BACKPanini Instant Recap: Knockouts Begin FIFA World Cup 2026™
Written by: Julio Vega
And then there were 32.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ group stages all wrapped up, we’ve reached the business end of the tournament. Here’s a look at how some of the final 32 sides took care of proceedings in their final group game.
African joy
For the first time in FIFA World Cup™ history, nine African countries reached the knockout stages. That’s nearly all 10 of the national teams that qualified for the tournament itself. The previous record in a single edition was two, in 2014 and 2022.
Morocco, Algeria, Ghana and Senegal added to their past FIFA World Cup™ histories, while Egypt, South Africa, Ivory Coast, DR Congo and Cape Verde all reached the knockout stages for the first time.
It’s a testament to the growth and strength of the African continent, which has produced some of the best players in the world today. Now, we’re getting to see that talent on the biggest stage.
History Makers
Several other countries advanced to the knockout stage for the first time ever. Co-host Canada did enough to qualify for the Round of 32, where the side made even more history by downing South Africa to become the first squad to reach the final 16.
Mexico also had plenty to celebrate following its 3-0 win over Czechia in the group-stage finale. It marked the first time the country had ever won all three of its matches, and it did so in style without conceding a single goal.
The African countries mentioned above all did their part, with arguably the most impressive being Cape Verde, which debuted at the tournament this year and defied all expectations by advancing from its group with three draws against tough opposition.
Bosnia-Herzegovina, competing in the tournament for just the second time, also extended its stay with a 3-1 win over Qatar to enter the knockout bracket for the first time ever.
Ecuador roared into life against Germany and produced a historic result (2-1) against the European giant, which was also the first time a South American country had ever defeated Germany outside of a FIFA World Cup™ final.
Tasty Round of 32 matchups
Brazil vs. Japan: This contest pits the flair of South America’s most storied country against the resilient Asian powerhouse that’s on a mission to prove it can compete with the best.
Netherlands vs. Morocco: A talented Oranje team will be looking to go deep once again but is facing a tough Atlas Lions side that has a habit of making history on football’s biggest stages.
Mexico vs. Ecuador: the co-host will want to make history by winning its first knockout match since the last time it hosted (1986), but its fellow Latin American country found its form at just the right time.
Portugal vs. Croatia: It’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. against Luka Modrić and his crew. These two European powerhouses will do everything possible to keep their tournament runs alive, and each features some of the best players on the planet.
Colombia vs. Ghana: The vibes for this contest are sure to be electric. These two countries offer some of the best support we’ve seen at this tournament and both sets of fans will be willing their team toward victory.
Plenty of Panini Instant cards celebrating wonderful group-stage performances are still for sale, and be sure to check back for more must-have collectibles throughout the rest of the tournament.
