Only Two African Teams Advance to Round of 16; All Asian Teams Eliminated from FIFA World Cup 2026

June 20, Kathmandu – Following the completion of the Round of 32 matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026, the lineup for the Round of 16, also known as the pre-quarterfinals, has become clear. The Round of 16 is dominated by teams based in Europe and the Americas. From Africa, only two teams have advanced to the Round of 16, while no Asian team managed to qualify for this stage.

Out of nine African teams that reached the Round of 32, seven were eliminated in that round. Only Morocco and Egypt progressed to the Round of 16.

Similarly, from Asia, Japan and Australia (competing through the Asian quota) were both defeated in the Round of 32, resulting in no Asian team’s representation in the Round of 16.

Europe leads the Round of 16 with seven teams securing spots. These include former runner-up France, alongside previous champions Spain, England, Belgium, Portugal, Norway, and Switzerland.

From South America, four teams have advanced: defending champions Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Paraguay. Ecuador, among the South American teams in the Round of 32, failed to progress to the Round of 16.

North America is represented by three countries—United States, Mexico, and Canada—all of which won their Round of 32 matches and advanced.

Matchups for the Round of 16 are as follows: On June 20, Morocco will face Canada at 10:45 PM; on June 21, France will play Paraguay at 2:45 AM; on June 22, Norway takes on Brazil at 1:45 AM, followed by England versus Mexico at 5:45 AM; on June 23, Spain plays Portugal at 12:45 AM and Belgium faces the United States at 5:45 AM; Argentina will meet Egypt at 9:45 PM; and on June 24, Colombia faces Switzerland at 1:45 AM.