The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup has now been cut to just 16 nations, with the battle for the trophy entering its decisive stage.
The Round of 32 delivered plenty of drama, from late winners to penalty shootouts, while several traditional heavyweights saw their World Cup dreams come to an abrupt end.
HEAVYWEIGHTS AND CO-HOSTS REMAIN IN THE HUNT
Tournament co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States have all reached the last 16, adding to the excitement on home soil. Canada needed a dramatic 92nd-minute winner from Stephen Eustáquio to knock out South Africa, earning a mouthwatering clash against Morocco, who stunned the Netherlands on penalties.
Mexico now face one of the tournament favourites in England, led by Harry Kane, while the United States take on Belgium in another heavyweight encounter.
Defending champions Argentina also survived a major scare before edging Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time. Lionel Messi and company now prepare for another difficult test against Egypt, inspired by Mohamed Salah after eliminating Australia on penalties.
Perhaps the standout tie of the round will be the all-European showdown. Portugal will face Spain in the Iberian derby for a place in the quarter-finals.
FIFA WORLD CUP ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES
Saturday, 4 July
- Canada vs Morocco – Houston Stadium, Texas (19:00)
- Paraguay vs France – Philadelphia Stadium, Pennsylvania (23:00)
Sunday, 5 July
- Brazil vs Norway – New York New Jersey Stadium (22:00)
- Mexico vs England – Mexico City Stadium (02:00)
Monday, 6 July
- Portugal vs Spain – Dallas Stadium, Texas (21:00)
- United States vs Belgium – Seattle Stadium, Washington (02:00)
Tuesday, 7 July
- Argentina vs Egypt – Atlanta Stadium, Georgia (18:00)
- Switzerland vs Colombia – BC Place, Vancouver (22:00)
With only 16 teams remaining, there is now no room for error. Every match is winner-takes-all as the race to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy gathers momentum, with Morocco and Egypt carrying Africa’s hopes into the next round.
