On the midnight of July 6, Day 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 officially begins, as we have two of the biggest games, that will decide the next two entrants in the quarter-final of the tournament.
In the first match Brazil take on Norway, while in the second gam we will see co-hosts Mexico take on England. Here is the action one could expect for the FIFA World Cup 2026 tonight/
Brazil vs Norway
Players to watch:
Brazil: Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Magalhães
Norway: Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard
This has all the makings of one of the best two matches of the Round of 16 – the other being Portugal vs Spain on July 6. Brazil has grown into the tournament after an opening draw with Morocco. Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to give Bruno Guimarães more responsibility in midfield and bench Thiago in favor of Matheus Cunha in a more fluid attacking role has created space and freedom for Vinícius Júnior, who has been Brazil’s best player throughout the competition. Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score the winner against Japan and has given Ancelotti another option late in the game with his pace.
Norway has waited since 1998 to participate in the World Cup and accomplished their first objective in qualifying for the knockout round from the toughest group in the tournament. Haaland has delivered in the biggest moments, but this side is far more than one striker. Martin Ødegaard has controlled the tempo, Nousa has provided pace on the wing and Norway has defended with far more discipline than people expected. Their 2-1 win over Ivory Coast was another reminder that they are comfortable soaking up pressure before striking quickly and delivering goals even when Haaland has an off day.
Tactical battle
Norway will pick their moments against Brazil as they did against Ivory Coast. They’ll sit compact, deny space between the lines and look for Ødegaard to release Haaland and Nousa early whenever possession changes hands.
Brazil has looked at its best when Bruno Guimarães dictates the game from deep. If he can move Norway’s midfield around and get Vinícius isolated against the full-back, Brazil should create enough chances. The battle between Gabriel and Haaland is one between opponents who know each other well from the English Premier League: Haaland has scored 6 goals in his previous 11 games against Gabriel.
Kick off Time: 1.30 AM IST
Mexico vs England
Players to watch:
Mexico: Julián Quiñones, Gilberto Mora
England: Harry Kane, Declan Rice
Mexico has embraced its role as host nation. Javier Aguirre’s side has defended with real conviction and found just enough quality in the final third to keep moving forward. Santiago Giménez has become more influential with each game, occupying center-backs and creating room for the runners around him while Mora belies his age with outstanding performances in midfield.
England has improved after a shaky start to the tournament. Harry Kane continues to lead the line, but the real story has been the pace and directness out wide. Jude Bellingham has become one of England’s biggest attacking threats, giving Thomas Tuchel a different dimension alongside Kane. England came from behind to eliminate DR Congo and will feel battle-tested heading into one of the toughest atmospheres of the tournament.
Tactical battle
Expect Mexico to make this emotional as well as tactical. The crowd at the Azteca will try to turn every tackle and every decision into pressure on England.
England will have to survive the first 20 minutes under intense pressure and will struggle with the altitude. Mexico will press all over the field in itially, defend with numbers and look to spring Raul and Quinones on the counter whenever England’s full-backs push forward. If England can get their wingers in advanced one-on-one situations, they’ll eventually create openings.