Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
World Cup Round of 16 action begins Saturday with most of the tournament favourites still alive, setting up eight knockout ties full of star power, tactical questions and national pressure.
Germany, the Netherlands and Croatia have already exited, but France, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, England and Portugal remain in the chase as the first 48-team FIFA World Cup moves into its next phase.
The knockout picture also gives the United States a rare home spotlight, with USMNT’s World Cup run giving American soccer a national moment before their clash with Belgium.
France Open Against Paraguay
France enter their Saturday meeting with Paraguay as heavy favourites, and the odds show why.
Kylian Mbappé sits one goal behind Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, while France’s front line of Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola has looked like the tournament’s sharpest attack.
Paraguay should not be dismissed, though. Their win over Germany in the Round of 32 showed they can survive pressure and punish bigger names if given space.
Morocco And Canada Bring Different Strengths
Morocco face Canada in a matchup shaped by possession, patience and physical speed.
Morocco beat the Netherlands on penalties after Issa Diop’s late equaliser and controlled long spells of that match, especially after halftime.
Canada may get Alphonso Davies back in the starting side after he came off the bench in their Round of 32 win over South Africa.
If Morocco keep the ball, Canada’s best route may be quick transitions into wide areas.
Colombia Face Switzerland Test
Colombia against Switzerland looks like one of the more balanced ties of the round.
Switzerland reached a fourth straight Round of 16 after beating Algeria 2-0 and will stay in Vancouver, which could matter against a Colombia side travelling from Kansas City.
Colombia have been one of the cleaner teams at the tournament. Their 1-0 win over Ghana included eight shots on goal, while Ghana failed to register one on target.
Argentina Meet Salah’s Egypt
Argentina against Egypt carries the Lionel Messi factor, but it also brings risk.
Messi scored his seventh goal of the tournament against Cape Verde, yet Argentina needed extra time to win 3-2 after giving up two equalisers.
That recent pattern matters. Argentina also gave up late leads in knockout matches against the Netherlands and France at the 2022 World Cup.
Egypt reached the Round of 16 by beating Australia on penalties, and Mohamed Salah remains capable of changing a match in one moment.
United States Face Belgium Without Balogun
The United States meet Belgium on Monday with one major selection issue. Folarin Balogun is suspended after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
That leaves the United States needing a new attacking outlet against a Belgium side that survived Senegal 3-2 after extra time.
Belgium remain dangerous because of Youri Tielemans, Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois.
Still, the United States should have pace against an older Belgian side if they can press well and attack space early.
Brazil And Norway Offer Star Power
Brazil against Norway brings two of the tournament’s best forwards into the same fixture.
Erling Haaland has scored five of Norway’s nine goals and remains their clear attacking focal point.
Brazil will again look to Vinícius Júnior, especially with Raphinha out because of a hamstring injury.
Matheus Cunha has helped carry the attack, but Brazil’s midfield has looked open at times. Norway will see that as a real chance.
Spain And Portugal Renew Rivalry
Spain against Portugal has the feel of a heavyweight European knockout tie.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia, giving him a long-awaited knockout-stage World Cup goal.
Spain, though, have grown into the tournament. After an opening draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, they scored eight goals across three matches and beat Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32.
Portugal looked sharper with Rafael Leão starting, but they still face questions over how much the attack bends around Ronaldo.
Mexico And England Top The List
Mexico against England stands above the rest because of pressure, setting and history.
The match at Estadio Azteca brings altitude, noise and a Mexico side that has won all four games so far.
England have concerns over playing at more than 7,000 feet above sea level, while Mexico will expect fierce home support.
Mexico have not reached a World Cup quarter-final since 1986, which was also hosted on home soil. England are still chasing their first World Cup title since 1966.
Official tournament fixtures and updates are available through FIFA.
Final Verdict
The World Cup Round of 16 is stacked with storylines, but Mexico vs England feels like the centrepiece.
France and Argentina have the star names, Brazil and Norway have attacking fireworks, and Spain vs Portugal has history, but the Azteca stage gives Mexico and England the loudest spotlight.
