2026 World Cup: 7 countries qualify for Round of 16, 3 fixtures confirmed

Co-hosts Mexico have secured their place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the seventh nation to advance to the knockout stage. Their 2-0 victory over Ecuador on Wednesday, with first-half goals from Julián Quiñones and Raul Jiménez, sealed their progression. Ecuador finished the match with 10 players after Piero Hincapié received a red card in stoppage time.

Mexico joins fellow co-host Canada, who advanced by eliminating South Africa, as one of the two North American hosts to reach the last 16. The Mexican team now awaits their opponent, which will be the winner of the match between England and DR Congo.

With the tournament progressing, three Round of 16 fixtures have already been confirmed. France, after a commanding 3-0 win over Sweden, is set to face Paraguay on Saturday. In a highly anticipated encounter, Norway will play Brazil on Sunday for a quarter-final berth. Morocco is also scheduled to compete on Saturday, taking on co-hosts Canada for a spot in the last eight.