Brazil and Germany will look to book their places in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday as the knockout stage continues with four high-profile ties, while Morocco and the Netherlands meet in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the round.
According to AFP, five-time champions Brazil take on Japan in Houston as they continue their pursuit of a record-extending sixth World Cup title. Carlo Ancelotti’s side topped their group ahead of Morocco, with Vinicius Junior scoring four goals during the group stage.
Despite being favourites, Brazil expect a stern challenge from Japan, who defeated them 3-2 in an international friendly last October.
“We need to play with our heads and hearts, and be clear about what we want to do,” Ancelotti said, adding that his team are prepared for every possibility, including extra time and penalties.
Brazil captain Marquinhos described the previous defeat to Japan as a valuable learning experience, while Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said his players have grown stronger as a unit heading into the knockout rounds.
The winners will face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the last 16.
Germany, four-time world champions, meet Paraguay at Gillette Stadium near Boston in their first World Cup knockout match since lifting the trophy in 2014.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side finished top of their group after victories over Curacao and Ivory Coast before losing to Ecuador. Although not considered among the tournament favourites, Nagelsmann insisted Germany’s ambition remains to win every match.
Forward Kai Havertz said he, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are close to producing their best form after improving steadily throughout the group stage.
Paraguay, appearing in the knockout phase for the first time since 2010, qualified as one of the best third-placed teams but face a difficult challenge after travelling across the United States following the group stage.
The winner will meet either France or Sweden in the last 16.
The standout fixture of the day sees three-time runners-up the Netherlands face 2022 semi-finalists Morocco in Monterrey, Mexico.
Both nations are ranked among the world’s top eight and boast squads packed with talent from Europe’s leading leagues. Morocco’s squad includes Dutch-born defender Noussair Mazraoui and forward Ismael Saibari, who is set to join Bayern Munich after helping PSV Eindhoven win the Dutch league title.
Canada have already secured their place in the last 16 after defeating South Africa 1-0 in Los Angeles. Captain Stephen Eustaquio scored the winner deep into stoppage time to send the co-hosts into the knockout phase for the first time.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch said the achievement would inspire football fans across the country.
Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia Football Federation president Yasser al-Misehal resigned after the Green Falcons were eliminated in the group stage. Al-Misehal had played a leading role in Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
