Monday’s World Cup Round of 32 Fixtures, Predictions, and Key Updates

The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout phase resumes on Monday with three additional Round of 32 fixtures. Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands are set to join Canada—the tournament’s lone knockout qualifier so far—in the last 16.

Five‑time champions Brazil will meet an in‑form Japan. Germany faces Paraguay in a bid to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their 2014 title win, while the Netherlands take on Morocco in the day’s closing match.

Elsewhere, Canada celebrate their historic first knockout win, Iran reflect on a heart‑breaking VAR‑driven elimination, and South Korea are searching for a new coach after Hong Myung‑bo stepped down.

What’s the Monday schedule?

• Brazil vs Japan: 12:00 noon (17:00 GMT) at Houston Stadium, Texas, USA.
• Germany vs Paraguay: 4:30 p.m. (20:30 GMT) at Boston Stadium, Massachusetts, USA.
• Netherlands vs Morocco: 7:00 p.m. (01:00 GMT on Tuesday) at Monterrey Stadium, Mexico.

Brazil vs Japan – What to expect

Brazil hold a commanding historical record against Japan, having won 11 of their 14 meetings and suffered just a single defeat. Their sole World Cup clash occurred two decades ago, ending in a 4‑1 Brazilian victory. Japan, however, have boosted their confidence by defeating Brazil 3‑2 in a dramatic comeback in Tokyo last October, overturning a two‑goal deficit.

The Opta supercomputer still rates Brazil as the favourite, with simulations giving them a 57.3 % chance of victory compared with Japan’s 19.7 % chance. A 23 % share of simulations ended level after regulation, implying a possible extra‑time or penalty‑shootout outcome.

Germany vs Paraguay – Preview

Germany and Paraguay have met only twice before, both times in high‑stakes fixtures. Their only previous World Cup encounter came in a 2002 last‑16 clash, while a 3‑3 friendly in 2013 showcased a tightly contested game.

Opta’s model makes Germany the clear favourite, assigning a 54.7 % probability of a 90‑minute win, while Paraguay’s chances sit at 23.1 %. A 22.3 % chance of a draw after regulation suggests the match could head to extra time or penalties.

Looking ahead, Germany carry a 78.6 % chance of reaching the round of 16 and a 4.4 % chance of capturing the tournament title.

Netherlands vs Morocco – Battle of the Americas

The Netherlands and Morocco meet for only the second time at a World Cup, their previous encounter a 1994 group‑stage win for the Dutch (2‑1). The Dutch maintain a dominant record against African opponents, remaining unbeaten in six World Cup matches and scoring at least twice in each victory.

Morocco arrive buoyed after beating Scotland and aim for back‑to‑back World Cup wins over European sides for the first time. The Opta supercomputer gives the Netherlands a slight edge, with simulations favoring them at 47.6 % to Morocco’s 25.0 % chance, while 27.4 % of runs end level after 90 minutes.

Other stories making headlines

Canada make history with first World Cup knockout win

Canada advanced to the men’s World Cup last 16 for the first time, sealing a dramatic stoppage‑time victory over South Africa. Stephen Eustaquio’s late goal sparked jubilant celebrations, with coach Jesse Marsch hailing his players as “Canadian heroes” who inspire the next generation.

The moment was especially emotional for midfielder Ismael Kone, who returned on crutches after a tournament‑ending broken leg to join the celebration, marking a landmark in Canadian football.

Iran’s World Cup exit leaves fans divided after dramatic finish

Iran’s campaign concluded in heartbreaking fashion as Team Melli missed the knockout stage by the narrowest margin. The defeat sparked intense reactions, with coach Amir Ghalenoei calling the VAR decisions “extraordinary” after three Iranian goals were disallowed.

State media commentators questioned the outcome, while Austria’s coach Ralf Rangnick dismissed any fixing allegations, stating only “someone completely mad” could believe the match was rigged.

South Korea coach resigns after World Cup exit

South Korea head coach Hong Myung‑bo has stepped down following his side’s group‑stage elimination. President Lee Jae‑myung heavily criticized the performance, ordering a full review of the national team programme and questioning both the team’s structure and Hong’s appointment.

“Once again, it has been proven that personnel decisions determine everything,” Lee said. “If loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire.”

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