The World Cup is set to enter new territory. Since 1986, the knockout round has featured 16 teams. But with the expansion of the tournament to 48 countries this year, there are 32 teams still alive after an eventful group stage that eliminated one-third of the field.
The 16 matches in the round of 32 that will pare the remaining teams in half take place starting Sunday, June 28 and run through Friday, July 3. Because there are 12 groups in this year’s tournament, there is an imbalance in how the setup will work. Eight first-place teams face the eight third-place teams that advanced. The remaining four group winners play second-place teams, and the other eight matches feature second-place teams against each other.
It creates some intriguing matches right off the bat and some games that look like mismatches. But in a one-and-done format, anything can happen, especially when one goal can be enough to advance.So which are the best and worst matchups? We ranked all 16 from top to bottom.
1. Netherlands vs. Morocco
It’s a shame that this match comes so early in the knockouts as it is worthy of being a quarter or semifinal.
The bonus for the winner is the next game against either Canada or South Africa in the round of 16 will be an easier engagement. Both teams want to play on the front foot and look to attack when possible.
The Dutch have scored 10 goals in the group stage, and the insertion of Brian Brobbey at striker has made the attack more ruthless. Morocco reached the semifinals four years ago in Qatar and many of those pieces remain with assistance from the play of 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
2. Portugal vs. Croatia Another match between two teams that comes way too early in the tournament but is unavoidable after Portugal stumbled in the group stage with draws against DR Congo and Colombia.
The lack of goals is concerning and not all the blame lies with Cristiano Ronaldo. However, a solution must be found immediately as Croatia has the pedigree to again send Portugal home without a World Cup.
Luka Modric played like a man half his age against Ghana. He’ll look to lift Croatia deep into the tournament after reaching the final in 2018 and finishing third in 2022.
3. Norway vs. Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast has a slew of attacking options with Yan Diomande being joined by Nicholas Pepe and Amad Diallo. It pushed Germany in the group stages and should provide a stern test for Norway, which rested starters for its final group stage match against France after a strong start against Iraq and Senegal. That means Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard should be full of energy and ready for what should be a shootout with goals and drama throughout.
4.Brazil vs. Japan Brazil is blessed with loads of attacking talent with Vinicius Junior and Marcus Cunha leading the way. Concerns about the midfield could be exploited by the frenetic Japanese pressure that is persists throughout their match. Japan won’t be overawed in the matchup. It beat Brazil in a friendly last fall and has been a tough out in the knockout rounds in the last two World Cups.
