Flashscore had a closer look at the World Cup tournament tree and likely group standings to determine the potential last-32 matches you won't want to miss. Using the official FIFA bracket Challenge (where you predict the outcome of the entire tournament from start to finish), our predictions (for what they are worth) came up with these five standout potential last-32 clashes.
Harry Dunnett is a global editor for Flashscore, specialising in English football. An intrepid traveller who has spent time in South and Central America, Harry enjoys visiting new stadiums and experiencing sport and culture all over the world. Currently residing in the Midlands, you can read his latest articles here.
Netherlands vs Morocco (F1 vs C2) Monterrey Stadium, June 29th
This potential clash instantly catches the imagination. 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco vs one of the biggest footballing nations in the world in a first-round knockout? Knowing all too well that defeat for either country would spell disaster and embarrassment back home? Pure drama and a box office clash to whet the appetite of the pureists and traditionalists.
With PSG's Achraf Hakimi and Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz in Morocco's corner and Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch in the Netherlands', there are world-class players wherever you look, and players used to winning for their clubs.
Losing will not be an option for either set, so you can expect both countries to go toe-to-toe and leave everything out on the pitch in a match that, if it happens, promises to be a thriller.
Turkey vs Ivory Coast (D1 VS E3) San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, July 1st
Turkey against Ivory Coast would be exciting for different reasons. It is once again Europe vs Africa, but it is a match between countries with slightly lower expectations on their shoulders.
What it is, however, is two young and fearless sides packed with more attacking talent than defensive talent going head-to-head in a knockout clash that has goals and chances galore written all over it.
Ecuador vs Senegal (E2 VS I2) Dallas Stadium, 30th June
Two pre-tournament dark horses going to battle at such an early stage would be fascinating viewing. You could imagine a world where the winner would go on to have a very good tournament and potentially a deep run.
Ecuador look as good as anyone at the back and will be a very competitive knockout side, whilst Senegal have big-name players throughout their side and will hope their dominance in Africa can finally translate on the world stage.
This would be a last-32 clash not to miss as the rising stars of South America take on the kings of Africa.
England vs Norway (L1 vs I3) Atlanta Stadium, July 1st
After reaching the semi-finals in 2018 and quarter-finals in 2022, expectations are high for England heading to the 2026 World Cup. A potential last-32 encounter against Norway (assuming that Norway finished behind Senegal in Group E), however, would be far from ideal and could prove a major headache. A last-32 exit would be deemed embarrassing and bring a nation right back down to earth after daring to dream in recent years.
Norway's obvious weapon is Erling Haaland, but it is a side with a nice blend of experience and youth, and it boasts plenty of quality. Norway are in a very challenging group, so finishing third is not inconceivable, and it also doesn't mean they will be walkovers for England.
It would certainly be a fascinating match to watch.
Argentina vs Uruguay (J1 vs H2) Miami Stadium, July 3rd
Yes, you read that right. Two heavyweights of South American football, including the holders Argentina, could well face off in an epic last-32 clash, and it would be prime viewing.
Uruguay might not be what they were during the golden era of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, but they are still a huge footballing nation and Argentina's noisy neighbours. Therefore, they will not let the world champions have it easy and will fully embrace the role as underdogs, as Marcelo Bielsa's sides often do so well.
The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature 48 national teams and will be played in 16 modern stadiums.
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