Following the end of the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fans are expecting some of the best clashes in the round of 32 in the forthcoming weeks.

Morocco vs Netherlands

One of the biggest matches to watch would be sixth-ranked Morocco taking on the seventh-ranked side Netherlands in the first game of the knockout stages.

Norway vs Ivory Coast

The second clash is set to be played between Norway and Ivory Coast. While both teams witnessed mixed results in the group stages, the knockout game between the two would turn out to be a fan favourite clash, with Erling Haaland making a return to the Norwegian side.

France vs Sweden

France, considered one of the absolute favourites to lift the World Cup, will face stiff resistance from Sweden.

Already downing another Scandinavian side, Norway 4-1, in the group stages, the confidence of the French side with players like Ousmane Dembélé and Mbappé peaking at the right time gives the men in blue an upper hand against the Swedish side.

USA vs Bosnia

One of the interesting matches to watch out for is the USA vs Bosnia. Despite being debutants in the competition, the Bosnian side has left many football pundits shocked with their style of play and defensive tactics employed against bigger sides.

However, the US would be enjoying their home-crowd support going into the game against the small European nation.

Portugal vs Croatia

The most important and absolute fan favourite match is between Portugal and Croatia. Dubbed as one of the most complete teams in the World Cup, Portugal will be eyeing replicating that on the field, with Cristiano Ronaldo being in the spotlight.

The Croatian side, led by the experienced campaigner Luka Modrić with a strong defence, would certainly try to edge past the strong Portuguese side in the upcoming match.

Also read: Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six World Cups