The first ever Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup could hardly have asked for a better start. Over seven unforgettable days, fans saw stunning upsets, dramatic extra time winners, tense penalty shootouts and long standing records come to an end. Defending champions Argentina needed extra time to survive against fearless Cape Verde. Brazil came from behind to beat Japan with a stoppage time winner. Mexico ended a 40 year wait for a World Cup knockout victory, while Switzerland celebrated their first knockout win in 88 years. The expanded tournament has already proved that every team belongs on football’s biggest stage.
Canada edge South Africa
The knockout stage began with a tight contest as Canada beat South Africa 1-0. Stephen Eustaquio scored the only goal to send the hosts into the Round of 16. South Africa fought hard until the end but could not force extra time. Canada’s reward is a Round of 16 clash with Morocco.
Brazil break Japan hearts
Japan looked set for one of the greatest wins in their history after Kaishu Sano gave them the lead. Brazil raised their level after the break. Casemiro equalised before Gabriel Martinelli struck deep into stoppage time to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback. Brazil now move on to face Norway.
Paraguay stun Germany
One of the biggest surprises came when Paraguay knocked out Germany. Julio Enciso cancelled out Kai Havertz’s goal before the match went to penalties. Paraguay players, especially the goalkeeper Orlando Gill held their nerve to win the shootout 4-3 and send the four time champions home. Next up for Paraguay is a showdown with France.
Morocco make more history
Morocco continued their remarkable World Cup story by eliminating the Netherlands. Cody Gakpo and Cheikh Diop scored in a 1-1 draw before Morocco won 3-2 on penalties. Another European giant had fallen. Morocco have booked a last 16 meeting with Canada.
Norway continue their rise
Norway booked their place in the Round of 16 with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast. Erling Haaland once again delivered when it mattered most, and he and captain Martin Odegaard then led Norway’s now famous Viking Row celebration with the travelling fans, one of the defining images of the Round of 32. A heavyweight clash with Brazil now awaits Norway.
France cruise past Sweden
France produced one of the most complete performances of the round. They beat Sweden 3-0 with ease and never looked in danger. Their attack with Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele looked sharp while the defence stayed solid. France’s next challenge comes against Paraguay.
Mexico end four decades of pain
The home fans had a night to remember as Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 through goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez. It was Mexico’s first World Cup knockout victory in 40 years and one of the loudest celebrations of the tournament. The co-hosts will now lock horns with England.
England survive DR Congo scare
England had to work hard for a 2-1 victory over DR Congo. Harry Kane scored twice after England fell behind. The African side earned plenty of praise for pushing one of the favourites all the way. England’s reward after the incredible comeback is the RO16 match against Mexico.
Belgium fight back against Senegal
Belgium produced one of the best comebacks of the Round of 32. Senegal raced into a two goal lead before Belgium stormed back to win 3-2. Youri Tielemans scored twice, including the winning penalty late in the match. Belgium will next test themselves against the United States.
United States get the job done
The United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 with goals from Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman. Balogun was later sent off, but the Americans comfortably held on to reach the next round. The Americans now prepare for a meeting with Belgium.
Spain march on
Spain made light work of Austria with a 3-0 victory. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice while Pedro Porro added another as Spain once again showed why they are among the tournament favourites. Spain’s path now leads to Portugal.
Portugal edge Croatia in drama filled clash
Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in one of the most talked about matches of the round. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first World Cup knockout goal. Croatia thought they had forced extra time with a late equaliser, only for technology to rule the goal out. Portugal now set up a mouthwatering clash with Spain.
Switzerland celebrate after 88 years
Switzerland enjoyed a historic 2-0 win over Algeria through goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye. The victory gave the Swiss their first World Cup knockout win in 88 years. Colombia stand between Switzerland and a place in the quarter-finals.
Egypt win on penalties
Egypt and Australia finished 1-1 before Egypt claimed a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout. It was a landmark night for Egyptian football as they reached the Round of 16 after holding their nerve from the spot. Argentina will be Egypt’s next opponents.
Argentina survive Cape Verde test
Argentina were pushed to their limit by tournament newcomers Cape Verde. Lionel Messi and Lisandro Martinez scored before an own goal by Diney Borges in extra time finally sealed a thrilling 3-2 win. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was outstanding once again, making a string of brilliant saves to keep his side in the contest until the closing moments. Cape Verde may have lost, but they won hearts around the world with a fearless performance. The defending champions now turn their attention to Egypt.
Colombia complete the lineup
The final match of the Round of 32 saw Colombia beat Ghana 1-0 thanks to Jhon Arias. It was not the highest scoring game of the round, but it secured Colombia’s place in the last 16 and completed the knockout lineup. Colombia’s reward is a Round of 16 battle with Switzerland.
Stars shine across the tournament
The individual races have also taken shape. Lionel Messi leads the scoring chart with seven goals, ahead of Kylian Mbappe on six, while Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Ousmane Dembele complete the top five. Michael Olise tops the assist standings with five, followed by Bruno Guimaraes with four and Florian Wirtz with three. Unai Simon leads the clean sheet chart with four, while Raul Rangel and Camilo Vargas have three each. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha also won many admirers with outstanding displays against Uruguay, Spain and Argentina, proving one of the tournament’s biggest success stories despite his team’s exit.
A knockout round to remember
The expanded 48 team World Cup faced questions before the tournament began. The Round of 32 answered many of them. Smaller nations competed with courage, favourites were pushed to the limit and several giants crashed out. If this opening knockout round is any sign, the road to the trophy promises even more unforgettable moments.
