The Round of 32 began with anything but a bang, as Canada struggled past South Africa in Los Angeles last night. But the name of the game in knockout rounds is often just to survive and advance, and that’s precisely what the hosts did thanks to a late goal form Stephen Eustaquio. Appropriately enough, Eustaquio currently plays for LAFC (on loan from FC Porto).
Today’s slate looks promising in terms of potential drama and maybe a couple upsets? Let’s go.
BRAZIL vs. JAPAN
It’s not been super impressive from Carlo Ancelotti’s
Brazil so far, which, in a way, has them flying a bit almost under the radar … if such a thing is even possible. But after a 1-1 draw against Morocco to start their tournament, which raised more than just one eyebrow, they’ve notched back-to-back 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland, with Vini Jr and Matheus Cunha splitting the seven goals between themselves, four to three.
Japan should provide a tougher test though, even if their World Cup campaign so far has been underwhelming after all the hype coming in. Two draws and a win isn’t going to get anyone too excited, but like Brazil, they’re undefeated in the tournament so far. Only one of them can remain after tonight however.
Date / Time: Monday, June 29, 2026, 1pm EDT; 6pm BST
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX, USA
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK); elsewhere
Streaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
GERMANY vs. PARAGUAY
In a continuing theme, it’s been a bit of an underwhelming World Cup from Germany as well. After smacking around Curaçao, who did briefly level the game at 1 before losing 7-1, Germany struggled past Côte d’Ivoire, 2-1 then lost to Ecuador by the same scoreline in a game that was meaningless for the four-time World Champions. VfB Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav leads the way for them with three goals though they might need Big Game Kai Havertz to show up in the knockout rounds at some point.
Few would’ve imagined Paraguay would be here after losing to the US, 4-1, in their opening game, but since then they’ve beaten Turkey and drawn with Australia — conceding zero goals in the process — and snuck in as the second worst third place team to qualify for the knockout rounds. Paraguay’s calling card has been strong defense (the USA result notwithstanding), and that always gives you a chance in a single-elimination game.
Date / Time: Monday, June 29, 2026, 4:30pm EDT; 9:30pm BST
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA, USA
Referee: Jalal Jayed (Morocco)
On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); elsewhere
Streaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
NETHERLANDS vs. MOROCCO
Perhaps the marquee matchup of the day, and one that really could go either way. The other two games have a clear favorite; this one’s a toss-up.
The Netherlands have improved as the group stage had gone along, easily beating Sweden and Tunisia after a draw against Japan, while Morocco have done similar with wins against Scotland and Haiti after a draw against Brazil to start things. The (administrative) African Champions have been a bit unlucky in front of goal, but both teams in this matchup lack a proper No.9, so it might come down to an unlikely goalscoring hero to decide things. (Brian Brobbey and Ismael Saibari both have three goals to pace their respective teams.)
Chelsea’s Jorrel Hato has not played a single minute so far, which is a bit disappointing.
Date / Time: Monday, June 29, 2026, 9pm EDT; 2am BST (next day)
Venue: Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico
Referee: Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)
On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK); elsewhere
Streaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
