Ankara: The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered the Round of 16 stage after the conclusion of the Round of 32 on Friday. The tournament has seen intense competition and surprising outcomes during the initial knockout phase.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Round of 32 featured exciting matches with Canada securing a 1-0 victory over South Africa thanks to a late goal. Brazil also advanced with a 2-1 win against Japan. Morocco triumphed over the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Norway's Erling Haaland scored a late goal to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1.

Spain had a decisive 3-0 win against Austria, while Portugal edged past Croatia with a 2-1 victory. Egypt won a penalty shootout against Australia after a 1-1 stalemate, and Paraguay shocked Germany with a 4-3 victory on penalties following another 1-1 draw.

France advanced with a 3-0 win over Sweden, spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe's two goals. The US team defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0. Belgium overcame Senegal 3-2 with a penalty in overtime, while England came from behind to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1.

Mexico secured a 2-0 win over Ecuador, and Switzerland maintained control in a 2-0 victory against Algeria. Argentina emerged victorious in a heated overtime match against Cape Verde, winning 3-2. Finally, Colombia claimed the last spot in the Round of 16 by defeating Ghana 1-0.

The Round of 16 will see matchups including Paraguay versus France, Canada against Morocco, Portugal facing Spain, the US competing with Belgium, Brazil taking on Norway, Mexico against England, Egypt battling Argentina, and Switzerland playing against Colombia. The teams will continue to vie for a place in the quarterfinals, while South Africa, Japan, Netherlands, Ivory Coast, Austria, Croatia, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Algeria, Cape Verde, and Colombia have been eliminated from the competition.