The old footballing nations are crumbling at the 2026 World Cup. Well, some of them.

With Oranje and Die Mannschaft falling in the round of 32, there's big Germanic-sized hole in the competition, with the Norwegians holding down the tent.

But there were other surprises. Many of the African nations who had strong-armed their way into the knockout stage were ousted, but not easily. Cabo Verde took Argentina to their mental and physical limits. England needed Super Harry Kane to save the day against DR Congo and Belgium scored two late goals to undo Senegal. Morocco and Egypt were able to pass their round of 32 tests.

Elsewhere, the USMNT took the win but lost Folarin Balogun to suspension, and France and Spain finally looked formidable, finding their form against their first knockout stage opponents.

As we did last round, below are the games ranked by chaotic potential. Tiered pandemonium.

If you want to see the full schedule, game times and broadcast info, scroll to the bottom. If you're interested in tiered pandemonium, read on.

For groups, rosters, and a bracket that fills in as it happens, our World Cup hub is here.

Mexico vs England - Sun July 5, 8:00 p.m. ET · FOX / Telemundo

  • England and Mexico at one of the cathedrals of futbol. El Tri have looked sensational most of the tournament, and have yet to yield a goal. They are also fun as hell to watch.
  • England needed two late goals from Harry Kane to survive DR Congo and Declan Rice is ailing, but may end up starting at right fullback anyway.

Brazil vs Norway - Sun July 5, 4:00 p.m. ET · FOX / Telemundo

  • Haaland has five goals and it still feels like he's warming up. Norway did not look world-beating against Ivory Coast. They might be better off just getting the big man the ball more often.
  • Norway have beaten Brazil at a World Cup before, a famous 2-1 upset in the group stage at France '98, and Solbakken was in that Norway side. Now he's back as the coach. Seleçao don't look invincible this tournament, but Ancelotti is a knockout stage genius. Paqueta will miss the game. Will Rayan or Endrick start to change things up?

Portugal vs Spain - Mon July 6, 3:00 p.m. ET · FOX / Telemundo

  • The Iberian Derby, bringing all the Spanish Inquisition and Al-Andalus historical references you can think of. It also brings together two favorites earlier in the tournament than anyone wanted.
  • Does Roberto Martinez have the courage to bench CR7 and start Gonçalo Ramos after he proved last game he's better for the Portuguese attack? Will Spain just build through their all-world midfield and bulldoze Seleção das Quinas anyway? It remains to be seen.

USA vs Belgium - Mon July 6, 8:00 p.m. ET · FOX / Telemundo

  • Balogun got the first red card ever handed out at a World Cup for a serious-injury-risk challenge caught on VAR review in the USMNT win against Bosnia. He is suspended. Pochettino will make his name on what he does next. Start Haji Wright? Start Pepi? Change formations? Malik Tillman made his name last game, he'll be someone to keep an eye on.
  • The Golden Generation of Belgium getting Bronze Age results continues through the tournament. They can beat the USMNT if it all comes together, and maybe even if it doesn't. They'll need Lukaku, Trossard, Tielemans, and De Bruyne at full speed either way.

Paraguay vs France - Sat July 4, 5:00 p.m. ET · FOX / Telemundo

  • Paraguay vs Germany were ranked as a High Chaos, last round, and it turned out to be true. However, I think this might be the end of the road for Alfaro's deep block.
  • France look like the best team in the tournament, and they are on a collision path with Spain in the semifinals, and Argentina in the final, that could be a storybook comeback after four years ago. Take your pick for the best player of the tourney so far, it's either Mbappe or Olise.

Canada vs Morocco - Sat July 4, 1:00 p.m. ET · FOX / Telemundo

  • Canada and Morocco kick off the round of 16 at Houston Stadium. Heat won't be a concern for the Canadians with a closed stadium, but they have reason to fear this resolute Moroccan side who had arguably the toughest round of 32 matchup.
  • Canada's pace versus Morocco's discipline and shape. I feel like the goose is cooked at this point, and we'll be seeing the first host nation ousted.

Argentina vs Egypt - Tue July 7, 12:00 p.m. ET · FOX / Telemundo

  • Argentina's breezy path to the quarterfinals was nearly upset by an absolutely all-time performance by Cabo Verde. One that forced an exhausted Albiceleste to exit the field as quickly as possible, after at least a little posturing.
  • Egypt made it here after winning on PKs against Australia, but moreso because of the Socceroos' mismanagement than the Egyptian success. If the Pharaohs have the game of their lives, they can beat Argentina.

Switzerland vs Colombia - Tue July 7, 4:00 p.m. ET · FOX / Telemundo

  • Switzerland continue to quietly creep their way through the bracket. After topping Group B, they defeated Algeria 2-0, and now they are matched up against a dauntless Colombian side.
  • The Swiss will try to slow this down and counterattack, which could make for an interesting watch against La Tricolor's flair. But the way Switzerland muddies games up makes this the least chaotic opportunity.

World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Schedule

Saturday, July 4

  • Match 90: Canada vs Morocco - 1:00 p.m. ET · FOX / Telemundo
  • Match 89: Paraguay vs France - 5:00 p.m. ET · FOX / Telemundo

Sunday, July 5

  • Match 91: Brazil vs Norway - 4:00 p.m. ET · FOX / Telemundo
  • Match 92: Mexico vs England - 8:00 p.m. ET · FOX / Telemundo

Monday, July 6

  • Match 93: Portugal vs Spain - 3:00 p.m. ET · FOX / Telemundo
  • Match 94: USA vs Belgium - 8:00 p.m. ET · FOX / Telemundo

Tuesday, July 7

  • Match 95: Argentina vs Egypt - 12:00 p.m. ET · FOX / Telemundo
  • Match 96: Switzerland vs Colombia - 4:00 p.m. ET · FS1 / Telemundo