World Cup 2026: The Round of 32 Takes Shape
Date: June 24, 2026
The second matchday of the World Cup 2026 group stage concluded with a draw between Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, painting an increasingly clear picture ahead of the Round of 32. With one round still to play, high-profile knockout matchups are already beginning to emerge.
📍 Context for International Readers
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is being hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It's the first World Cup with 48 teams and a new format featuring 12 groups. Argentina enters as the defending champions from the 2022 tournament in Qatar, led by captain Lionel Messi.
Possible River Plate Classic
Among the most intriguing matchups is a potential River Plate classic between Argentina and Uruguay. Argentina has already secured first place in Group J and would face Uruguay, currently second in Group H.
🗣️ Did you know? The term "clásico rioplatense" refers to the historic rivalry between Argentina and Uruguay, two South American nations separated by the Río de la Plata (River Plate). They have faced each other over 200 times, making it one of football's oldest and most passionate rivalries. Uruguay were the first World Cup champions in 1930, defeating Argentina in the final.
High-Stakes Matchups
The provisional bracket also features elite-level clashes:
- Spain vs Austria
- Netherlands vs Morocco
- France vs Belgium
- Portugal vs Ghana
- Germany (1st Group E) vs Czech Republic (best 3rd)
- France (1st Group I) vs Belgium (best 3rd)
- South Korea (2nd Group A) vs Switzerland (2nd Group B)
- Netherlands (1st Group F) vs Morocco (2nd Group C)
- Portugal (2nd Group K) vs Ghana (2nd Group L)
- Spain (1st Group H) vs Austria (2nd Group J)
- USA (1st Group D) vs Sweden (best 3rd)
- Egypt (1st Group G) vs Scotland (best 3rd)
- Brazil (1st Group C) vs Japan (2nd Group F)
- Ivory Coast (2nd Group E) vs Norway (2nd Group I)
- Mexico (1st Group A) vs Cape Verde (best 3rd)
- England (1st Group L) vs Algeria (best 3rd)
- Argentina (1st Group J) vs Uruguay (2nd Group H)
- Australia (2nd Group D) vs Iran (2nd Group G)
- Canada (1st Group B) vs Paraguay (best 3rd)
- Colombia (1st Group K) vs Croatia (best 3rd)
Qualified and Eliminated Teams
- Mexico
- United States
- Germany
- Argentina
- France
- Norway
- Colombia
- Haiti
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Jordan
- Panama
Round of 32 Schedule
The knockout stage begins with the Round of 32, scheduled between June 28 and July 3, 2026. Participants include the top two teams from each of the 12 groups, plus the eight best third-placed teams from the group stage.
Argentina's Path
Group J Standing: 1st place with 6 points and a +5 goal difference
Next Match: June 27, 2026 vs Jordan in Dallas at 23:00 Argentina time
Round of 32 Match: July 3, 2026 at 19:00 in Miami vs 2nd place of Group H
⚽ The Excitement Builds: With one matchday remaining in the group stage, the bracket remains open and promises last-minute changes. The World Cup is taking shape, and the potential matchups hint at a knockout phase full of thrills and unforgettable moments!
Source: TN Deportivo
