Brazil, Germany and Netherlands enter World Cup knockout stage as first-ever round of 32 begins
Three matches on Monday open the first-ever World Cup round of 32, with Brazil facing Japan, Germany taking on Paraguay, and Netherlands clashing with Morocco.
First-ever round of 32
The 2026 World Cup enters the knockout phase with a new stage: the round of 32. The expansion to 48 teams, pushed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, means 32 sides remain after the group stage, and only one will lift the trophy in New York on 19 July. Monday's three fixtures are the first of 16 matches that will decide the last 16.
Brazil vs Japan
Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, topped Group C with 7 points and now face Japan at Houston Stadium (19:00 local time). The Seleção have won 11 of 14 previous meetings, but Japan won the most recent friendly 3-2 in October 2025. Neymar returned from injury in the last group match, though the team has yet to hit top form. Japan finished second in Group F behind the Netherlands, after draws with the Dutch and Sweden and a win over Tunisia. The winner meets the victor of Norway vs Ivory Coast in the last 16.
Germany vs Paraguay
Germany, despite a final group-stage defeat to Ecuador, won Group E and take on Paraguay at Boston Stadium (22:30 local time). Coach Julian Nagelsmann has faced criticism for sticking with Manuel Neuer in goal after the loss, but he is expected to keep faith with the veteran. Paraguay advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, with a win over Turkey and a draw against Australia. The prize for the winner is a likely quarter-final against France, should Les Bleus beat Sweden.
Netherlands vs Morocco
In the late match (03:00 local time, Tuesday in Italy), two of the tournament's most impressive sides meet at Monterrey Stadium. Both finished their groups on 7 points; the Netherlands topped theirs, while Morocco were second to Brazil on goal difference. The winner will face Canada, who beat South Africa in the first knockout match.
- Brazil vs Japan at Houston Stadium
- Germany vs Paraguay at Boston Stadium
- Netherlands vs Morocco at Monterrey Stadium
What's next
The round of 32 continues through 4 July, with highlights including France vs Sweden, Argentina vs Cape Verde, and a Madrid-style clash between Spain and Austria. The last 16 begins on 4 July.
