Our soccer writers share their observations and insights throughout the 2026 World Cup. Tap here to see the full World Cup knockout bracket and every team's path to the final.
Canada eyes historic win
Make no mistake: Canada fully expected to be here.
Jesse Marsch identified a first-ever knockout appearance as a clear goal for his team long before a ball was ever kicked at the 2026 World Cup. Mission accomplished. But Canada wants (and indeed expects) even more.
Despite losing its group-stage finale, a fortuitous outcome set up Sunday's meeting with South Africa in the round of 32; Bafana Bafana were widely expected to be ousted in the opening phase. Hugo Broos' underdog squad will long remember its fateful win over South Korea that allowed the team to reach this stage, and that should be celebrated.
But Canada is, at least on paper, the better team.
After an uncharacteristically tentative start on home soil in Toronto, Canada grew into the tournament, and the relentless pressure and aggression the team showed in the closing minutes of its loss to Switzerland was more reminiscent of what this squad has become under Marsch's leadership. If that version of Canada shows up in Los Angeles, free of some of the pressures of playing at home, the Canadians should advance to the round of 16.
If Canada comes out hesitant, though, the South Africans can absolutely take advantage and cause problems on the counterattack. It's finely poised. - Gianluca Nesci
Who ya got?
Let the fun begin.
Some surprising group-stage results yielded a lopsided knockout bracket that has France, Germany, the Netherlands, Morocco, Portugal, Croatia, Spain, and Belgium all on the same side. Co-hosts the United States and Canada also find themselves on that side of the draw.
Defending champion Argentina is the big winner here.
With red-hot record breaker Lionel Messi leading the way - literally and figuratively after his historic group-stage performance - the Albiceleste appear to have the most favorable path to a semifinal berth (although South American peer Colombia may have something to say about that).
(Source: FIFA)
For a full breakdown of how we got to the knockout phase, check out all of our group-stage analysis here.
US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call (800)-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at www.connexontario.ca.
