World Cup 2026: 6 Major Matches in the Unmissable Round of 32
We analyze the six key matches of the World Cup 2026 Round‑of‑32, including Brazil vs Japan, Netherlands vs Morocco — timing, key players and match highlights.
World Cup 2026 with round‑of‑32 no November cops — but just the excitement! As the Round‑of‑32 begins this Sunday evening, big early matches are already scheduled with the new format. As you plan your calendar, we've hand-picked six must-see matches.
Brazil vs Japan — Monday, June 29 (7pm) Brazil struggled a bit when they first faced Morocco, but then raised the level. Japan, meanwhile, are an interesting team — they managed to draw the Netherlands, while the Dutch side impressed in other matches. The Seleção have a super tail like Vinicius Jr, whose form makes this match particularly interesting.
Netherlands vs Morocco — Tuesday, June 30 (3am) It can also be said to be the biggest match of this round-of-32. Morocco, who finished as runners-up in the last AFCON, and a semifinalist in the previous tournament — are likely to send either the Netherlands or an ambitious opponent. It will be a high-voltage game between a team of huge stature.
Ivory Coast vs Norway — Tuesday, June 30 (7pm) It is expected that this Jhagadu, which looks like equal forces on paper, will give surprises. Norway came forward with Erling Haaland, who has been a key killer from the outset of the tournament, while Ivory Coast were strong in reviews as they narrowly overcame Germany. As a result, the goal chances and tension are high.
France vs Sweden — Tuesday, June 30 (11pm) France have been one of the most impressive teams in the group stage so far. Reflecting the form that has opened up in recent matches, France will face another European opponent. Sweden, however, is the best and can yield the best in extreme forms — especially the Gökerus-Isaak romance above.
Belgium vs Senegal — Wednesday, July 1 (10pm) Two huge teams but going into the Round‑of‑32 looked somewhat surprising. Their trajectories thus far have been surprisingly similar — difficult matches first, then aggressive offensive propositions. Its success is dangerous to predict.
Portugal vs Croatia — Friday, July 3 (1am) This could be the last World Cup match for Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modric — and there's a reason. And there is another reason why both teams may not be showing their best football yet. The upcoming match between these two teams with historic positions in the World Cup is not to be missed. Additionally, it will be interesting to see Ronaldo's one-of-a-kind opportunity — his first goal in a World Cup knockout.
These six matches can create the tournament triveda in the Round‑of‑32 itself: key players' performances, teams' strategies, and match results will ultimately determine the direction of the tournament. Watch and plan your fixtures — World Cup 2026's round‑of‑32 will be the biggest talking point this season.