The final round-of-32 ties of the 2026 World Cup take place tonight, with holders Argentina facing Cape Verde in Miami — a match that could set up a last-16 meeting with either Australia or Egypt. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are level on six goals apiece in the Golden Boot race, and the Argentine will be eager to strengthen his credentials against a side ranked 66 places below the defending champions.
Elsewhere tonight, Australia and Egypt battle it out in Dallas, while Colombia round off the action against Ghana in a contest that promises to be tight and low-scoring. Colombia topped Group K unbeaten; Ghana have registered the fewest efforts on goal of any nation left in the tournament. The winners meet either Switzerland or Algeria in the last 16.
“Argentina face Cape Verde tonight as the final round-of-32 games set up last-16 ties including England vs Mexico.”
The knockout stage has already thrown up some thrilling ties. England travel to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium to face Mexico, Spain take on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, and hosts USA meet Belgium. The top two sides from each group advanced, along with the eight best third-placed teams. Uruguay and Scotland were among the 16 nations eliminated, while tournament contenders Spain, France, Argentina, Brazil, England and Germany all topped their groups.
This summer’s tournament features 104 matches across North America — 40 more than the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Mexico and Canada each host 13 games, while the United States stages 78. From the quarter-finals onwards, all matches will be played in the US, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The World Cup began at the Azteca, scene of Diego Maradona’s most famous and infamous goals against England in 1986, as well as two classic finals: Brazil’s 4-1 win over Italy in 1970, and Argentina’s 3-2 triumph over West Germany in 1986. For Messi and Ronaldo, this is likely to be their last appearance on this stage.
At the group stage, one hydration break during England’s game against Panama drew boos from the crowd, who wanted Jude Bellingham on the ball rather than on the water bottle. An elderly violinist who played the Bosnian national anthem was a delight, according to one observer. England have not been beaten yet and topped their group, though their performances have frustrated fans. They now face the mighty challenge of Mexico at the iconic Azteca.