Canada’s 1-0 victory over South Africa, sealed by Stephen Eustáquio’s 92nd-minute strike at SoFi Stadium, provided a suitably dramatic start to the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup. On Monday, three further round-of-32 ties will determine who joins the hosts in the last 16, with Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands all in action against opponents who have shown they can trouble the established order.

Brazil, five-time champions, enter their match against Japan in Houston as group winners after recovering from an opening draw with Morocco to post consecutive 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have found attacking rhythm through Vinícius Júnior, who has four goals, and the emerging Rayan, deputising for the injured Raphinha. Japan, unbeaten in Group F, held the Netherlands 2-2, thrashed Tunisia 4-0 and drew with Sweden, showcasing the tactical discipline and quick transitions that have become their hallmark. The last meeting between the sides, a friendly in Tokyo, ended in a 3-2 Japanese victory, a result that has tempered Brazilian confidence. Viewed from Tokyo, there is quiet belief that this generation can surpass the round of 16 for the first time.

Later in Boston, Germany face Paraguay in a contest that pits a traditional powerhouse against a side that squeezed through as one of the best third-placed teams. The Germans topped Group E but displayed vulnerabilities, notably in a 2-1 defeat by Ecuador after earlier thrashing Curaçao 7-1. Paraguay, under Gustavo Alfaro, recovered from a 4-1 loss to the United States by beating Turkey and drawing with Australia, securing progression on four points. South American analysts note that Paraguay’s defensive organisation will be tested by a German attack that has scored freely but can be unsettled by direct play.

The day’s final fixture in Monterrey brings together two unbeaten group winners: the Netherlands, who scored ten goals in three matches, and Morocco, who held Brazil 1-1 in their opener and matched that with wins over Haiti and Scotland. Both sides favour possession and high pressing, promising a tactically intricate encounter. The winner will meet Canada in the next round, a path that has raised expectations in Amsterdam and Rabat alike.

For all six teams, the stakes are unambiguous: defeat means elimination, while victory keeps alive the hope of reaching the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on 19 July. The expanded 48-team format has already produced surprises, and Monday’s programme offers ample scope for more.