Before 27/6, four round of 16 matches had already been confirmed: Canada - South Africa, Brazil - Japan, Netherlands - Morocco, and USA - Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Following the final matches in group I, France and Norway discovered their next opponents. Topping their group sends Didier Deschamps's team to East Rutherford, where the 2018 champions will face Sweden, currently the best-performing third-placed team.

Dembele (white jersey) scored the opening goal in the Norway – France match at Foxborough, Boston, USA on 26/6. Photo: AP

Meanwhile, Norway prepared for their trip to Arlington, having made 10 changes to their starting lineup on the morning of 27/6 and losing 0-5 to France. The Northern European side will now face Ivory Coast, the second-placed team in group E, marking the African team's first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage.

Both aforementioned matches are scheduled for the early morning of 1/7, Hanoi time. The UEFA team clash will begin at 4h, while the Norway versus Ivory Coast match starts at 0h.

In group H, Cape Verde made history with a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia. The West African island nation finished second in their group with three points after three matches, placing above former champion Uruguay.

In their inaugural World Cup knockout appearance, the CAF representative faces the ultimate challenge: Argentina. The reigning world champions secured victories in their first two matches, fueled by Lionel Messi's excellent performances, and are guaranteed to top group J regardless of their match against Jordan tomorrow, 28/6.

Lionel Messi celebrates making it 2-0 for Argentina in their victory over Austria in the second round of group J at World Cup 2026, held at Dallas in Arlington, Texas on 22/6. Photo: Reuters

In the round of 16, Messi will return to Miami, his residence since joining MLS. The match between Argentina and Cape Verde is scheduled for 5h on 4/7.

Also from group H, Spain defeated Uruguay to secure first place, and will face the second-placed team from group J in their next match. La Roja's victory also indirectly ensured the third-placed team in group D, Paraguay, officially qualified for the knockout stage, as confirmed by FIFA. The South American side earned four points after three matches in group D, with a goal difference of -2.

In the round of 16, Paraguay will clash with Germany at 3h30 on 30/6. The four-time world champions secured six points from victories against Ivory Coast and Curacao, thereby clinching the top spot in group E with a match to spare.

The ninth confirmed knockout stage matchup features Australia against Egypt, after the African representative finished second in group G. Egypt drew 1-1 with Iran, narrowly avoiding defeat in the final minute when Iran's goal was disallowed for offside. Iran finished third with three points and a goal difference of 0, and must await results from other groups. Meanwhile, group G winners Belgium have yet to determine their round of 32 opponent.

Before the final matches of the remaining three groups (J, K, L), 28 teams have secured their spots in the knockout stage. The remaining round of 32 matchups will be finalized once the last group stage matches are completed.

Vy Anh