With 32 teams remaining in a single-elimination tournament format, here are the top marquee matches to keep an eye on:
1. Brazil vs. Japan
- Date: June 29, 2026
- Venue: Houston Stadium, Texas
- Context: The five-time world champions advanced in style after a commanding 3-0 win over Scotland to top Group C. They face a highly disciplined and dangerous Japanese side looking to pull off a monumental knockout upset.
2. France vs. Sweden
- Date: July 1, 2026
- Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey
- Context: Pre-tournament favorites France cruised through the group phase with a perfect record, propelled by a brilliant campaign from Kylian Mbappé. They face a robust Swedish side that squeezed through as one of the best third-placed teams.
3. England vs. DR Congo
- Date: July 1, 2026
- Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Georgia
- Context: After grinding through a competitive Group L, England enters the knockouts facing a highly motivated DR Congo squad. DR Congo earned their blockbuster ticket by coming from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1, cementing themselves as a dangerous underdog.
4. Colombia vs. Ghana
- Date: TBD
- Venue: TBD
- Context: Colombia played out an intense 0-0 draw against Portugal to top Group K with seven points. Their reward is a blockbuster physical clash against Ghana, who famously held England to a scoreless draw during the group stage.