FIFA WC Round of 32 Schedule: Argentina, France in focus as Canada reach last 16

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has officially moved into its knockout phase after the conclusion of a record-breaking group stage, with Canada setting the tone by winning the opening Round of 32 match on Sunday in dramatic fashion.Stephen Eustáquio’s stoppage-time winner inspired Canada to a historic 1-0 victory over South Africa, sending Jesse Marsch into an emotional celebration as Les Rouges reached the Round of 16 for the first time in their World Cup history. Moments after the final whistle, the Canada coach gathered his players on the pitch and delivered a passionate tribute.“You guys are Canadian heroes today! Canadian heroes for the future children of this country who play this sport,” Marsch shouted. “You never lost belief. You went after it, point after point, moment after moment.”Canada now face a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston this weekend, as the knockout bracket begins to take shape.Knockout phase begins after record-breaking group stageThe tournament’s expanded format has produced unprecedented numbers, with 48 teams competing across 72 group-stage matches before 32 nations advanced to the Round of 32. The group stage delivered a record 215 goals, while 999 players featured in action. Africa achieved its strongest-ever representation in the knockout phase with nine CAF nations progressing, while seven teams — including Canada, Cabo Verde, South Africa and DR Congo — reached the Round of 32 for the first time in history.FFA World Cup schedule of the week (29 June – 5 July)Sixteen Round of 32 matches will be played this week, with fixtures spread across North America before the tournament shifts into the Round of 16 on the weekend.DateTeams VenueTime (IST)29 JuneSouth Africa vs CanadaLos Angeles12:30 AMBrazil vs JapanHouston10:30 PM30 JuneGermany vs ParaguayBoston2:00 AMNetherlands vs MoroccoMonterrey6:30 AMIvory Coast vs NorwayDallas10:30 PM1 JulyFrance vs SwedenNew Jersey2:30 AMMexico vs EcuadorMexico City6:30 AMEngland vs CongoAtlanta9:30 PM2 JulyBelgium vs SenegalSeattle1:30 AMUSA vs BosniaSan Francisco5:30 AM3 JulySpain vs AustriaLos Angeles12:30 AMPortugal vs CroatiaToronto4:30 AMSwitzerland vs AlgeriaVancouver8:30 AMAustralia vs EgyptDallas11:30 PM4 JulyArgentina vs Cabo VerdeMiami3:30 AMColombia vs GhanaKansas City7:00 AMCanada vs TBD (Round of 16)Houston10:30 PM5 JulyTBD vs TBD (Round of 16)Philadelphia2:30 AMGet the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.