FIFA World Cup 2026™ on FOX and FS1: Round of 32 Preview
The Group Stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has featured feel-good stories from teams all across the world. However, the time for “just happy to be here” is over; now, it’s knockout or nada.
The first leg of the elimination rounds begin with the Round of 32, which starts on Sunday, June 28. While there’s still plenty to be decided on the final day of Group play, we’re beginning to get a clearer picture of the teams who will continue to play, as well as the true contenders. Here’s a preview of the Round of 32 at FIFA World Cup 2026™ and how to watch all of the action live on FOX and FS1 with DISH. Keep on top of the latest matches and highlights with the World Cup app and follow the link to find the best DISH package for you.
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32 Broadcast Schedule
Sunday, June 28 – 3:00 PM – Canada 1, South Africa 0
Monday, June 29 – 1:00 PM – Brazil vs. Japan – FOX [Houston]
Monday, June 29 – 4:30 PM – Germany vs. Paraguay – FOX [Boston]
Monday, June 29 – 9:00 PM – Netherlands vs. Morocco – FOX [Monterrey]
Tuesday, June 30 – 1:00 PM – Ivory Coast vs. Norway – FOX [Dallas]
Tuesday, June 30 – 5:00 PM – France vs. Sweden – FOX [New York / New Jersey]
Tuesday, June 30 – 9:00 PM – Mexico vs. Ecuador – FOX [Mexico City]
Wednesday, July 1 – 12:00 PM – England vs. DR Congo – FOX [Atlanta]
Wednesday, July 1 – 4:00 PM – Belgium vs. Senegal – FS1 [Seattle]
Wednesday, July 1 – 8:00 PM – USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina – FOX [San Francisco Bay Area]
Thursday, July 2 – 3:00 PM – Spain vs. Austria – FOX [Los Angeles]
Thursday, July 2 – 7:00 PM – Portugal vs. Croatia – FOX [Toronto]
Thursday, July 2 – 11:00 PM – Switzerland vs. Algeria – FS1 [Vancouver]
Friday, July 3 – 2:00 PM – Egypt vs. Australia – FOX [Dallas]
Friday, July 3 – 6:00 PM – Argentina vs. Cape Verde – FOX [Miami]
Friday, July 3 – 9:30 PM – Colombia vs. Ghana – FOX [Kansas City]
Five Must-Watch Games in the Round of 32
Portugal vs. Croatia (Thursday, July 2, 7:00 PM ET, FOX)
Closeness: Thanks in part to fairly uninspiring play in the Group Stage, this clash is considered one of the most difficult to predict in the round. The Opta supercomputer gives Portugal a 67.42% chance to win, but the margins on the pitch will likely be razor-thin.
Star Power: The midfield battle will be elite, featuring Portugal's Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and João Neves against Croatia's Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, and Mario Pašalić. Cristiano Ronaldo also continues to lead the Portuguese frontline, and his desperation on the national stage could play a factor, for better and for worse.
Potential Upset: While Portugal is favored, Croatia has a well-documented habit of grinding out results when it matters most. If Portugal struggles to turn their high possession rates into goals, Croatia's seasoned, crafty core is perfectly positioned to knock them out.
Netherlands vs. Morocco (Monday, June 29, 9:00 PM ET, FOX)
Closeness: This is a nearly even matchup, with oddsmakers placing it close to a toss-up and the supercomputer giving the Dutch a narrow 61.17% edge. Morocco, which fields several players born in the Netherlands, is viewed as one of the toughest round-of-32 draws in the tournament.
Star Power: The Dutch are led by the attacking prowess of Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey, and are anchored by Virgil van Dijk on defense. Morocco boasts world-class talents like Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, and Youssef En-Nesyri.
Potential Upset: Morocco is a highly dangerous "dark horse" that famously eliminated Spain and Portugal in the 2022 World Cup. Their deep, compact defensive block has been exceptional, making them a prime candidate to frustrate and upset the attack-minded Netherlands,.
Ivory Coast vs. Norway (Tuesday, June 30, 1:00 PM ET, FOX)
Closeness: This matchup is viewed as a fixture that could easily go either way. Norway has a 67.81% chance to win, but the margins are tight.
Star Power: Norway relies heavily on global superstars Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, two of the best players in the entire tournament. However, Ivory Coast counters with depth and rising talents like Yan Diomande, Amad Diallo, and Christ Inao Oulaï.
Potential Upset: Ivory Coast is incredibly adaptable and capable of playing both high-possession and direct styles. Norway, meanwhile, suffers from severe defensive fragility—ranking 35th in the tournament for shots allowed per possession—and struggled to hold a lead against Senegal. If Haaland has an off night, an Ivory Coast upset is highly likely.
France vs. Sweden (Tuesday, June 30, 5:00 PM ET, FOX)
Closeness: France is the heavy favorite with an 81.46% chance to win, but Sweden has been one of the most entertaining and chaotic teams in North America.
Star Power: This game features a terrifying amount of attacking talent. France is led by Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise. Sweden counters with the lethal Premier League duo of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres.
Potential Upset: Sweden is wildly unpredictable—they crushed Tunisia 5-1 but lost 5-1 to the Netherlands. However, Sweden is a menace on the counterattack, possessing the fifth-best direct attack in the tournament. With France playing surprisingly passive defense in the group stage, Sweden might have the firepower to catch them sleeping.
Brazil vs. Japan (Monday, June 29, 1:00 PM ET, FOX)
Closeness: Brazil is favored with a 68.94% chance to advance, but Japan is widely regarded as everyone's favorite tournament dark horse.
Star Power: Brazil's electric attack features Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Endrick. Japan counters with an aggressive, highly disciplined squad featuring Daizen Maeda, Daichi Kamada, and Ayase Ueda.
Potential Upset: Japan has a proven track record of giant-killing, having recently shocked Brazil with a 3-2 comeback victory in October 2025, and beating England 1-0 in March 2026. Their style of play is among the most pure and inspiring in the entire tournament, and Japan is specifically built to disrupt elite opposition. If you’re looking for a Round of 32 upset, this is the one to watch.
