Pre-Quarterfinal Lineup Confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026

June 19, Kathmandu – The pre-quarterfinal lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been finalized. All Round of 32 matches concluded Saturday morning, determining the last 16 teams advancing in the tournament. Four-time champions Germany, third-place finishers in the last edition Croatia, top contender Netherlands, Asian powerhouse Japan, and African dark horse Senegal were all eliminated in the Round of 32.
Defending champions Argentina, runners-up France, fourth-place Morocco, as well as European powerhouses Spain, England, and Belgium are among the 16 teams moving forward to compete for a spot in the quarterfinals. Co-host Canada secured their place in the last 16 by defeating South Africa in the Round of 32. Brazil advanced by overcoming Japan, while Germany was eliminated after losing to Paraguay in a tiebreak.
Morocco knocked out the Netherlands on penalties, Norway defeated Ivory Coast, and France triumphed over Sweden. Mexico beat Ecuador; England overcame Congo; Belgium defeated Senegal; and the United States ended Bosnia and Herzegovina’s campaign. Spain prevailed against Austria, Portugal defeated Croatia, and Switzerland eliminated Algeria. Egypt advanced by winning on penalties against Australia.
Argentina secured their Round of 16 place by defeating Cape Verde, and Colombia eliminated Ghana. The Round of 16 opening match will feature Canada versus Morocco, kicking off tonight at 10:45 PM. The following match between Paraguay and France is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 2:45 AM. Brazil faces Norway Monday at 1:45 AM, with Mexico and England also competing Monday morning. Portugal and Spain will meet Tuesday at 12:45 AM, while the United States takes on Belgium the same day. Argentina clashes with Egypt Tuesday night at 9:45 PM, followed by Switzerland versus Colombia Wednesday morning at 1:45 AM.