Full World Cup last 16 bracket and schedule: Who has been eliminated - and who could meet in quarter-finals? England learn opponents
Updated 07/07/2026 at 08:05 GMT+1
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The last-16 stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost concluded, so which teams have been eliminated, what is the draw for the quarter-finals, and who could England play if they go all the way in North America?
‘So proud’ - Tuchel speaks of mixed emotions after England win over Mexico
Video credit: SNTV
The tournament has already provided plenty to enjoy: Lionel Messi breaking records, Cabo Verde surpassing all expectations - and goals aplenty as the knockout stages continue.
Now, though, is when the tournament really gets going, when the top teams begin to meet and the favourites go up a gear.
Which teams made it to the last 16?
The following teams progressed to the last 16: Mexico, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, Morocco, USA, Paraguay, Belgium, Egypt, Spain, France, Norway, Argentina, Colombia, Portugal and England.
Which teams have been eliminated?
The following 16 countries were knocked out in the group stage: Korea Republic, Czechia, Qatar, Scotland, Haiti, Turkiye, Curacao, Tunisia, Iran, New Zealand, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Uzbekistan and Panama.
In the round of 32, South Africa were beaten by Canada in the first knockout match while Japan were knocked out by Brazil and Germany fell to a shock penalty shoot-out defeat to Paraguay.
Netherlands are on the way home after falling to defeat to Morocco on penalties, and Norway beat Cote d'Ivoire in the last 32.
Sweden were also dumped out as they lost 3-0 to France, Mexico beat Ecuador, while England edged past DR Congo, Senegal had their hearts broken by Belgium, and USA beat Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Spain flexed their muscles, and a 3-0 win in Los Angeles ended Austria's hopes. Elsewhere, a late VAR decision resulted in Portugal knocking out Croatia and Switzerland comfortably beat Algeria.
Australia fell to defeat on penalties against Egypt, before Argentina's dramatic extra-time win over Cabo Verde.
Colombia edged past Ghana 1-0 to complete the round of 32.
In the last 16, co-hosts Canada lost 3-0 to disputed African champions Morocco, and France overcame Paraguay's dark arts thanks to a Kylian Mbappe penalty.
Five-time champions Brazil lost 2-1 to Norway after a brilliant Erling Haaland brace, and England dealt with the altitude and a partisan atmosphere at the Azteca to defeat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a classic.
Spain beat Portugal 1-0 in a tight, cagey contest decided by a late Mikel Merino goal, before Belgium emphatically knocked out the USA in Seattle.
The left side of the draw
The left side of the draw features European heavyweights Spain, France and Portugal. Co-hosts USA are also on this side.
- Sunday, June 28 - South Africa 0-1 Canada (Los Angeles)
- Monday, June 29 - Germany 1-1 Paraguay (Paraguay win 4-3 on penalties) (Boston)
- Tuesday, June 30 - Netherlands 1-1 Morocco (Morocco win 3-2 on penalties) (Monterrey)
- Tuesday, June 30 - France 3-0 Sweden (New York/New Jersey)
- Wednesday, July 1 - Belgium 3-2 Senegal (Seattle)
- Thursday, July 2 - USA 2-0 Bosnia & Herzegovina (San Francisco)
- Thursday, July 2 - Spain 3-0 Austria (Los Angeles)
- Friday, July 3 - Portugal 2-1 Croatia (Toronto)
- Saturday, July 4 - Canada 0-3 Morocco (Houston)
- Saturday, July 4 - Paraguay 0-1 France (Philadelphia)
- Monday, July 6 - Portugal 0-1 Spain (Dallas)
- Tuesday, July 7 - USA 1-4 Belgium (Seattle)
The right side of the draw
England are on the other side of the draw along with defending champions Argentina, five-time winners Brazil and co-hosts Mexico.
- Monday, June 29 - Brazil 2-1 Japan (Houston)
- Tuesday, June 30 - Cote d'Ivoire 1-2 Norway (Dallas)
- Wednesday, July 1 - Mexico 2-0 Ecuador (Mexico City)
- Wednesday, July 1 - England 2-1 DR Congo (Atlanta)
- Friday, July 3 - Switzerland 2-0 Algeria (Vancouver)
- Friday, July 3 - Australia 1-1 Egypt (Egypt win 4-2 on penalties) (Dallas)
- Friday, July 3 - Argentina 3-2 Cabo Verde (Miami)
- Saturday, July 4 - Colombia 1-0 Ghana (Kansas City)
- Sunday, July 5 - Brazil 1-2 Norway (New York/New Jersey)
- Monday, July 6 - Mexico 2-3 England (Mexico City)
What are the quarter-finals?
After beating Mexico, England will face Norway and Haaland in the quarter-finals.
The game will be played in Miami at 22:00 UK time on Saturday, July 11, with the winner playing either Argentina, Egypt, Colombia or Switzerland in the semi-finals.
France face Morocco in another confirmed quarter-final, a repeat of the semi-final in 2022, which Didier Deschamps' side won 2-0.
Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo were beaten by European champions Spain, who will take on Belgium in the quarter-finals after Rudi Garcia's side thrashed the USA.
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Defending champions Argentina, meanwhile, look to have a favourable draw on paper, though they were made to work for their victory over Cabo Verde. If they beat Egypt, the world champions will meet Colombia or Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
England's potential route to the final
England play Norway next after overcoming the significant hurdle of beating Mexico in Mexico City.
The expectation was that the Three Lions would be up against Brazil in the quarter-finals, a repeat of the 2002 clash that ended in a 2-1 victory for the Selecao.
But, instead, Norway are the side standing between England and the last four at the World Cup.
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‘Best night of my England career so far’ - Bellingham revels in win over Mexico
Video credit: SNTV
Assuming England make it to the semi-finals, their most likely opponent is Argentina. Could Thomas Tuchel come up with a plan to nullify Messi?
If it transpires that the answer to that question is 'yes', England would be in the final, where they could meet one of several teams.
Most likely, it would be a showdown with France or Spain in New York for the chance to end 60 years of hurt.
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