The 2026 FIFA World Cup is entering its decisive phase. On the night of July 6, two crucial Round of 16 matches will take place, featuring Brazil against Norway, and England against Mexico. These matches promise to be a true test for the favorites, who will face teams demonstrating excellent form.
Brazil vs Norway: Vikings vs Pentacampeones
The encounter between Brazil and Norway promises to be extremely tense. Despite their status as favorites, the "Selecao" under Carlo Ancelotti have an unpleasant record against the Scandinavians: throughout the history of their rivalry, the Brazilians have never defeated Norway (2 draws and 2 losses). The only match between them at a World Cup, held in 1998, ended in a victory for the "Vikings" with a score of 2:1.
At the current tournament, the Brazilians are demonstrating unstable play. After a draw with Morocco (1:1), the team crushed Haiti (3:0) and Scotland (3:0), but in the Round of 32, they barely defeated Japan (2:1). The situation is exacerbated by squad issues: Lucas Paqueta and Rafinha will miss the match due to injuries.
The Norwegians, on the other hand, confidently passed the group stage, securing victories over Iraq (4:1) and Senegal (3:2), as well as squeezing out a win against Ivory Coast (2:1) in the first round of the playoffs. The team's main star, Erling Haaland, is in optimal form and has already scored two braces at the tournament. A reliable defense and the Haaland factor could neutralize the favorites' status of the Brazilians.
England vs Mexico: Battle at Altitude
The second Round of 16 match will take place between England and Mexico. The Mexicans, under the leadership of Javier Aguirre, are demonstrating phenomenal form, having played four matches at the tournament with a 100% win rate. They secured victories over South Africa (2:0), South Korea (1:0), Czechia (3:0), and Ecuador (2:0) in the Round of 32. The main feature of the "Green Army" is a reliable defense (0 goals conceded) and early team preparation, making them physically ready for any challenge.
Thomas Tuchel's England looked less convincing. In the group stage, the team defeated Croatia (4:2) and Panama (2:0), drew with Ghana (0:0), and narrowly beat the DR Congo (2:1) in the Round of 32 thanks to a brace by Harry Kane. Tuchel has significantly restructured the team's game, making it more flexible but pragmatic.
The English have squad problems: injured defenders Reece James and Jarrell Quansah will definitely not play. Key midfielder Declan Rice is experiencing thigh muscle issues but is ready to take the field, as there is no replacement for him alongside Elliot Anderson.
An additional advantage for Mexico will be the Estadio Azteca, located at an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level, where guests will find it much harder to maintain the tempo due to lack of oxygen. The England national team will play at the "Azteca" for the first time since the drama of the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, where they lost to Argentina (1:2). It was in that match that Diego Maradona was helped by the "Hand of God".
Where to watch the matches
Live broadcasts of the matches in Ukraine will be available on the Megogo media service with MEGOPACK and "Sport" subscriptions, as well as in MEGOPACK N+S and MEGOPACK Y. Football fans are set to watch exciting matches that may determine the further course of the championship.
