The Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup is beginning to take shape, and there are already four confirmed matchups that promise excitement from the very first day of the knockout stage. Among them are the Brazil vs. Japan and Netherlands vs. Morocco matchups—two games that will pit teams against each other that are coming into the tournament with strong records and high hopes.
With the group stage entering its final stretch, the first matchups are already offering an exciting lineup for millions of fans, especially for the Hispanic community following the tournament from the United States.
Brazil and Japan are set to deliver one of the best games
On June 29, the Houston Stadium will host one of the most anticipated games of this round.
Brazil finished at the top of Group C with seven points.
Meanwhile, Japan advanced as the second-place team in Group F with five points after remaining undefeated during the group stage.
The Brazilian national team confirmed its status as the favorite with a solid performance.
Meanwhile, the Asian team demonstrated defensive discipline and the ability to compete against any opponent.
The match promises to be intense from the very first minute due to both teams’ offensive styles (Filed under: 2026 World Cup features standout Round of 16 matches).
The Netherlands and Morocco will face off in another high-level matchup
Also on June 29, but in Monterrey, the Netherlands and Morocco will face off in another of the most exciting qualifying matches.
The Dutch finished at the top of Group F with seven points.
Meanwhile, Morocco earned the same number of points in Group C, though it finished second on goal difference.
Both teams are coming into the match with confidence after making it through a tough group stage, and they know that only one will remain in the running for the world title (Filed under: 2026 World Cup Sets Up Star-Studded Round of 32).
Four confirmed matchups
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The United States and Canada already know who their opponents are
On July 1, the United States will play Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco.
The U.S. team finished first in Group D with six points thanks to two wins.
Although it ended the group stage with an unexpected loss to Turkey.
Now they will look to get back to their best form to face a Bosnian national team that advanced as the third-place finisher in Group B with four points.
For its part, Canada will play its match on June 28 in Los Angeles against South Africa.
The Canadians finished second in Group B with four points.
Meanwhile, the South African team surprised everyone by finishing second in Group A after an outstanding group stage (Filed under: 2026 World Cup Sets Up Star-Studded Round of 32).
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