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FIFA World Cup Sunday’s Round of 16 has two tight ties as Brazil take on Norway in New Jersey while Mexico face England in Mexico City.
Here’s the full schedule, Opta predictions and the latest news from the tournament, including Morocco’s march to the quarterfinals and France’s fiery victory over Paraguay.
What is the schedule for Sunday?
- Brazil vs Norway: 4pm (20:00 GMT) at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
- Mexico vs England: 6pm (00:00 GMT until Monday) at the Mexico City Stadium
What are the Brazil vs Norway predictions?
Brazil will be hoping to end their unwanted streak when they face Norway in the Round of 16.
The teams have met four times in all competitions, with Norway still undefeated. The Scandinavians have won twice and drawn twice, including a memorable 2-1 win over Brazil at the 1998 World Cup.
Despite these past events, Opta’s supercomputers count Brazil as their favorite. After 25,000 pre-match attempts, Brazil won in regulation time in 53.6 percent of the matches.
Norway won within 90 minutes in 22.4 percent of the matches while 24 percent were level after normal time, sending the tie to extra time and possible penalties.
What are the Mexico vs England predictions?
England and Mexico have only met once before at the World Cup, and that meeting dates back almost 60 years.
The encounter came in the 1966 tournament where hosts England won 2-0, thanks to goals from Bobby Charlton and Roger Hunt. The Three Lions went on to lift the trophy this summer, claiming the only World Cup title in their history.
England have also enjoyed success outside the World Cup, winning their last four meetings with Mexico. All of these wins came in international tournaments played from 1986 to 2010.
Opta’s advanced system has predicted a close round of 16 with no side having the biggest advantage.
England enter the tournament with a good record against Mexico, but El Tri’s home support and familiarity with the situation will help narrow the gap.
Of the 25,000 predictions, England won on time 40.6 percent of the time, while Mexico won 31.5 percent of the time. 27.9 percent of the matches ended after 90 minutes, meaning the game will require extra time and possibly a shootout.
The remaining 16 verses:
- Brazil vs Norway: Sunday, New York New Jersey Stadium, 20:00 GMT
- Mexico vs England: Sunday, Mexico City Stadium, 00:00 GMT into Monday
- Portugal vs Spain: Monday, Dallas Stadium, 19:00 GMT
- USA vs Belgium: Monday, Seattle Stadium, 00:00 GMT into Tuesday
- Argentina vs Egypt: Tuesday, Atlanta Stadium, 16:00 GMT
- Switzerland vs Colombia: Tuesday, BC Place Vancouver, 20:00 GMT
What else is going on?
Moroccan historical quarterly
Morocco reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the second time in a row after beating hosts Canada 3-0 on Saturday as Azzedine Ounahi scored twice to end the North American record.
The final score did not reflect the intensity of the game. Canada dominated most of the first half, creating several credible chances and preventing Morocco from registering their first shot until the 28th minute.
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi looked frustrated on the touchline before half-time as poor positioning and mistakes marred his team’s rhythm, but the team responded with a much-improved display after half-time.
“It’s a World Cup game, and these are tough games with teams playing for their lives,” Ouahbi said. “We did a lot better in the second half, especially in duels and winning second balls.
Was the Paraguayan drama ‘dirty’?
France captain Kylian Mbappe insisted his side are ready to match Paraguay’s performance after Saturday’s 1-0 win to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
Mbappe, who converted the final goal in the 70th minute after Desire Doue was fouled in the area, rejected the idea that France were not settled by Paraguay’s brutal tactics.
“They think we’re going to come out in tuxedos, try some smart tricks and twos,” Mbappe said. “But we also know how to play dirty football. If that’s what the game demands, we have no problem doing it.”
The winning penalty was awarded only after a VAR review with France coach Didier Deschamps asking referee Ilgiz Tantashev how he handled the escalating competition.
“We received three yellow cards as they continued to abuse us throughout the game,” said Deschamps. “Every team has the right to play in their own way, but I could have done without the insults from the opposition.”
The fortress of Mexico awaits England
Mexico will look to end a 40-year wait to reach the World Cup quarter-finals when they face England on Sunday, backed by one of the world’s strongest squads.
The players have lost just two games at the Mexico City Stadium since it opened in 1966 with the last defeat coming against Honduras in a World Cup qualifier in 2013.
Former Mexican striker Hugo Sanchez believes the stadium can change again.
“This stadium has a very impressive beast, it shows a lot of wins and performances and a few losses, which were just accidents.
Mexico’s World Cup record on the field reflects this dominance. In the 1970, 1986 and 2026 editions, El Tri played 10 World Cup matches there, winning eight and drawing two. In this year’s tournament, they have defeated South Africa, Czechia and Ecuador in Mexico City without scoring a single goal while also defeating South Korea in Guadalajara.
