The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered its knockout phase with a series of dramatic results that have already produced upsets, heroics, and the kind of football that reminds the world why the tournament remains the sport's greatest spectacle. As the Round of 32 concludes, the picture is becoming clearer — and for Irish supporters watching from home, the drama has been compelling viewing.
England survived a nervy encounter with DR Congo on Tuesday evening, with Harry Kane netting two second-half goals to secure a 2-1 victory and book a place in the Round of 16. Gareth Southgate's side were far from convincing in the first half, but Kane's clinical finishing proved the difference. England will now face Mexico, who defeated Colombia 2-0 with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, in what promises to be a blockbuster last-16 tie.
France were the most impressive side of the round, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice in a 3-0 demolition of Sweden. Les Bleus look ominous as the tournament progresses, and they will face Paraguay — who produced one of the shocks of the round by eliminating Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw — in the next stage. Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved two spot-kicks to send the Germans home in one of the tournament's most stunning results.
Brazil edged past Japan 2-1 in a match that had the watching world on edge. Japan led through Kaishu Sano's opener before Brazil equalised and then won it with a last-minute Gabriel Martinelli goal. The Seleção will face Norway — who advanced courtesy of an Erling Haaland goal in a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast — in what is already being billed as one of the ties of the round.
Morocco continued their remarkable run by eliminating the Netherlands on penalties, with Issa Diop and Ismael Sabari the heroes in a 3-2 shootout victory after a 1-1 draw. The Atlas Lions have captured the imagination of the tournament and will face Canada — who edged South Africa 1-0 through Stephen Eustaquio's stoppage-time goal — in the Round of 16.
Belgium produced a dramatic comeback to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time, with Romelu Lukaku's late goal sparking the turnaround. The Red Devils will face the United States, who were comfortable 3-0 winners over Bosnia and Herzegovina, in what promises to be a fascinating encounter between two of the tournament's more unpredictable sides.
For Irish supporters, the World Cup has provided a welcome distraction during the summer months, with the absence of the Republic of Ireland from the tournament — they failed to qualify from a difficult European group — making neutral viewing all the more important. The performances of England, in particular, have attracted significant attention, with many in Ireland watching with a mixture of admiration and the traditional ambivalence that characterises cross-channel sporting relations.
The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has been notable for its scale and the quality of the venues. Attendances have been strong throughout the group stage, and the knockout rounds are expected to draw even larger crowds as the competition intensifies.
From an Irish perspective, there are several players of Irish heritage or with Irish connections competing at the tournament. The performances of players in the English squad, in particular, have been followed closely, while the broader narrative of the World Cup — its drama, its upsets, and its moments of individual brilliance — has provided rich material for discussion in pubs and living rooms across the island.
The Round of 16 schedule sees Brazil face Norway and Canada take on Morocco on 4 July, with Paraguay versus France and Mexico versus England on 5 July. The quarterfinals are scheduled for 9-11 July, the semifinals for 12-13 July, and the final on 19 July.
With the tournament now at its most intense phase, the coming weeks promise to deliver the kind of football that transcends borders and reminds supporters everywhere why the World Cup occupies a unique place in the sporting calendar. For Ireland, watching from the sidelines this time around, the drama unfolding in North America is at least providing some consolation for the disappointment of non-qualification.
The next World Cup, in 2030, will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and with centenary matches in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Ireland's Football Association has already begun planning for a qualification campaign that they hope will end the nation's long wait for a return to the world's biggest stage.
