After so many dramatic and 11th-hour wins in the Round of 32, the World Cup’s Round of 16 has much to live up to.
This phase of the cup brings us several intriguing confrontations that are expected to produce more nail-biting moments for fans and players, and 11th-hour heroics
That includes Spain vs. Portugal in an Iberian derby, Mexico and England at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Canada and Morocco in Houston, and the United States and Belgium in Seattle.
If these eight matches follow suit of the previous round, there should be late heroics and plenty of drama in the Round of 32.
In case you are wondering, this writer predicted 13 of the 16 winners correctly in the previous round in a story on this website.
The tournament has slowed down from its frenetic pace of four or six matches a day in the group stage, to essentially three in the Round of 16, to a pair a day in the Round of 32.
The Round of 16 begins on Saturday, July 4, with Canada taking on Morocco in Houston, and France meeting Paraguay in Philadelphia.
Here is a quick look at the eight matchups (FOX, Telemundo):
July 4
Canada vs Morocco, NRG Stadium, Houston, 1 p.m. ET
Canada just might meet its match against a strong North Africans side that has been growing in recent years. Remember, the Moroccans finished fourth at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Canadians could pay for finishing second in its group and not being able to play in the more friendly confines of B.C. Place in Vancouver.
Prediction: Morocco 2, Canada 1
Paraguay vs. France, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, 5 p.m.
It’s difficult to overcome a team that features the likes of Kylian Mbappe (six goals) and Ousmane Dembele (four goals, hat-trick) and a fabulous supporting cast. If the French score early, it could become a rout. The longer the game goes without France scoring, the better off the South Americans will be.
Prediction: France 3, Paraguay 0
Sunday, July 5
Brazil vs Norway – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J., 4 p.m. ET
The big question is whether the Brazilians can stop the great Erling Haaland (five goals). He has scored in every match he has played, sitting out the 4-1 loss to France in the group stage. Vinicius Junior (four goals) needs to be at the top of his game. At the 1998 World Cup, Norway defeated Brazil on a late penalty kick, in the final group stage match. Both teams went to the knockout round. This time, one team will go home.
Prediction: Norway 3, Brazil 2
Mexico vs England – Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, 8 p.m. ET
The Mexicans thrive in the cauldron in which they play all their qualifiers and important matches in their favorite venue. As well as Harry Kane (five goals) and his English teammates have played, it could be difficult to overcome the overwhelming partisan atmosphere there. On paper, this should be one of the top Round of 16 clashes.
Prediction: Mexico 2, England 1
Monday, July 6
Portugal vs Spain – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, 3 p.m. ET
Like Mexico-England, this should be one of the leading matches of the round. The contest pits neighboring countries who will be among the co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup. But both are thinking of now. This also will be a battle between Spain’s 19-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal and 41-year-old superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored in six World Cups. If Portugal loses, the game will be Ronaldo’s cup swan song. Mikel Oyarzabal (four goals) has been key to La Roja’s success.
Prediction: Spain 2, Portugal 1
United States vs. Belgium – Lumen Field, Seattle, 8 p.m. ET
The Belgians rolled over the Americans, 5-2, scoring four unanswered goals in the second half, in a friendly in Atlanta on March 28. Don’t expect that score to be duplicated this time. Even without the suspended Folarin Balogun, this is a different U.S. side with much more energy and focus. The big question is who will start in Balo’s place – Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright?
Prediction: U.S. 2, Belgium 2 (U.S. wins on penalties)
Tuesday, July 7
Argentina vs. Egypt – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, noon ET
As long as Lionel Messi is at the top of his game, the Argentines will be difficult to beat. Cape Verde gave the defending champions a major scare on Friday, forcing extra time before Argentina got by via a late own goal in an epic Round of 32 confrontation. Liverpool legend Mo Salah will try to lead The Pharaohs to an upset.
Prediction: Argentina 2, Egypt 0
Switzerland vs. Colombia – BC Place, Vancouver, 4 p.m.
Colombia, which became the last team to qualify for the Round of 16 with its 1-0 win over Ghana on Friday night, traditionally has been known for its attacking flair. In this World Cup, the South American side has been difficult to solve, with three consecutive clean sheets. Switzerland, one of the tournament’s underrated teams, finished atop Group B, ahead of co-host Canada. Johan Manzambi’s three goals lead the Swiss, who will have an extra day of rest.
Prediction: Colombia 1, Switzerland 0
Michael Lewis, the sixth recipient of the Clay Berling Media Career of Excellence Award in 2025, can be followed on Bluesky at @Soccerwriter. His 10th soccer book, Around the World Cup in 40 Years: An American sportswriter’s perspective, has been published.
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