Big names, dark horses and subplots - reasons to watch each last 32 tie

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Big names, dark horses and subplots - reasons to watch each last 32 tieImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Kylian Mbappe (4), Lionel Messi (6) and Erling Haaland (4) have scored 14 goals between them at the 2026 World CupByAlex HoadBBC Sport journalistPublished39 minutes agoWell, here we are then - 72 games down, just 32 to go. Harry Kane and Thomas Tuchel have spoken in the past week about this World Cup being like two separate tournaments. The first is in the books, and what fun it was - records broken, underdog stories galore, a Golden Boot race for the ages, and of course a smattering of controversy along the way.

Human beings have also proved the supercomputers wrong as seven of the eight best third-placed teams needed four points just to make it through to the 'second tournament', which starts on Sunday night. It's a classic knockout packed with all your big names, dark horses and a couple of fairytale stories too. The last 32 has some intriguing subplots and enthralling match-ups on the road to the New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July, and here's why we think you should watch every one of the 16 ties.

The Details

England last-32 tie on - see full schedule Published2 hours agoKnockouts are here - what is England's path to the final? Published1 hour ago Figure caption, Kane breaks England World Cup goals record to double lead against PanamaSunday, 28 JuneSouth Africa v Canada (20:00 BST)This is uncharted territory for both nations, who have previously never reached the knockouts. Canada may have left home soil but expect plenty of fans to travel down to Los Angeles.

Monday, 29 JuneBrazil v Japan (18:00 BST) The stars against the system. A fixture that just screams World Cup - the Selecao against the Samurai Blue. Much-fancied Japan beat the five-time champions 3-2 last October and - 20 years on - will look to avenge a 4-1 defeat in the 2006 group stage.

Germany v Paraguay (21:30 BST) Paraguay will face Die Mannschaft seeking revenge for a 1-0 defeat in the last 16 in 2002, with the prospect of facing France looming for the winner. Tuesday, 30 JuneNetherlands v Morocco (02:00 BST) This could be the tie of the round. The Netherlands, predicted as tournament winners, against a Morocco side who reached the semi-finals four years ago and have since added sought-after 18-year-old wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi to their midfield.

What Experts Say

Ivory Coast v Norway (18:00 BST) Unstoppable force meets immovable object. That's Erling Haaland versus an Ivory Coast defence that did not concede in 10 qualifiers. The only guarantee here is Norway's fans 'Viking rowing' their way into Dallas.

France v Sweden (22:00 BST)We all know about France's abundance of riches in attack, but the other end of the pitch throws up the most intriguing battle - Viktor Gyokeres v Arsenal team-mate William Saliba. Which of these Premier League champions will come out on top? Wednesday, 1 JulyMexico v Ecuador (02:00 BST) Mexico at the Azteca is a spectacle worth the early start.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.