Day 19, the first full day of Round of 32 action, delivered the drama of the expanded knockout rounds in spades. All three games were close. Two were decided in a penalty kick shootout. The third featured a stoppage-time winner. They may not have been equally entertaining in terms of the football on display, but they were all riveting television.
So, Brazil move on thanks to that Martinelli winner, 2-1 over Japan. They didn’t look great especially in the first half — and haven’t all tournament — but
they got what they needed in the end.
The same couldn’t be said for Germany, who were perhaps harsly denied a winning goal in extra-time, but then faltered in the shootout instead — despite Paraguay missing twice with the game there to be won, before finally converting to send Kai Havertz & Co packing. Germany had never lost a World Cup shootout prior to today. Paraguay meanwhile continue their stellar defending: since the shock of conceding four against the US, they’ve conceded just one goal in their last three games. They will face the winner or France and Sweden next.
The best was saved for last however, as Netherlands took on Morocco, with the latter having the better of play throughout but in a continuing theme, failing to translate that into goals. Instead, the Netherlands took the lead through Cody Gakpo and seemed pretty content to play out the rest of the match for the 1-0 win. But the African Champions had different ideas, finally finding a belated leveler in stoppage time, then winning in the shootout (which featured a lot of inaccurate kicking under the pressure of the situation). Morocco will take on Canada next, in the Round of 16, which should be an easier challenge.
Today’s slate looks slightly less obviously appetizing, but I’m sure they’ll be tasty anyway.
CÔTE d’IVOIRE vs. NORWAY
The Ivory Coast have flown a bit under the radar in what’s been an historic tournament for African teams, but they ground out a couple group stage wins to easily reach the knockout rounds.
Meanwhile, Norway have flown anything but under the radar, with Erling Haaland making a big impact in his first World Cup and their fans taking over everywhere with their rowing and whatnot. They’re also just a massive team physically, so they’re just hard to miss in general. They have a very good chance of reaching the next round, where Brazil await.
Date / Time: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 1pm EDT; 6pm BST
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlingon, TX, USA
Referee: Jesús Valenzuela (Venezuela)
On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); elsewhere
Streaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
FRANCE vs. SWEDEN
Sweden have had the full Graham Potter experience in the space of just three games. A lopsided win, a lopsided defeat, but with the lads, of course, always giving it their all. They shouldn’t pose too much of a problem for France, who have been absolutely imperious so far and are looking like strong favorites for the crown this year.
Malo Gusto has made just two substitute appearances so far, totalling about ten minutes of action.
Date / Time: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 4:30pm EDT; 9:30pm BST
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ, USA
Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK); elsewhere
Streaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
MEXICO vs. ECUADOR
This could be the most dramatic matchup of the day, especially amid the fervor of the Azteca and the fans roaring on their home nation. But Ecuador did finally play like we expected them to play in their last game, beating Germany to stay in the competition, so perhaps they’ll get to build on that now with their lockdown defense and opportunistic offense.
Moisés Caicedo has been officially named Ecuador captain after being given the armband for the last game, and that’s great to see.
Date / Time: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 9pm EDT; 2am BST (next day)
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
Referee: Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK); elsewhere
Streaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
