Lamine Yamal faces Portugal's 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo. Spain are European champions, unbeaten in 34 games and yet to concede all tournament; Portugal are Nations League winners riding Ronaldo's likely final World Cup. Spain are favourites, but derbies like this rarely follow the script.
Read answerUSA vs Belgium: what to know before the World Cup Round of 16
The host nation's dream against Europe's fading golden generation. The USA, roared on by a huge home crowd in Seattle, are chasing a first World Cup quarter-final in 24 years, and they get striker Folarin Balogun back after his red card was overturned. Belgium still have the world-class Kevin De Bruyne. A genuine 50-50, with home advantage tipping it America's way.
Read answerArgentina vs Egypt: what to know before the World Cup Round of 16
Messi against Salah, two icons likely at their final World Cup. Argentina are the reigning world champions with Lionel Messi in record-chasing form; Egypt are Africa's most decorated nation, organised and just off a shootout win over Australia. Argentina are heavy favourites, but Egypt will defend deep, lean on Salah, and dream of another penalty shootout.
Read answerEngland vs Argentina: what to know before the World Cup semi-final
The second semi-final, and it's a giant: the reigning world champions and a never-ending Lionel Messi against a deep, ruthless England chasing a first World Cup final since 1966. Messi has eight goals as joint-top scorer, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have six apiece for a Thomas Tuchel side that grinds out wins and is lethal from set pieces. Two heavyweights, one place in the final.
Read answerColombia vs Switzerland: what to know before the World Cup Round of 16
Two of the meanest defences in the tournament go head-to-head. Colombia have conceded just once all World Cup, three straight clean sheets, a first in their history, and carry the magic of James Rodriguez and pace of Luis Diaz. Switzerland are organised and hard to beat, with Xhaka running the show and 20-year-old Manzambi a breakout star. Expect a tight chess match, with Colombia the slight edge.
Read answerSouth 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.
Read answerFrance vs Morocco: what to know before the World Cup quarter-final
A blockbuster rematch of the 2022 semi-final, which France won 2-0 on their way to the final. Now the Atlas Lions want revenge in the last eight. France have been the tournament's most clinical team, with Kylian Mbappe leading the Golden Boot race; Morocco are superbly organised, fearless in the knockouts, and led by the world's best right-back Achraf Hakimi. France are favourites, but Morocco can shock anyone.
Read answerNetherlands vs Morocco: what to know before the World Cup Round of 32
Europe's orange machine meets the team that stole the world's heart in 2022. The Netherlands, perennial contenders with star power everywhere, face Morocco, the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final, who almost never lose. The Dutch have the bigger names and the scarier set pieces; Morocco have the legs and zero fear. This is the tie of the round.
Read answerIvory Coast vs Norway: what to know before the World Cup Round of 32
Two teams making history meet in Dallas. Ivory Coast, the reigning African champions, have reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Norway are at a World Cup for the first time in 28 years, finally bringing the Haaland-Odegaard generation to the big stage. Power and pace against star quality, in a genuine 50-50.
Read answerFrance vs Sweden: what to know before the World Cup Round of 32
One of the tournament favourites against two of the deadliest strikers in the world. France, world champions in 2018 and unbeaten in the group, face a Sweden side that can't always defend but always has a chance through Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres. France should win, but Sweden's twin No. 9s mean it might not be quiet.
Read answerSpain vs Belgium: what to know before the World Cup quarter-final
The European champions against a resurgent Belgium. Spain keep winning, a 91st-minute Merino goal saw off Portugal, and their structure under Rodri has been almost unbreakable, with Lamine Yamal a constant threat. Belgium arrive on a high after thrashing the USA 4-1 and welcome back Kevin De Bruyne. Spain are favourites, but Belgium have the firepower to make them sweat.
Read answerMexico vs Ecuador: what to know before the World Cup Round of 32
The host nation against the team that just shocked Germany. Mexico won all three group games without conceding, and now play in front of a roaring home crowd at the legendary Estadio Azteca. Ecuador arrive on a high after a famous win over Germany, with one of the tournament's best defences. Mexico are slight favourites at home, but it has 50-50 thriller written all over it.
Read answerEngland vs DR Congo: what to know before the World Cup Round of 32
A heavyweight against a fairytale. England, one of the world's best teams chasing a first World Cup since 1966, face DR Congo, who have reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history. England have superstars in every line; DR Congo have grit, organisation and Premier League-tested strikers. England are heavy favourites, but the Leopards can make a favourite sweat.
Read answerBelgium vs Senegal: what to know before the World Cup Round of 32
Europe's fading golden generation against Africa's athletic powerhouse. Belgium still have world-class quality in Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, but an ageing core and a half-fit Romelu Lukaku. Senegal are younger, quicker and physical, led by veteran captain Sadio Mane at what is likely his final World Cup. A genuinely even tie that could hinge on one moment or a shootout.
Read answerUSA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina: what to know before the World Cup Round of 32
The host nation against a physical European underdog living its own dream. The USA won their group and play in front of a huge home crowd in the Bay Area, powered by Christian Pulisic and in-form striker Folarin Balogun. Bosnia & Herzegovina reached the knockout stage for the first time ever, led by 40-year-old legend Edin Dzeko. The USA are favourites, but Bosnia's size makes it tricky.
Read answerEngland vs Norway: what to know before the World Cup quarter-final
A striker showdown for a semi-final place. Erling Haaland has been unstoppable, seven goals including the brace that knocked out Brazil, as Norway reach their first-ever World Cup quarter-final. England answer with Harry Kane (six goals) and a flying Jude Bellingham, chasing the last four. England are favourites, but Haaland means Norway can hurt anyone.
Read answerSpain vs Austria: what to know before the World Cup Round of 32
The European champions against Europe's most relentless pressers. Spain, arguably the best team in the tournament, built around teenage superstar Lamine Yamal and midfield maestros Pedri and Rodri, face Austria, an organised, aggressive side coached by Ralf Rangnick at their first World Cup since 1998. Spain are heavy favourites, but Austria's energy is built to make life uncomfortable.
Read answerPortugal vs Croatia: what to know before the World Cup Round of 32
Two legends, one last dance. It's 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal against 40-year-old Luka Modric and Croatia, two all-time greats almost certainly at their final World Cup. Portugal have more firepower and depth; Croatia have the smartest midfield in the game and ice-cold knockout nerve. Expect a tight, tense, high-quality battle that could go the distance.
Read answerArgentina vs Switzerland: what to know before the World Cup quarter-final
The reigning world champions against the tournament's great survivors. Argentina have won all five games with Lionel Messi in dreamland, eight goals, the most of anyone at the World Cup. Switzerland are in their first quarter-final since 1954, having ground out a shootout win over Colombia with goalkeeper Gregor Kobel their hero. Argentina are heavy favourites, but the Swiss will try to frustrate them and roll the dice on penalties.
Read answerSwitzerland vs Algeria: what to know before the World Cup Round of 32
Swiss organisation against Algerian flair, with a juicy subplot: Algeria are coached by Vladimir Petkovic, who led Switzerland for seven years. Switzerland topped their group unbeaten and defend like a wall; Algeria squeezed through but have star quality in captain Riyad Mahrez at his first-ever World Cup. A close, tactical tie that could go to extra time.
Read answerEngland vs France: what to know before the World Cup third-place playoff
The consolation match nobody wanted, but with two of the world's best teams and a Golden Boot on the line. England and France both lost their semi-finals (England to Argentina, France to Spain) and meet in Miami to decide third place. Expect heavy rotation and tired legs, but also Kylian Mbappe chasing the top-scorer prize — reason enough to watch.
Read answerAustralia vs Egypt: what to know before the World Cup Round of 32
Two teams chasing a slice of history, and it may hinge on one man's hamstring. Egypt have superstar Mohamed Salah and Manchester City's Omar Marmoush, but Salah is racing to be fit. Australia are organised, physical and hard to beat, and have never won a World Cup knockout game. A tight, low-scoring tie where Egypt's star power just edges the favouritism, if Salah plays.
Read answerCanada vs Morocco: what to know before the World Cup Round of 16
A fairytale meets the giant-killers. Co-hosts Canada are in the World Cup last 16 for the first time ever after a dramatic win over South Africa. Morocco just knocked out the Netherlands on penalties, the same nation that reached a 2022 semi-final. Morocco have the pedigree and Achraf Hakimi; Canada have pace and a dream to chase. Morocco are favourites, but Canada will fancy the counter.
Read answerParaguay vs France: what to know before the World Cup Round of 16
The tournament's biggest shock story meets its most in-form team. Paraguay stunned four-time champions Germany on penalties; France have been imperious, dismantling Sweden 3-0 with Kylian Mbappe flying. On paper a massive mismatch, but Paraguay defend deep, believe, and have already proved they can win a shootout. Their dream is to survive to penalties again.
Read answerFrance vs Spain: what to know before the World Cup semi-final
The heavyweight tie of the tournament, with a place in the final on the line. Two-time world champions France have won all six games, scoring 16 goals and conceding none in the knockouts, with Kylian Mbappe joint-top scorer on eight. European champions Spain do it the other way — patient, suffocating possession and a defence that has conceded just once. France's firepower against Spain's control, and the winner faces England or Argentina in the final.
Read answerSpain vs Argentina: what to know before the World Cup final
The World Cup final: the European champions against the reigning world champions. Spain have been the tournament's most controlled team, conceding just one goal in seven games with a brilliant young side led by Lamine Yamal. Argentina are here to defend their crown, dragged to the final by a Lionel Messi swan song that won't end — eight goals, more than anyone left, in what may be his last World Cup match. Spain's control against Argentina's champions' nerve.
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