One day of World Cup Round of 16 matches down, and three more to go. Saturday’s action started with Morocco cruising past Canada and into the quarterfinals for the second straight time. That sets up a rematch of the 2022 semifinal against France, which slipped past Miguel Almirón and Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia behind Kylian Mbappé’s penalty with about 20 minutes remaining. Given that it was Independence Day, we got our share of fireworks at the end of that match.
On, then, to Sunday. Brazil vs. Norway, pitting Viníciús Júnior against Erling Haaland, will be dripping with star power. The nightcap between Mexico and England in Mexico City has Mexico seeing a first quarterfinal since 1986 and England hoping for a trip to the final eight for the third straight tournament. The winners of these two face each other in Miami on July 11.
Brazil vs. Norway, 4 p.m ET, East Rutherford
How Brazil got to the Round of 16
Brazil found itself in a hard-fought battle against Japan in Houston on Monday, needing a last-minute goal from Gabriel Martinelli to beat the Samurai Blue 2-1. Outside of a 1-1 draw against Morocco, Brazil’s group stage was easy, putting three goals past both Haiti and Scotland. Japan was a step up in competition. Norway, led by Erling Haaland, is another notch above. Will we see Viníciús Júnior continue his run, and will Neymar play a role in this one?
How Norway got to the Round of 16
Speaking of Haaland…he scored in the 86th minute to help Norway to a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in Arlington on Tuesday, its first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout stage. The question is if he and Norway can match wits with Vini and co. or if the dream ends in East Rutherford in the Round of 16. Either way, this is a very appealing contest between two of the best players in the world.
Where to watch Brazil vs. Norway
FOX/FOX One (English); Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish)
Mexico vs. England, 9 p.m. ET, Mexico City
How Mexico got to the Round of 16
Four games into its World Cup journey, Mexico still has yet to concede a single goal. El Tri did all of its work against Ecuador in the first half as a 22nd-minute opener from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez’s tally in the 31st minute led them to a 2-0 Round of 32 victory. Mexico has one major factor on its side: altitude. While it wasn’t part of the discussion against Ecuador since the latter actually sits higher above sea level in some places, it certainly will be a talking point against England.
How England got to the Round of 16
England can count itself very, very fortunate to be here. After conceding a goal in the seventh minute against DR Congo in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, the Three Lions needed Harry Kane’s brace (75′, 86′) to put the Leopards away in Atlanta. Thomas Tuchel’s team certainly will hope that’s a wake-up call, but playing over 7,000 feet above sea level in front of what’s sure to be a hostile crowd at the Azteca stacks the deck massively against them.
Where to watch Mexico vs. England
FOX/FOX One (English); Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish)
Metro Atlanta World Cup festivities are carrying on all throughout the tournament. Here’s a list of places you can watch all the World Cup action, along with a map.
If you’re headed to Atlanta to see games in person, check out our World Cup guide, which gives you information on where to stay, what to do, see, and eat, along with how to get around using MARTA.