The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered its first-ever Round of 32 phase under the expanded 48-team format.
The round features 16 matches played across stadiums in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This tournament has also set a record for African countries, with 9 out of 10 qualifying for the round of 32.
Global favorites, including Brazil, Argentina, England, France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal, are also battling for a place in the Round of 16.
Canada became the first nation to book its spot in the next round after defeating South Africa’s Bafana Bafana 1-0 at Los Angeles Stadium on June 28 in an intense match.
With different time zones between America and East Africa, Kenyan fans will watch some matches a day ahead.
Brazil, Germany, and Morocco Headline Opening Round of 32 Fixtures
The first full day of Round of 32 action on Monday, June 29, will feature three matches across North America.
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Five-time world champions Brazil will play Japan at Houston Stadium in Texas, with kick-off scheduled at 8:00 East African Time (EAT)
Brazil topped Group C with seven points, while Japan finished as runners-up in Group F, securing their place in the knockout rounds.
Later in the evening, Germany takes on Paraguay at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts at 11:30 PM.
Germany advanced as Group E winners, while Paraguay qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.
The final match of the day will be the Netherlands, who will face African champions Morocco at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico.
The match is scheduled for 4:00 AM time on Tuesday and is among the most anticipated clashes of the Round of 32, with Morocco aiming to continue Africa’s strong showing at the tournament.
In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, both Morocco and the Netherlands reached the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by France and Argentina, respectively.
African Nations Continue Their Quest for World Cup Success
Tuesday, June 30, begins with another African representative in action as the Ivory Coast takes on Norway at Dallas Stadium in Texas at 8:00 PM.
Ivory Coast finished second in Group E and will seek to extend Africa’s presence in the tournament.
France will then face Sweden at the New York-New Jersey Stadium. Due to the time difference the match shall be played on July 1 at 12:00 AM. France was among the strongest teams during the group stages, finishing top of Group I with all nine points.
The final match on June 30, the cohosts Mexico will face Ecuador at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City at 4:00 AM on July 1.
On Wednesday, July 1, England will face DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium at 7:00 PM, while Belgium takes on Senegal at Seattle Stadium at 11:00 PM.
The host United States shall then complete the day’s action against Bosnia at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium at 3:00 PM EAT on July 2.
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Global Favorites Set for Intense Matches
On Thursday, July 2, Spain faces Austria at the Los Angeles Stadium at 10:00 PM, followed by Portugal versus Croatia at the Toronto Stadium at 2:00 PM on July 3.
The final day of the Round of 32 on Friday, July 3, begins with Australia facing Egypt at Dallas Stadium at 9:00 PM. Egypt playing in the knockout stage is historic because it’s their first time qualifying for the stage and the first tournament in which they scored.
Defending champions Argentina then face Cape Verde at Miami Stadium at 1:00 AM on July 4. Cape Verde’s qualification for the knockout stage marked one of the tournament’s biggest surprises and ensured another African nation remained in contention.
The final Round of 32 will be between Colombia and Ghana at Kansas City Stadium at 4:30 AM on July 4.
Full Round of 32 Schedule Time in Kenya
| Date | Match | Kick-Off Time (Kenya – EAT) |
| June 28 | South Africa 0-1 Canada | Played |
| June 29 | Brazil vs Japan | 8:00 PM |
| June 29 | Germany vs Paraguay | 11:30 PM |
| June 30 | Netherlands vs Morocco | 4:00 AM |
| June 30 | Ivory Coast vs Norway | 8:00 PM |
| June 30 | France vs Sweden | 12:00 AM (July 1) |
| June 30 | Mexico vs Ecuador | 4:00 AM (July 1) |
| July 1 | England vs DR Congo | 7:00 PM |
| July 1 | Belgium vs Senegal | 11:00 PM |
| July 1 | United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina | 3:00 AM (July 2) |
| July 2 | Spain vs Austria | 10:00 PM |
| July 2 | Portugal vs Croatia | 2:00 AM (July 3) |
| July 2 | Switzerland vs Algeria | 6:00 AM (July 3) |
| July 3 | Australia vs Egypt | 9:00 PM |
| July 3 | Argentina vs Cape Verde | 1:00 AM (July 4) |
| July 3 | Colombia vs Ghana | 4:30 AM (July 4) |
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