FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Fixtures Confirmed as Nine African Teams Chase History
The fixtures for the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been confirmed, with several exciting matches set to take place as teams battle for places in the last 16.
A record nine African nations have reached the knockout stage, with South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Senegal, DR Congo, Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt and Ghana all progressing to the knockout rounds.
The action begins on Sunday, June 28, with South Africa facing Canada. The North Americans are considered favourites to progress, but South Africa will hope to cause an upset.
On Monday, five-time champions Brazil take on Japan, while Germany face Paraguay. Another intriguing tie will see the Netherlands battle Morocco, who have continued their impressive run on the world stage.
Tuesday’s fixtures include Ivory Coast against Norway, while France face Sweden in what is expected to be a difficult test for the Scandinavian side. Mexico and Ecuador will also fight for a place in the next round.
The United States face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, while Belgium take on African giants Senegal in one of the most anticipated matches of the round. England will also face DR Congo after the African side reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Thursday’s fixtures will see Algeria face Switzerland, while Croatia take on Portugal. Former world champions Spain will battle Austria for a place in the last 16.
The final Round of 32 matches will be played on Friday, July 3. Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will face World Cup debutants Cape Verde. Egypt will meet Australia, while Ghana take on Colombia in another crucial encounter.
Round of 32 Fixtures
Sunday, June 28
•South Africa vs Canada
Monday, June 29
•Brazil vs Japan
•Germany vs Paraguay
•Netherlands vs Morocco
Tuesday, June 30
•Ivory Coast vs Norway
•France vs Sweden
•Mexico vs Ecuador
Wednesday, July 1
•United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
•Belgium vs Senegal
•England vs DR Congo
Thursday, July 2
•Switzerland vs Algeria
•Croatia vs Portugal
•Spain vs Austria
Friday, July 3
•Argentina vs Cape Verde
•Australia vs Egypt
•Ghana vs Colombia
With nine African nations still in the competition, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has already become a historic tournament for African football, and more surprises could be on the way in the knockout stage.
