Overview
- The single-elimination Round of 32 began Monday with Brazil vs Japan in Houston, Germany vs Paraguay in Boston, and the Netherlands vs Morocco in Monterrey, setting the bracket for the next stage.
- Canada recorded its first-ever World Cup knockout win when Stephen Eustáquio scored a stoppage-time winner to beat South Africa and advance to the last 16.
- Multiple outlets report Brazil progressed past Japan thanks to a stoppage-time Gabriel Martinelli finish set up by Bruno Guimarães after Japan had taken an earlier lead.
- Bookmakers and Opta simulations make Brazil and Germany the clear favourites to reach the last 16 while projecting the Netherlands–Morocco tie as narrowly balanced with a substantial chance of extra time.
- Ivory Coast will face Norway in Texas on June 30 for a place in the last 16, a fixture that will determine which side meets the Brazil/Japan winner and will further compress travel and recovery windows for teams.