The longest group stage in World Cup history has reached its conclusion, and the full round-of-32 line-up is now set. The 48-team tournament has been trimmed to 32, with the knockout bracket locked and a host of mouth-watering ties in store.
The holders have been handed a kind draw. Argentina face Cape Verde, the debutants who came through their group unbeaten. The winner will meet Australia or Egypt in the last 16.
France, beaten finalists in 2022, take on Sweden, with Germany or Paraguay awaiting the victor. Several ties, meanwhile, pit the tournament’s dark horses against the established powers.
The African contenders have eye-catching tests ahead. Morocco meet the Netherlands, Senegal face Belgium, and Ivory Coast take on Norway. Each carries the hopes of strong continental representation in the latter stages.
There are heavyweight clashes elsewhere, too. Brazil meet Japan, while Spain, Portugal and Croatia all return to action. Portugal’s tie with Croatia pits Cristiano Ronaldo against Luka Modric in a meeting of two veteran greats.
The co-hosts all feature on home soil. The United States host Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, Mexico welcome Ecuador to their capital, and Canada travel to Los Angeles to face South Africa. Both Canada and South Africa are contesting a World Cup knockout match for the first time.
The full round-of-32 schedule:
- South Africa v Canada – Inglewood, 28 June
- Netherlands v Morocco – Guadalupe, 29 June
- Germany v Paraguay – Foxborough, 29 June
- Brazil v Japan – Houston, 29 June
- France v Sweden – East Rutherford, 30 June
- Ivory Coast v Norway – Arlington, 30 June
- Mexico v Ecuador – Mexico City, 30 June
- USA v Bosnia & Herzegovina – Santa Clara, 1 July
- Belgium v Senegal – Seattle, 1 July
- England v DR Congo – Atlanta, 1 July
- Portugal v Croatia – Toronto, 2 July
- Spain v Austria – Inglewood, 2 July
- Switzerland v Algeria – Vancouver, 2 July
- Argentina v Cape Verde – Miami, 3 July
- Australia v Egypt – Arlington, 3 July
- Colombia v Ghana – Kansas City, 3 July
Read more – Matchday 16 Delivers Statement Wins as Knockout Race Intensifies
Also see – Cape Verde’s World Cup Dream Rolls On
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