2026 World Cup: 7 countries qualify for Round of 16, 3 fixtures confirmed

Seven countries have now secured their places in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with three knockout fixtures already confirmed.

The latest team to book a place in the last 16 is co-hosts Mexico, who defeated Ecuador 2-0 in their Round of 32 clash on Wednesday.

Julián Quiñones and Raul Jiménez scored in the first half to hand Javier Aguirre’s side a comfortable victory, while Ecuador finished the match with 10 men after Piero Hincapié was sent off in stoppage time.

Mexico became the seventh nation to progress to the knockout stage and the second co-host to qualify after Canada advanced by eliminating South Africa.

The Mexicans will now wait to discover their Round of 16 opponents, with the winners of the England vs DR Congo clash set to face them.

So far, three Round of 16 ties have been confirmed.

France will take on Paraguay on Saturday after cruising to a 3-0 victory over Sweden in the previous round.

Norway are set to face Brazil on Sunday in a highly anticipated encounter, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Morocco will also be in action on Saturday when they take on co-hosts Canada for a spot in the last eight.

Countries through to the Round of 16

• Brazil
• Canada
• France
• Mexico
• Morocco
• Norway
• Paraguay

Confirmed Round of 16 fixtures

• France vs Paraguay
• Morocco vs Canada
• Norway vs Brazil

Vanguard News

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