In recent editions of the World Cup, the last-16 was the first round following the group stage. This changed ahead of the 2026 tournament in which the group phase was expanded and an extra round (Round of 32) added.
More matches will mean more fans will be able to purchase tickets and witness all the action up close, with 16 national teams battling it out to reach the quarter-finals.
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FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Memorable Moments
There have been dozens of exciting games played during the Round of 16 at previous World Cups. England and Argentina provided the drama in 1998, as David Beckham received a red card for kicking out at Diego Simeone. The game ended all square before Argentina won 4-3 on penalties, dumping the Three Lions out of the tournament.
The 2002 World Cup saw heavyweights Italy eliminated by co-hosts South Korea. The Azzurri had taken an early lead through Christian Vieri however Korea drew level just minutes before full-time and then went on to score the winning goal in the second period of extra-time.
England suffered more heartbreak in 2010, with Frank Lampard being denied an obvious goal before half-time. This was, of course, before the establishment of goal-line technology and instead of equalising at 2-2, Fabio Capello's side would lose 4-1 against Germany.
At the 2018 World Cup, hosts Russia shocked Spain with a penalty-shootout victory in the last-16. Meanwhile, Argentina and France produced a seven-goal thriller featuring a stunning effort by Benjamin Pavard as well as two goals for teenager Kylian Mbappé, guiding Les Bleus to a 4-3 win and ultimately World Cup glory two weeks later.
World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Match-Ups & Venues
Eight stadiums were selected to host games during the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
There was very little time between the World Cup Round of 32 and Round of 16 at the 2026 edition of the World Cup.
Mexico vs England, in Estadio Azteca, was comfortably the most expensive match of the round of 16. The next most expensive matches were Brazil vs Norway and Egypt against Argentina.