FIFA World Cup Round of 32: Schedule, Predictions and Latest News
The knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is gathering momentum as another exciting day of Round of 32 action awaits football fans around the globe. Three major football nations—Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands—are preparing for crucial knockout matches, while Canada continues to celebrate one of the biggest moments in the country's football history.
With every match now carrying elimination stakes, the margin for error has disappeared. A single moment of brilliance or a costly mistake could decide which teams continue their journey toward lifting football's most prestigious trophy.
Monday's FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Schedule
Brazil vs Japan
Kickoff: 12:00 PM Local Time (17:00 GMT)
Venue: Houston Stadium, Texas, USA
Brazil enters the knockout stage aiming to extend its impressive World Cup record, but Japan has already shown throughout the tournament that it is capable of challenging elite opposition.
The Samurai Blue have impressed with disciplined defending, quick transitions and fearless attacking football, making this one of the most anticipated matches of the Round of 32.
Germany vs Paraguay
Kickoff: 4:30 PM Local Time (20:30 GMT)
Venue: Boston Stadium, Massachusetts, USA
Germany hopes to move beyond the knockout stage for the first time since lifting the World Cup trophy in 2014.
Paraguay arrives with confidence after a determined group-stage campaign and will look to frustrate Germany with a compact defensive setup before striking on the counterattack.
Netherlands vs Morocco
Kickoff: 7:00 PM Local Time (01:00 GMT Tuesday)
Venue: Monterrey Stadium, Mexico
The Netherlands meets Morocco in what could become one of the most entertaining fixtures of the day.
Morocco has continued its rise as one of football's strongest emerging nations, while the Dutch remain one of Europe's most technically gifted teams.
Both sides possess enough attacking quality to produce an exciting knockout encounter.
Match Prediction: Brazil vs Japan
Brazil remains one of the tournament favorites thanks to its incredible squad depth and attacking talent.
Led by experienced stars and exciting young forwards, the Seleção has gradually improved with every match.
Japan, however, has become one of Asia's strongest football nations and has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to compete against the world's best teams.
Key Battle
Brazil's creative midfield against Japan's disciplined defensive organization could decide the outcome.
If Japan successfully limits Brazil's space in central areas, the underdogs could force the match into extra time.
Prediction
Brazil 2-1 Japan
Brazil's experience should eventually prove decisive, although Japan is expected to make life extremely difficult.
Match Prediction: Germany vs Paraguay
Germany appears to be finding momentum at exactly the right time.
The four-time world champions have looked increasingly comfortable in possession while maintaining defensive stability.
Paraguay's physical approach and tactical discipline will test Germany throughout the match.
Key Battle
Germany's attacking movement versus Paraguay's organized back line.
Prediction
Germany 2-0 Paraguay
Germany's quality in midfield could control possession and eventually wear down the South American side.
Match Prediction: Netherlands vs Morocco
This fixture promises to be one of the closest contests of the knockout round.
The Netherlands possesses excellent technical quality and experience in major tournaments, while Morocco continues to build on recent international success.
Key Battle
The Dutch attack against Morocco's energetic midfield.
Prediction
Netherlands 2-1 Morocco
Expect a competitive encounter with the Dutch narrowly progressing.
Canada Creates Football History
Away from Monday's fixtures, Canada is celebrating a historic milestone after securing its first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout victory.
A dramatic stoppage-time winner sent Canadian supporters into celebration and guaranteed a place in the Round of 16 for the first time in the nation's history.
The achievement represents another major step forward for football in Canada and highlights the rapid progress made by the national team in recent years.
Head coach Jesse Marsch praised his players after the victory, calling the result a defining moment for Canadian football and an inspiration for future generations.
The celebrations became even more emotional as injured midfielder Ismaël Koné joined teammates on the field despite suffering a tournament-ending injury earlier in the competition.
Iran's Heartbreaking Exit
Iran's World Cup journey ended in painful fashion after narrowly missing qualification for the knockout stage.
Several key moments throughout the tournament proved costly, including multiple goals being ruled out following VAR reviews.
The dramatic elimination sparked passionate reactions among supporters, while players and coaching staff reflected on a campaign filled with fine margins.
Despite the disappointment, Iran once again demonstrated that it can compete against some of the strongest teams in international football.
South Korea Begins a New Chapter
South Korea will enter a period of rebuilding after its early World Cup exit.
Head coach Hong Myung-bo stepped down following the disappointing campaign, opening the search for a new leader ahead of future international competitions.
Attention now turns toward rebuilding the squad and preparing for upcoming continental tournaments.
Players to Watch Today
Brazil
- VinÃcius Júnior
- Gabriel Martinelli
- Bruno Guimarães
Germany
- Jamal Musiala
- Florian Wirtz
- Kai Havertz
Netherlands
- Cody Gakpo
- Xavi Simons
- Virgil van Dijk
Morocco
- Achraf Hakimi
- Sofyan Amrabat
Japan
- Kaoru Mitoma
- Takefusa Kubo
Paraguay
- Miguel Almirón
Final Thoughts
The FIFA World Cup knockout stage is where football legends are made.
Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands all carry the expectations of passionate supporters, but each opponent has shown enough quality to believe an upset is possible.
Meanwhile, Canada's historic victory has already become one of the tournament's defining stories, proving once again that anything can happen on football's biggest stage.
With the Road to the Final becoming shorter each day, every match promises drama, intensity and unforgettable moments.