The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup enters the Round of 32 on July 5 with two high-stakes matches. Brazil plays Norway at East Rutherford, New Jersey, at 4 p.m. ET, followed by Mexico versus England in Mexico City at 6 p.m. local time (8 p.m. ET). The tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, features 48 teams and 104 matches spread over 39 days through July 19.

Brazil enters as one of the tournament favorites. The South American powerhouse has never missed a World Cup and usually advances deep. Norway qualified through the European playoffs and enters the knockout stage as an underdog. Mexico hosts matches in Mexico City but faces a side—England—with significant strength in depth. England reached the finals of the last two World Cups and expects to compete for the title.

Brazil’s Path to Victory

Brazil advanced from group play with a strong showing against tougher-than-expected competition. The team relies on technical ability and pace. Norway will sit deep and try to steal a goal, but most observers expect Brazil to dominate possession. A victory would set Brazil up for a favorable Round of 16 matchup.

Brazil hasn’t won the World Cup since 2002. The 2014 loss at home remains fresh in the national memory, and the country wants redemption. Group play suggested Brazil has the talent to go deep, though injuries to key players have forced tactical adjustments.

Mexico and England: A Contentious Rivalry

Mexico and England have a history. England beat Mexico in the 2010 World Cup group stage. Their dynamics have evolved since then, with both countries developing different styles. Mexico plays direct. England relies on pace and set pieces. The home crowd in Mexico City will pressure England, but the Three Lions have experience playing in hostile environments.

Mexico needs to defend set pieces and avoid giving England space on the wings. England’s width creates problems for most defenses. Mexico’s compact midfield and aggressive pressing sometimes disrupts that rhythm. The match will likely be tense and competitive, with the winner advancing and the loser facing potential exit.

Tournament Structure and Expectations

The Round of 32 consists of eight groups of four teams advancing to the knockout stage. Winners and runners-up from group play are paired in predetermined matchups. The format reduces the element of surprise—seeding and previous results determine almost all Round of 32 pairings.

From here, the World Cup becomes sudden-death. One loss and a team goes home. Nations rise and fall on penalty kicks. Teams that looked dominant in group play sometimes stumble. The top favorites—Brazil, England, and France—will face pressure to deliver.

Brazil and England are favorites, but World Cups rarely go to script. Both teams have weaknesses. Both face opponents capable of capitalization. Norway and Mexico aren’t pushovers. The next 90 minutes determine whether favorites advance or create the story the tournament needs.