The knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with three intriguing Round of 32 fixtures on Thursday, as Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, and Algeria battle for places in the last 16. With the group stage now behind them, every match becomes a do-or-die affair as the race for football’s biggest prize intensifies.
Spain vs. Austria
3:00 AM (PHT)
Spain heads into the knockout phase unbeaten after topping Group H, capping its group-stage campaign with a goalless draw against Uruguay to finish first.
Austria, meanwhile, secured second place in Group J after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Algeria in its final group match, a result that sent both nations through to the Round of 32. Austria enters the contest with six goals scored in the group stage—one more than Spain setting up an entertaining clash between two confident sides.
Key player:
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Portugal vs. Croatia
7:00 AM (PHT)
Portugal faces Croatia in one of the day’s marquee encounters. The Portuguese advanced as Group K runners-up after drawing DR Congo 1-1, beating Uzbekistan 5-0, and settling for a scoreless draw against group winner Colombia.
Croatia also finished second in Group L after bouncing back from a 4-2 loss to England with victories over Panama (1-0) and Ghana (2-1). Both sides possess experienced squads capable of making a deep tournament run.
Key player:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
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Tomorrow’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 schedule is set.
Spain vs.
Austria
Portugal vs.
Croatia
Switzerland vs.
Algeria
Three knockout matches. Three teams will keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Follow along @nowcastglobal pic.twitter.com/mwAkujSGeI
— NowCast News (@nowcastglobal) July 2, 2026
Switzerland vs. Algeria
11:00 AM (PHT)
Switzerland meets Algeria in the final Round of 32 fixture of the day. The Swiss advanced after winning Group B with two wins and one draw.
While Algeria booked its place in the knockout stage by earning a dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria in its final group match, finishing among the tournament’s best third-placed teams. Switzerland will look to capitalize on its disciplined play, while Algeria hopes to carry the momentum from its resilient group-stage finish into the knockout rounds.
Key player:
Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)
With a place in the Round of 16 on the line, the three matches promise high-stakes football featuring a mix of established contenders and dangerous underdogs. As the margin for error disappears, every goal, save, and tactical adjustment could determine who keeps their World Cup dream alive.
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