Seven Nations Secure Spots in 2026 World Cup Knockout Stage, Three Matches Locked In

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Seven countries have now secured their places in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with three knockout fixtures already confirmed.

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The latest team to book a place in the last 16 is co-hosts Mexico, who defeated Ecuador 2-0 in their Round of 32 clash on Wednesday.

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Julián Quiñones and Raul Jiménez scored in the first half to hand Javier Aguirre’s side a comfortable victory, while Ecuador finished the match with 10 men after Piero Hincapié was sent off in stoppage time.

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Mexico became the seventh nation to progress to the knockout stage and the second co-host to qualify after Canada advanced by eliminating South Africa.

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The Mexicans will now wait to discover their Round of 16 opponents, with the winners of the England vs DR Congo clash set to face them.

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So far, three Round of 16 ties have been confirmed.

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France will take on Paraguay on Saturday after cruising to a 3-0 victory over Sweden in the previous round.

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Norway are set to face Brazil on Sunday in a highly anticipated encounter, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

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Morocco will also be in action on Saturday when they take on co-hosts Canada for a spot in the last eight.

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Countries through to the Round of 16

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• Brazil
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• Canada
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• France
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• Mexico
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• Morocco
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• Norway
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• Paraguay
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Confirmed Round of 16 fixtures

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• France vs Paraguay
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• Morocco vs Canada
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• Norway vs Brazil
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