The final matches of the Group Stage finished up Saturday and we officially have all the matchups for the Round of 32, with the first match taking place Sunday between South Africa and Canada. Here are my thoughts on each match in the order they will take place.
South Africa vs. Canada
Both teams ended up with the same record in their respective groups, however Canada seemed to play the more challenging teams and scored more goals. I think they will have a slight advantage over South Africa.
Brazil vs. Japan
Brazil go in as the favorites but it will come down to the impact Neymar has as well as if they can continue playing as a team which was a struggle in qualifying for the tournament. I think Brazil should advance.
Germany vs. Paraguay
Germany are the overwhelming favorites and it would be a big upset if they do not make it to the Round of 16.
Netherlands vs. Morocco
The Netherlands are in great form, but most of their goals involved walking the ball into the goal. I think Morocco has a stronger defense than the Netherlands’ previous opponents and will have to work harder to earn their goals. Although the Dutch side are the slight favorites I think they are even and would not be surprised if Morocco pulled off a win.
Côte d’Ivoire vs. Norway
I think Norway have the advantage here but it will depend on how much they can get players like Haaland and Ødegaard involved.
France vs. Sweden
France are the overwhelming favorites here and one of the favorites to win the tournament. As long as they take Sweden seriously, I think they will win.
Mexico vs. Ecuador
Mexico are the favorites here, but Ecuador is in good form and has an impressive roster. I think this is one of the more even matchups in the Round of 32.
England vs. DR Congo
DR Congo have shown us they are a better team than most initially thought. England are the favorites here but again will have to take the match seriously. Everyone who has gone into the match thinking it was an “easy win” has been proven wrong.
Belgium vs. Senegal
Belgium are the favorites but only as of last game found their form again. It was only in their last game that they themselves scored. Their other matches included a scoreless draw and a 1-1 draw where it was an own goal by Egypt. I think if Belgium plays their game they will make a deep run in the tournament.
USA vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina
The U.S. are playing the best they have ever played. I think they have the advantage here but they cannot afford to sit back and defend a small lead as defense has proven to be the weakest part of their game.
Spain vs. Austria
Spain are the favorites here and also one of the favorites to win the tournament. I think their inexperience as such a young team will be their eventual downfall as they were too confident going into their draw against Cabo Verde and lucked out in their match against Uruguay as they only had one shot on target the entire match. If they start playing like their old selves, this should be an easier match for them.
Portugal vs. Croatia
This is another very even match. Both teams tend to play better when facing a tough opponent and know each other very well as most of their players have played with each other on the same club teams. I think Portugal have a slight advantage here but only if they bring their A-game.
Switzerland vs. Algeria
Another even match. I think the Swiss have the slight advantage but Algeria has more to fight for. If Algeria were to win, it would be only the second time in their history that they have made it to the Round of 16, with the first time being in 2016.
Australia vs. Egypt
Egypt have the better group record and played in a tougher group as Türkiye did not cause as much trouble in Australia’s group as most expected. Aside from Mexico vs. Ecuador, I think this is the most evely matched Round of 32 fixture.
Argentina vs. Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde is a team everyone has underestimated. Even after their draw with Spain, everyone thought that was it for them upsetting anyone. Argentina are the favorites here as well as to win the tournament; mostly due to the good fortune of not having to play a top 10 ranked team — according to the live FIFA rankings — until the semifinals. Anything but an Argentina win would be an upset.
Colombia vs. Ghana
Colombia are the favorites here and are in great form. Ghana, however, have been strong defensively, only giving up two goals, so Colombia will have had to earn it if they are going to win.
As always, stay tuned to Futbolhijo.com for in-depth coverage of the biggest World Cup yet. Check back for my next article, where I will be covering matches and news that occur throughout the tournament. You can also read my previous recap of Uruguay’s self-destruction.
Cover Photo. Picture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 bracket. Photo courtesy of Futbolhijo. Source: Fox coverage of the World Cup
One comment