The knockout stage for the World Cup is set without the need for a selection committee. Teams are placed in predetermined slots, unlike the NCAA basketball tournaments. This setup can lead to tough matchups for some and easier paths for others. Here’s a breakdown:
Foxborough Region
Quarterfinal: July 9 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Round of 32 matchups:
- No. 12 Germany vs. No. 27 Paraguay
- No. 2 France vs. No. 26 Sweden
- No. 29 South Africa vs. No. 25 Canada (Canada won 1-0)
- No. 7 Netherlands vs. No. 6 Morocco
At least one of the top seven teams, Netherlands or Morocco, won’t move to the Round of 16. France and Germany could face each other in this round. Travel is significant for Canada, possibly moving time zones, whereas other teams play on the East Coast.
If the seeds hold: France faces Morocco in the quarterfinal.
Inglewood Region
Quarterfinal: July 10 in Inglewood, California.
Round of 32 matchups:
- No. 8 Portugal vs. No. 13 Croatia
- No. 3 Spain vs. No. 18 Austria
- No. 14 United States vs. No. 30 Bosnia and Herzegovina
- No. 10 Belgium vs. No. 17 Senegal
The U.S. benefits from staying within the Pacific time zone until semifinals. Portugal has a difficult initial match against Croatia and might meet Spain next. Belgium and Senegal play in Seattle, preventing travel for their next match against the U.S. or Bosnia winner.
If the seeds hold: Spain takes on Belgium in the quarterfinal.
Miami Gardens Region
Quarterfinal: July 11 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Round of 32 matchups:
- No. 5 Brazil vs. No. 16 Japan
- No. 24 Ivory Coast vs. No. 19 Norway
- No. 9 Mexico vs. No. 20 Ecuador
- No. 4 England vs. No. 28 Congo
Mexico and England are strong favorites for their opening games, potentially setting a clash in the Round of 16. Brazil has a smoother path, playing Japan first and then the Ivory Coast-Norway winner.
If the seeds hold: Brazil meets England in the quarterfinal.
Kansas City Region
Quarterfinal: July 11 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Round of 32 matchups:
- No. 1 Argentina vs. No. 31 Cape Verde
- No. 22 Australia vs. No. 21 Egypt
- No. 15 Switzerland vs. No. 23 Algeria
- No. 11 Colombia vs. No. 32 Ghana
Argentina and Lionel Messi, playing close to home in Miami Gardens, kick off the Round of 32 against Cape Verde. Switzerland and Algeria might produce a goal-rich match, and Colombia meets an unencumbered Ghana team.
If the seeds hold: Argentina goes up against Colombia in the quarterfinal.
Inside the Bracket
Note-worthy insights into the Round of 32 matchups:
- France, Mexico, and Argentina completed group play with perfect records of 3-0-0.
- Four Round of 32 games include unbeaten teams: Netherlands vs. Morocco, Belgium vs. Senegal, Brazil vs. Japan, and Argentina vs. Cape Verde.
- High-scoring expectations for clashes include France vs. Sweden, Netherlands vs. Morocco, Belgium vs. Senegal, Brazil vs. Japan, and U.S. vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Defensive matches are expected in Mexico vs. Ecuador; Mexico allowed no group stage goals, and Ecuador conceded only two.
- Semifinal pairings: Foxborough/Inglewood winners play in Arlington, Texas on July 14, and Miami Gardens/Kansas City winners meet in Atlanta on July 15. The final is in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 19.