Colombia secured the final spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 following a 1-0 victory over Ghana, according to official updates from FIFA. The knockout stage features 16 nations and is scheduled to run from July 5 to July 8, 2026, beginning with a matchup between Canada and Morocco.
Which nations have qualified for the Round of 16?
The official tournament bracket updated by FIFA confirms that 16 countries have advanced to the next stage of the competition. The qualified field includes:
- Paraguay
- France
- Canada
- Morocco
- United States
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Norway
- Mexico
- England
- Spain
- Portugal
- Switzerland
- Egypt
- Argentina
- Colombia
Colombia’s advancement marks the conclusion of the 32-team round, which has been ongoing since June 29. By defeating Ghana, Colombia ensured they would be the final team added to the knockout bracket.
When do the Round of 16 matches take place?
The knockout phase is set to take place between Sunday, July 5, and Wednesday, July 8, 2026. According to the schedule provided by Kompas.com, the matches will be played during the following windows in Western Indonesia Time (WIB):
Sunday, July 5, 2026
- 00:00 WIB: Canada vs. Morocco
- 04:00 WIB: Paraguay vs. France
Monday, July 6, 2026
- 03:00 WIB: Brazil vs. Norway
- 07:00 WIB: Mexico vs. England
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
- 02:00 WIB: Portugal vs. Spain
- 07:00 WIB: United States vs. Belgium
- 23:00 WIB: Argentina vs. Egypt
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
- 03:00 WIB: Switzerland vs. Colombia
How does the schedule impact the tournament progression?
The schedule shows a significant concentration of high-profile matches on Tuesday, July 7. On this day, three separate matches are scheduled, including a heavy-weight clash between Portugal and Spain. This density of matches suggests a rapid progression toward the quarter-finals.

The final match of this round will see Switzerland face Colombia on July 8. This match follows Colombia’s recent 1-0 victory over Ghana, which served as their ticket into the knockout stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the last team to qualify for the Round of 16?
Colombia was the final country to qualify after beating Ghana 1-0.
When does the Round of 16 begin?
The Round of 16 matches officially begin on July 5, 2026.
Which teams are playing on July 7?
On July 7, Portugal plays Spain, the United States plays Belgium, and Argentina plays Egypt.
Stay updated on the latest 2026 FIFA World Cup results and schedules. Share your thoughts on which team will reach the finals in the comments below!