The expanded 2026 World Cup format prompted fears that the tournament’s quality would be diluted. While the final round of group-stage matches did little to dispel those concerns, the last 32 promises a slate of heavyweight clashes.
Brazil vs Japan
Brazil and Japan will face off in a game that could be one of the most compelling of the World Cup. Both teams have demonstrated their quality in the matches they have played so far and have sights set on a deep run at the tournament. Kick-off is at 1pm ET at Houston Stadium.
Brazil have grown into the World Cup. While Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggled in their opener against Morocco, some subtle changes gave the Seleção more control in their subsequent matches against Haiti and Scotland. Brazil may not control most of possession against Japan, but their quality in attacking transition could make them favourites.
Japan have similarly shown their ability at the tournament to this point. Like Brazil, Hajime Moriyasu’s team are capable of reacting to different circumstances. They can sit deep. They can control possession. They can even score from set pieces, as they did against the Netherlands. Japan should be taken seriously.
Player to watch: Vinícius Júnior, Brazil – With four goals in three games, the Real Madrid winger has been one of the most potent attackers at this World Cup. Ancelotti is getting the best out of Vinícius in the final third.
Germany vs Paraguay
Germany will be favourites to progress past Paraguay in their last-32 clash at Boston Stadium, kicking off at 4.30pm ET. Germany lost to Ecuador in their final group game, but Julian Nagelsmann’s side have shown enough to suggest they are still a contender to win the World Cup. The former Bayern Munich boss has made good use of his bench at the tournament, highlighting Germany’s depth.
Paraguay made it through to the last 32 by virtue of being one of the eight best third-place teams. Their sole win in Group D came against Turkey when they showed admirable resolve to hold on to a lead with 10 men for the entirety of the second half. They will need that resolve again in this match.
Player to watch: Felix Nmecha, Germany – This has been a breakout tournament for Nmecha, who has established himself as Germany’s first-choice box-to-box operator in the centre of the pitch, helping himself to a goal and an assist in the process.
Netherlands vs Morocco
The last-32 clash between the Netherlands and Morocco in Monterrey could swing either way. Kick-off is at 9pm ET at Monterrey Stadium. By scoring eight goals in their last two games, the Netherlands have laid down a marker at this World Cup. The introduction of Brian Brobbey as an orthodox focal point in attack has completely changed the dynamic of Ronald Koeman’s side, making them just as dangerous as any other team left in this competition.
Morocco have also made a positive impression. Indeed, the 2022 semi-finalists are unbeaten in three games and have evolved their game since the last World Cup. The Atlas Lions are now able to control games with the ball and have a number of natural creators. They don’t, however, have an elite-level forward.
Player to watch: Brian Brobbey, Netherlands – The Sunderland forward is a physical threat, but also does a lot to bring the other Dutch attackers into the game. Cody Gakpo, for example, is better for having Brobbey to play off.
How to Watch
Here is your complete guide on how to watch today’s World Cup games, including kick-off times, broadcast networks and online streaming options.
Brazil v Japan
Time (ET): 1pm
Stadium: Houston Stadium
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: ITV1 (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
Germany v Paraguay
Time (ET): 4.30pm
Stadium: Boston Stadium
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: BBC One (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
Netherlands v Morocco
Time (ET): 9pm
Stadium: Monterrey Stadium
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: ITV1 (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
After losing 16 teams from the group stage, challengers will start to quickly fall away from this point on.
