World Cup Round of 32: Results, Upsets, and Standout Performances

Last Updated on julho 3, 2026 12:01 pm by Erwin Noguera

The first-ever Round of 32 in FIFA World Cup history has delivered exactly what fans hoped for: dramatic upsets, penalty shootout heartbreak, dominant performances, and several new contenders emerging as the tournament enters its decisive phase.

With only Friday’s matches—Argentina vs. Cape Verde, Colombia vs. Ghana, and Australia vs. Egypt—still to be played, the knockout bracket has already undergone significant changes. Traditional powers have advanced, but several favorites have also seen their World Cup dreams come to an unexpected end.

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Canada Started The Knockout Stage with History

Canada became the first nation to win a Round of 32 match in the expanded 48-team World Cup by defeating South Africa 1-0.

The narrow victory highlighted Canada’s continued defensive improvement and composure in high-pressure moments.

Rather than dominating possession, the Canadians controlled the tempo and protected their advantage until the final whistle.

Their reward is a Round of 16 meeting with Morocco, one of the tournament’s biggest surprise teams.

Paraguay and Morocco Produced the Biggest Upsets

Two of the tournament favorites were eliminated on the same day.

Paraguay stunned Germany by holding the Europeans to a 1-1 draw before winning the penalty shootout, while Morocco repeated its reputation as a knockout specialist by eliminating the Netherlands after another dramatic shootout.

Those victories reinforced an important theme of this World Cup: disciplined defending and tactical organization continue to neutralize more talented opponents when the pressure rises.

Both teams now enter the Round of 16 with enormous confidence after eliminating traditional football powers.

Brazil and France Look Every Bit Like Title Favorites

Not every favorite struggled.

Brazil survived a difficult challenge from Japan, winning 2-1 behind another composed attacking performance. The five-time world champions showed patience after Japan threatened to force extra time, demonstrating why they remain among the strongest contenders.

France delivered one of the most convincing performances of the Round of 32 by defeating Sweden 3-0.

Les Bleus controlled the match from start to finish, combining attacking efficiency with defensive discipline. The performance further strengthened France’s position as one of the tournament favorites entering the Round of 16.

Norway Continued Its Remarkable Run

One of the less-discussed stories of the tournament belongs to Norway.

The Scandinavians defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 to continue their impressive campaign and earn a Round of 16 showdown with Brazil.

Norway has combined defensive organization with clinical finishing throughout the competition, proving it deserves recognition alongside the tournament’s more established contenders.

Mexico, England, Belgium and the United States Survived Tough Tests

The knockout stage also confirmed the strength of several other contenders.

Mexico produced one of its most complete performances by defeating Ecuador 2-0, continuing to build momentum ahead of a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash with England.

England recovered from an Early setback to beat DR Congo 2-1, with Harry Kane once again delivering when his team needed him most. Belgium survived an exhausting battle against Senegal before advancing 3-2 after extra time, while the United States defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in front of a record-breaking home television audience.

Spain, Portugal and Switzerland Finished Strong

Thursday completed another impressive day for Europe’s heavyweights.

Spain overwhelmed Austria 3-0 with an outstanding attacking display led by Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored twice as La Roja comfortably advanced.

Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 in one of the Round of 32’s most competitive matches, relying on its experience and attacking depth to avoid extra time.

Switzerland completed the day’s action with a professional 2-0 victory over Algeria, securing its place in the Round of 16 without allowing the North Africans many clear scoring opportunities.

What We Learned Before the Final Three Matches

The Round of 32 has already reshaped the tournament.

Germany and the Netherlands are gone, proving once again that reputation guarantees nothing once knockout football begins. Morocco and Paraguay have earned the respect of every remaining contender, while France, Brazil, Spain and Portugal continue to strengthen their championship credentials.

Meanwhile, Canada, Norway, Mexico, England, Belgium, the United States and Switzerland all carry momentum into the next round after overcoming difficult tests.

Only three matches remain before the Round of 16 field is complete. Argentina faces Cape Verde, Colombia meets Ghana, and Australia takes on Egypt on Friday, with the final places in the knockout bracket still up for grabs.