7/5/2026

The Round of 32 has come and gone at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We will go over who’s in and who’s out and some of the stories that stood out during the round of 32.

Although we have watched most of the matches, we have not seen them all so no doubt we may have missed a play or two that deserves recognition.

All 3 Host Advance

Canada got a late winner to take down South Africa. The US got a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina even after a red card from Florian Balogun in the 64th (the red card has since been suspended). Mexico got through a stout Ecuador defense and came away with a 2-0 win.

African Countries Struggle in the Round of 32 

There were 9 teams from Africa that made the knockouts and only 2 managed to survive. Morocco got a 3-2 shootout over the Netherlands. Egypt also went to penalties with their opponent Australia and won 4-2. 

Cape Verde was eliminated by Argentina 3-2 in one of if not the best match of the entire tournament so far. It looked like another match heading for PKs but an own goal in the 111th minute ended the Blue Sharks run. 

Unfortunate Record Set

The 2026 World Cup has seen several records set and tied but one record was broken that no team can claim on their own. 14 own goals have been scored at this World Cup breaking the record of 12 set in 2018. 

Team Goal Leaders

13 goals
France
11goals
Netherlands, Germany and Argentina
10 goals
USA, Norway and Senegal

Golden Boot Leaders

7 goals
Lionel Messi – Argentina
6 goals
Kylian Mbappe – France
5 goals
Harry Kane – England
Erling Haaland – Norway
4 goals
Vinicius Junior – Brazil
Ousmane Dembele – France
Milel Oyarzabal- Spain

Teams Eliminates in the Round of 32

Germany
Sweden
South Africa
Netherlands
Croatia
Austria
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Senegal
Japan
Ivory Coast
Ecuador
Congo DR
Cape Verde
Australia
Algeria
Ghana

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