World Cup Round of 16 Fixtures Schedule
The World Cup 2026 Round of 16 begins July 5, 2026, with 32 teams competing across North America for a place in the quarter-finals. The knockout stage brings single-elimination football to cities from Atlanta to Miami, with traditional powers facing surprising qualifiers and underdogs looking to write their own history.
The first match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta features England against DR Congo at 5:00 PM ET. Simultaneously, France takes on Sweden at MetLife Stadium in New York. On July 6, Brazil plays Japan at AT&T Stadium in Dallas and Argentina faces Cape Verde at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The round continues through July 8, with matches in Houston, Los Angeles, Boston and Miami.
This is the first World Cup knockout stage with 48 teams, meaning the competition for places in the last 16 was fiercer than ever. The expanded format has produced compelling storylines, with traditional heavyweights having to navigate tougher groups and smaller nations earning their place at the top table.
Live scores and real-time match updates for every Round of 16 fixture are available on iscore.ai, bringing you the action as it happens across North America.
England vs DR Congo July 5 Atlanta Preview
England begin their World Cup 2026 knockout campaign against DR Congo at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The match kicks off at 5:00 PM ET, with Thomas Tuchel's side entering as overwhelming favorites at 1.20 with bookmakers.
Harry Kane has been the story of the tournament for England, scoring in all three group matches and moving within two goals of Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup record of 16 goals. The England captain enters the Round of 16 with 14 career World Cup goals and will be eager to move level with the German legend on his home continent.
England topped Group L with three wins from three, including a 2-0 victory over Panama in their final group match. Jude Bellingham has been the creative force, creating 18 chances in the group stage, while the defense has yet to concede. DR Congo finished third in Group A but advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
The concern for England is the physical toll of a long tournament played in extreme heat. Multiple players have missed training sessions with minor niggles, and Tuchel may be forced into rotations. DR Congo, by contrast, have fresh legs and nothing to lose, making them dangerous underdogs.
Prediction: England 3-0 DR Congo. The gulf in quality is too wide, and Tuchel will not want his side to expend unnecessary energy in a match they should win comfortably.
France vs Sweden July 5 New York Preview
France face Sweden at MetLife Stadium in New York in the first Round of 16 match on July 5. Kick-off is at 5:00 PM ET, with the defending champions priced at 1.33 to advance to the quarter-finals.
Kylian Mbappe has been in electric form for France, scoring four goals in the group stage and leading the team in chance creation with 15. His partnership with Antoine Griezmann has flourished under Didier Deschamps, with the veteran midfielder providing three assists. France topped Group I with two wins and a draw.
Sweden finished second in Group K behind Germany, impressing with their tactical discipline and counter-attacking threat. Dejan Kulusevski has been their standout performer, scoring twice and providing creativity in midfield. Sweden's only defeat came against Germany, and they pushed the European champions hard in a 2-1 loss.
The match will be played on artificial turf at MetLife Stadium, which could affect France's technical players. Mbappe and Griezmann prefer natural surfaces, while Sweden's more direct approach may be better suited to the faster ball movement.
Deschamps is likely to rotate his squad, with Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga pushing for starts in midfield. Sweden will look to exploit any French complacency, knowing that an upset would be one of the biggest in their World Cup history.
Prediction: France 2-1 Sweden. The French quality will tell eventually, but Sweden will make them work hard for the victory in New York.
Brazil vs Japan July 6 Dallas Preview
Brazil take on Japan at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on July 6 in a match that brings together two of the tournament's most attacking teams. Kick-off is at 7:00 PM ET, with Brazil favored at 1.25 to reach the quarter-finals.
Brazil topped Group H with a perfect record, scoring 10 goals in three matches. Vinicius Jr has been the star with four goals, while Neymar has added two goals and three assists. The Selecao's attacking depth is their greatest weapon, with Rodrigo and Gabriel Martinelli providing different threats from the bench.
Japan qualified as Group D winners, finishing ahead of Morocco and Turkey in a competitive group. Their attacking trio of Kaoru Mitoma, Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan has scored seven goals between them, and they play with a high-tempo, pressing style that has troubled every opponent.
The match at AT&T Stadium will be played in extreme heat, with temperatures expected to reach 95°F at kick-off. Both teams have trained extensively in warm weather to prepare, but the conditions will test endurance and force tactical adjustments. Expect frequent drink breaks and possible cooling breaks.
Brazil's defensive vulnerability has been their only concern, conceding four goals in the group stage. Japan will look to exploit space in behind Brazil's full-backs, who push high to support the attack. The battle between Vinicius Jr and Japan's left-back will be pivotal.
Prediction: Brazil 3-2 Japan. An open, attacking match with plenty of goals. Brazil's superior depth will be the difference in a contest that goes to the wire.
Argentina vs Cape Verde July 6 Philadelphia Preview
Argentina face Cape Verde at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on July 6 in a David vs Goliath encounter. Kick-off is at 7:00 PM ET, with Argentina heavy favorites at 1.15 to advance.
Lionel Messi continues to lead the Golden Boot race with six goals, scoring in all three group matches. His partnership with Lautaro Martinez has produced 10 goals between them, and Argentina's midfield, anchored by Rodrigo De Paul, has controlled every game they have played. The holders topped Group J with three wins.
Cape Verde are one of the surprise packages of the tournament, finishing second in Group C behind Spain but ahead of Uruguay. Their defensive organization has been exceptional, conceding only twice in the group stage, while Garry Rodrigues has provided three goals in attack. The island nation with a population under 600,000 has captured hearts with their spirit and determination.
Argentina's concern is the physical toll on Messi, who turns 39 during the tournament. Lionel Scaloni has managed his minutes carefully, but the knockout stage brings a different intensity. Cape Verde will look to press Argentina's midfield and force mistakes, knowing they have nothing to lose.
The weather in Philadelphia should be cooler than the southern venues, with temperatures around 80°F at kick-off. This should suit Argentina's technical style, allowing Messi to operate without the exhaustion that affects players in extreme heat.
Prediction: Argentina 4-0 Cape Verde. The quality gap is too wide, and Argentina will want to make a statement with a dominant performance.
Germany vs Scotland July 7 Houston Preview
Germany face Scotland at NRG Stadium in Houston on July 7 in a match between a tournament favorite and a team competing in their first World Cup knockout match. Kick-off is at 5:00 PM ET, with Germany priced at 1.18.
Germany have been the most impressive team in the tournament, scoring 19 goals in three group matches. Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz have been in scintillating form, scoring six goals between them, while Julian Nagelsmann's tactical flexibility has allowed Germany to dominate different opponents with different approaches.
Scotland earned their place in the Round of 16 by finishing second in Group E, ahead of Ecuador. John McGinn has been their leader, scoring twice and driving the team forward with his energy and determination. This is Scotland's first World Cup knockout match since 1998, and the team will be fueled by national pride.
The match in Houston will be played in a dome stadium, eliminating weather concerns. This suits Germany's technical style, and they will look to impose their possession-based game from the first whistle. Scotland will defend deep and look to counter-attack with McGinn and Che Adams.
Nagelsmann has confirmed that Joshua Kimmich will return to the starting lineup after missing the final group match with a minor injury. His presence will stabilize Germany's midfield and allow Wirtz to push higher up the pitch.
Prediction: Germany 5-0 Scotland. The most one-sided match of the Round of 16. Germany will show Scotland the gulf in class between established World Cup contenders and debutant qualifiers.
Spain vs USA July 7 Los Angeles Preview
Spain face the United States at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on July 7 in a clash between European and North American powerhouses. Kick-off is at 7:00 PM ET, with Spain favored at 1.30.
Spain finished second in Group C after a surprising 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, but have shown their quality in other matches. Pedri has been the creative hub, creating 22 chances in the group stage, while Gavi and Nico Williams have provided attacking threat. Luis de la Fuente's side plays a patient possession game designed to break down stubborn defenses.
The United States topped Group A with two wins and a draw, with Christian Pulisic in outstanding form. The Chelsea captain has three goals and four assists, and his partnership with Folarin Balogun has produced seven goals between them. Mauricio Pochettino has transformed the USMNT into a team that competes with the best.
The match at SoFi Stadium will be played in front of a pro-American crowd, with temperatures expected around 82°F at kick-off. The home support will be crucial for the United States, who will look to use their high press to disrupt Spain's rhythm and create chances in transition.
Spain's concern is their lack of a clinical finisher. Alvaro Morata has missed several big chances, and De la Fuente may be tempted to start Borja Mayoral instead. The USMNT's defense, anchored by Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, has been solid but will be tested by Spain's intricate passing patterns.
Prediction: Spain 2-1 USA. A tight match where the United States will push Spain all the way. Spain's superior technical quality will just about see them through.
Italy vs Serbia July 8 Boston Preview
Italy face Serbia at Gillette Stadium in Boston on July 8 in a heavyweight European clash. Kick-off is at 5:00 PM ET, with the match too close to call at 1.95 for Italy and 1.90 for Serbia.
Italy finished second in Group L behind England, with Federico Chiesa emerging as their key attacking threat. The Juventus winger has scored three goals and created 12 chances, while the Azzurri's defense has conceded only twice. Luciano Spalletti's team plays with the tactical sophistication that has become Italy's trademark.
Serbia topped Group K after a dramatic final matchday, with Dusan Tadic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic leading the way. Serbia's attacking talent is undeniable, but defensive frailties have been a concern, conceding five goals in the group stage. This match could be decided by which team's defense holds up under pressure.
The weather in Boston should be pleasant, with temperatures around 75°F at kick-off. This suits both teams' technical styles, and we should see an open, tactical battle between two managers who understand each other's approaches well.
The fitness of Nicolo Barella will be crucial for Italy. The Inter midfielder has been their heartbeat in the center of the park but missed the final group match with a minor calf issue. If he is not fully fit, Italy may struggle to control midfield against Serbia's physical presence.
Prediction: Italy 2-2 Serbia, Italy win on penalties. An incredibly tight match that will be decided by the finest of margins. Expect extra time and a dramatic penalty shootout in Boston.
Netherlands vs Morocco July 8 Miami Preview
The Netherlands face Morocco at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on July 8 to complete the Round of 16 fixtures. Kick-off is at 7:00 PM ET, with the Netherlands favored at 1.40.
The Netherlands topped Group F with two wins and a draw, with Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay forming a productive partnership in attack. Ronald Koeman's team has been effective without being spectacular, grinding out results when necessary and showing the resilience that has been missing in recent tournaments.
Morocco finished third in Group D but advanced as one of the best third-placed teams. Their attacking trio of Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri has scored five goals between them, while their defense has been surprisingly solid. Morocco will be eager to prove they belong among the World Cup elite.
The match in Miami will be played in humid conditions, with temperatures around 88°F and high humidity at kick-off. This will test the endurance of both teams, with Koeman likely to rotate his squad to keep players fresh. Morocco may benefit from their experience in similar conditions in African qualifiers.
The Netherlands' concern is their lack of creativity in midfield without Frenkie de Jong, who is suspended for this match after accumulating two yellow cards. Koeman may be forced to play a more defensive midfield pivot, which could limit their ability to break down Morocco's stubborn defense.
Prediction: Netherlands 2-0 Morocco. The Dutch quality will tell, but Morocco will make them work hard in difficult conditions. The match will be tighter than the scoreline suggests.
Round of 16 Predictions and Odds
The World Cup 2026 Round of 16 promises drama, upsets and memorable moments across North America. Based on form, tactics and conditions, here are the predictions for all 16 matches:
July 5
England vs DR Congo - England 3-0 (Odds: England 1.20)
France vs Sweden - France 2-1 (Odds: France 1.33)
July 6
Brazil vs Japan - Brazil 3-2 (Odds: Brazil 1.25)
Argentina vs Cape Verde - Argentina 4-0 (Odds: Argentina 1.15)
July 7
Germany vs Scotland - Germany 5-0 (Odds: Germany 1.18)
Spain vs USA - Spain 2-1 (Odds: Spain 1.30)
July 8
Italy vs Serbia - Italy 2-2, Italy win on penalties (Odds: Italy 1.95)
Netherlands vs Morocco - Netherlands 2-0 (Odds: Netherlands 1.40)
The standout upset prediction is Italy vs Serbia, where Serbia's attacking talent could cause the Italian defense significant problems. The match most likely to be a goal-fest is Brazil vs Japan, with two attacking teams facing each other in conditions that should suit open, attractive football.
Live odds updates for every Round of 16 match are available on iscore.ai, with real-time changes as team news and injuries are confirmed before kick-off.