World Cup 2026 last 16 bracket: who's playing next?
Who's playing in the World Cup last 16? Six of eight ties are done: France, Morocco, Norway, England, Spain and Belgium are through. Argentina vs Egypt and Switzerland vs Colombia finish on 7 July. England face Norway in the quarters on 11 July, with the final set for 19 July in New Jersey.
The 2026 World Cup knockout bracket has taken shape across the USA, Mexico and Canada. If you are asking who's playing World Cup football next, the route from the last 16 to the MetLife Stadium final is now far clearer after a dramatic first week of knockout football.
Key Takeaways
- Six last-16 ties are settled: France, Morocco, Norway, England, Spain and Belgium advanced.
- England beat Mexico 3-2 and will play Norway in Miami on Saturday 11 July at 10pm UK time.
- Scotland were eliminated in the group stage; Steve Clarke resigned as manager after their exit.
- Quarter-finals begin 9 July; semi-finals are 14-15 July, with the final on Sunday 19 July.
- Canada's run ended with a 0-3 last-16 loss to Morocco in Houston.
Who has already won in the World Cup last 16?
According to Sky Sports, the last 16 opened on Saturday 4 July. Morocco beat Canada 3-0 in Houston, while France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia.
On Sunday 5 July, Norway stunned Brazil with a 2-1 win in New Jersey. Monday brought two more thrillers: England edged Mexico 3-2 in Mexico City, and Spain beat Portugal 1-0 in Arlington.
Early on Tuesday 7 July, Belgium knocked out co-hosts the USA with a 4-1 win in Seattle. Two ties remained on the schedule that evening: Argentina vs Egypt in Atlanta and Switzerland vs Colombia in Vancouver.
What is England's route to the World Cup final?
England's path has been mapped out since the group stage. The Mirror reported that Thomas Tuchel's side topped Group L and were drawn against DR Congo in the round of 32 in Atlanta.
England then faced Mexico in the last 16 and won 3-2. Harry Kane's scoring form has been central — the BBC noted he became England's all-time leading World Cup scorer with 11 goals, passing Gary Lineker's record of 10 during the group stage.
England's quarter-final is set for Saturday 11 July at 10pm UK time in Miami, where they will meet Norway. If they progress, a semi-final awaits on Wednesday 15 July in Atlanta, with a potential final on Sunday 19 July in New Jersey.
Where did Scotland's World Cup campaign end?
Scotland's tournament ended in the group stage. The Mirror reported that Steve Clarke's side needed results elsewhere to go their way to reach the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
BBC coverage confirmed Scotland's elimination and Clarke's resignation as manager. While England advanced deep into the knockout bracket, the Tartan Army were sent home before the last 32 began.
How did the knockout stage get underway?
The BBC's live World Cup page highlighted South Africa vs Canada as the fixture opening the last-32 knockout round. Canada later reached the last 16, where Morocco ended their tournament with a 3-0 win on 4 July.
France now await Morocco in the quarter-finals on 9 July in Foxborough. For more on sustaining peak performance through long tournaments, see our Longevity & Biohacking section.
What comes next in the World Cup bracket?
Quarter-finals kick off Thursday 9 July with France vs Morocco in Foxborough. Spain face Belgium on Friday 10 July in Los Angeles. The Norway vs England tie follows on Saturday 11 July.
Semi-finals are on 14 and 15 July in Arlington and Atlanta. The third-place playoff is 18 July in Miami, before the final on Sunday 19 July at 8pm UK time in New Jersey.