Last night, Japan faced Brazil in the highly anticipated Round of 16 match of the 2026 World Cup at the NRG Stadium (USA). The Asian team put in a valiant effort, even taking the lead thanks to a goal from Kaishu Sano in the 29th minute.
Brazil secured a thrilling victory against Japan (Photo: Getty).
However, in the second half, Brazil showed their class by scoring two goals through Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli to win 2-1. With this result, the Selecao qualified for the Round of 16 of the World Cup . They will face the winner of the match between Ivory Coast and Norway in the next round.
In their next match last night, Paraguay caused a major upset by eliminating title contender Germany. After 120 minutes, the two teams drew 1-1. Ultimately, the South American team won 4-3 in the penalty shootout. They will face the winner of the match between France and Sweden in the Round of 16.
This morning, Morocco experienced a nail-biting match against the Netherlands. The "Orange Tornado" took the lead through Cody Gakpo in the 72nd minute. However, in the 90+1 minute, Issa Diop headed in the equalizer, making it 1-1 for Morocco. Neither team scored in extra time. In the penalty shootout, Morocco prevailed, winning 3-2.
Morocco overcame the Netherlands to face host nation Canada in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup (Photo: Getty).
The first match-up in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup has been determined, with Morocco facing Canada on July 4th. Canada had previously advanced to the Round of 16 after a 1-0 victory over South Africa.
Tonight and tomorrow morning, three Round of 16 World Cup matches will take place. At midnight on July 1st, Ivory Coast will face Norway. The winner of this match will then meet Brazil. At 4 am, France will play Sweden. One of these two teams will face Paraguay in the Round of 8. At 8 am on July 1st, co-hosts Mexico will play Ecuador.