The 2026 FIFA World Cup enters the round of 16 on Saturday, July 4, with the 16 remaining teams battling for a place in the quarterfinals after surviving the Round of 32.

The Round of 16 features former champions, tournament favourites and surprise packages, with standout fixtures including England against co-hosts Mexico, Portugal taking on Spain, and Lionel Messi’s Argentina facing Egypt.

The teams earned their places in the last 16 after winning their respective Round of 32 matches, setting up eight knockout ties to be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16: Full Match Schedule, EAT Kickoff Times and How to Watch

Teams That Qualified for the Round of 16

• Canada edged South Africa 1-0 to secure a place in the last 16.
• Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 and continue their title charge.
• Paraguay knocked out Germany 4-3 on penalties after the teams could not be separated in regulation and extra time.
• Morocco overcame the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties to book another knockout victory.
• Norway saw off Ivory Coast 2-1 to advance.
• France cruised to a 3-0 win over Sweden with a commanding performance.
• Mexico earned a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ecuador to progress.
• England overcame DR Congo 2-1 thanks to Harry Kane’s decisive goal.
• Belgium survived a spirited challenge from Senegal to win 3-2.
• The United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to reach the Round of 16.
• Spain swept aside Austria 3-0 to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
• Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 after Cristiano Ronaldo inspired the comeback.
• Switzerland eased past Algeria 2-0 to secure their place in the knockout stage.
• Egypt eliminated Australia 4-2 on penalties after a hard-fought draw.
• Argentina survived a scare to edge Cape Verde 3-2, with Lionel Messi adding to his tournament tally.
• Colombia sealed a narrow 1-0 victory over Ghana to complete the Round of 16 lineup.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi heads into the Round of 16 as the tournament’s leading scorer with seven goals.

Also Read: Explained: Why Germany’s Goal Against Paraguay Was Disallowed at the FIFA World Cup 2026

Full Round of 16 Fixtures (EAT)

Also Read: How a Chip Inside the Ball Saved Portugal From World Cup Heartbreak

Blockbuster Ties Headline Knockout Stage

The Round of 16 promises several high-profile encounters as teams fight to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

England, led by captain Harry Kane, will face co-hosts Mexico in one of the most anticipated matches of the round at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City after both sides came through their opening knockout tests.

Another heavyweight clash pits Iberian rivals Portugal against Spain in Dallas, with Cristiano Ronaldo expected to lead Portugal against a Spain side that impressed in a comfortable victory over Austria.

Five-time champions Brazil will take on a confident Norway outfit in New York/New Jersey after the South Americans recovered from a goal down to eliminate Japan in the previous round.

Argentina, inspired by Messi, will meet Egypt, who booked their place after eliminating Australia in a penalty shootout, while France face Paraguay after the South Americans stunned Germany in one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Canada, enjoying one of their best-ever World Cup campaigns, begin the knockout stage against Morocco after edging South Africa, while the United States take on Belgium in another intriguing tie. Switzerland and Colombia will conclude the Round of 16 programme with both sides seeking a place in the last eight.

The winners of the eight Round of 16 fixtures will advance to the quarterfinals, moving a step closer to lifting football’s biggest prize.

How to Watch

The Round of 16 matches will be broadcast live by FIFA’s official television and streaming partners in different countries.

Football fans in Kenya have several options to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 live.

The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) will air Round of 16 matches live and free-to-air after the government secured broadcast rights for the tournament.

They can also livestream through https://kbcplus.co.ke/.

New World TV will also broadcast selected knockout matches in territories where it holds sublicensed rights, subject to local distribution agreements.

Fans looking to watch every Round of 16 fixture can tune in to SuperSport on DStv and GOtv, which has announced it will broadcast all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup, including every knockout fixture.

Coverage includes live matches, expert analysis, pre- and post-match shows, highlights and repeat broadcasts.

For viewers who prefer to stream online, SportyTV will also provide live coverage of selected Round of 16 matches on its official YouTube channel.

Fans can also follow live match updates, scores and commentary through FIFA’s digital platforms and licensed broadcasters in their respective regions.

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