The penultimate day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 gets underway on Thursday, July 2, with three fixtures scheduled from 8 p.m. (Moroccan time) through to the early hours of Friday, July 3.
Spain vs. Austria, 8 p.m. in Los Angeles
Spain, one of the favorites to lift the trophy after topping Group H, take on Austria at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Having impressed during the group stage with seven points and no goals conceded, Spain have lived up to expectations but will need to be wary of an Austrian side appearing in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 1982 and determined to seize its opportunity.
The winners will meet either Portugal or Croatia in the round of 16.
Portugal vs. Croatia, midnight (Friday) in Toronto
A blockbuster clash featuring two stars competing in what is expected to be their final World Cup: Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo against Croatia’s Luka Modrić. The match also reunites two former Real Madrid teammates. Portugal arrive as one of the tournament favorites, while Croatia remain a dangerous side capable of producing memorable performances thanks to their wealth of experience on the biggest stage.
The winners will face either Spain or Austria in the round of 16.
Switzerland vs. Algeria, 4 a.m. (Friday) in Vancouver
An intriguing encounter between two sides with significant potential, both eager to extend their World Cup journey. Switzerland, who enjoyed a stronger group-stage campaign with two wins and one draw, will look to maintain their momentum against an Algeria side that advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-place teams from Group J. Algeria are coached by Vladimir Petković, who knows the Swiss national team well after managing them at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The winners will advance to face either Colombia or Ghana, scheduled for July 4, in the round of 16.
