June 29, 2026, 6:31 a.m. ET
Day 19 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first full day of the Round of 32. Three games, three different venues across two countries.
Brazil and Japan open the day in Houston. Then Germany plays Paraguay at Gillette Stadium, walking in as significant favorites. The night closes with the Netherlands and Morocco in Monterrey, in what looks like an early heavyweight clash that could easily have been a quarter or semi-final.
The 2026 World Cup is the largest ever, and USA TODAY is going all in with reporters on the ground in all 16 host cities across three countries to cover 48 teams vying for the trophy. Get our World Cup: Extra Time newsletter in your inbox every morning and join our WhatsApp channel to get the latest updates right in your texts.
All times Eastern and accurate as of Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 1:35 p.m.
Round of 32: Brazil vs Japan
Time/TV: 1:00 PM ET on Fox at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas
Why watch: Brazil’s tournament has been up-and-down so far. They’ve built momentum up in their final two group matches, but they need to be on high upset alert here. Japan has been one of the most fun teams to watch. Their mixture of style and technique provides us with some truly beautiful soccer. Obviously Brazil are the favorites, but would anyone really be surprised if Japan punched above their weight one more time and pulled off the shocker?
Why it could disappoint: On paper, this is lining up to be a fascinating clash of styles. However, if Japan doesn’t live up to expectations and Brazil plays up to theirs, this one could be put to bed rather quickly.
Round of 32: Germany vs Paraguay
Time/TV: 4:30 PM ET on Fox at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts
Why watch: Anything can happen in knockout soccer. While this may seem like a complete mismatch, Paraguay had success with their defensive approach, frustrating a talented Turkey side. If they can somehow grab a goal and defend for their lives, anything is possible.
Why it could disappoint: Germany are heavy favorites for a reason. Either they storm ahead and control the match throughout or they attack a low block for 90 minutes trying to break through. If you aren’t a fan of cheering for the upset, there’s a chance this one won’t have a ton of entertainment value.
Watch the 2026 World Cup with FuboRound of 32: Netherlands vs Morocco
Time/TV: 9:00 PM ET on Fox at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Nuevo León
Why watch: In an alternate world, this matchup is taking place in a semifinal. Thanks to the new format, we’ve been blessed with this marquee battle in the round of 32. Both of these teams have immense quality and the ability to make a deep run in the tournament. It should be a back and forth, exciting matchup that you won’t want to miss.
Why it could disappoint: It’s hard to see this one not being fun to watch. The only scenario where it could become frustrating is if both teams resort to foul-heavy tactics to slow the game down. No one wants to see that type of match unfold, but the possibility exists.
World Cup matchup odds
Source link
