This Sunday, the 2026 World Cup schedule (Kyiv time) offers two Round of 16 matches that are impossible to miss: first, the duel between Brazil and Norway at MetLife Stadium, and then, deep into the night, Mexico vs England at the iconic Azteca in Mexico City. Both matches will determine two of the eight quarter-finalists at the 2026 World Cup.
Today's schedule
- 23:00 Kyiv time. Brazil vs Norway (Round of 16, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey)
- 03:00 Kyiv time (July 6). Mexico vs England (Round of 16, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City)
Brazil vs Norway: 23:00 Kyiv time
The headline match of the day – and one of the most unpredictable in the knockout bracket. Brazil topped Group C with 2 wins and 1 draw, then snatched victory over Japan in the Round of 32 in the 95th minute thanks to a Martinelli goal. Norway finished Group I with 2 wins and 1 draw and also came through the Round of 32 in a tense match against Ivory Coast – 2:1, again thanks to a Haaland goal.
The key intrigue: Norway have never lost to Brazil in four previous meetings, and the only head-to-head encounter at a World Cup – in the 1998 group stage – ended in a 2:1 victory for the Scandinavians. Haaland has scored in 13 consecutive official matches for the national team, netting 25 goals during that run, and already shares second place in the Golden Boot race with 5 goals at the tournament. On Brazil's side, the main threat is Vinícius Júnior, supported by Bruno Guimarães (4 assists at the tournament – second only to Olise).
Team news: Brazil go into the match without two starting players – Raphinha and Lucas Paquetá are injured (hamstring problems). Endrick is expected to replace Paquetá in the starting line-up. Neymar returned to action in the final group-stage match against Scotland, but his starting status remains uncertain. Norway are at full strength.
Mexico vs England: 03:00 Kyiv time (July 6)
The night match at the Azteca is a challenge for England on several levels. Mexico have had a flawless tournament: 4 wins in 4 matches, 8 goals scored and none conceded. The stadium sits at an altitude of 2,200 metres above sea level, and Mexico have a phenomenal home record – just 2 defeats in 89 official matches at the Azteca. For England, this is the toughest test of the tournament: Thomas Tuchel admitted that the team "must not lose their heads" given the difficult preparation for the match.
England team news: Reece James has missed the last two matches through injury, and Declan Rice is playing through back pain – Tuchel is assessing his condition before each match. Harry Kane remains the team's main attacking threat. For Mexico, the home atmosphere and altitude are additional allies.
What's at stake
The winner of Brazil vs Norway will face the winner of Mexico vs England in the quarter-finals. The quarter-finals are scheduled for July 9–11. As a reminder, the Round of 32 is already complete, and Morocco and France have already secured their quarter-final places after victories over Canada (3:0) and Paraguay (1:0) respectively.
Read the results of both matches in the evening edition and the morning digest of the Night World Cup – they will be published immediately after the final whistles.
Photo: Danica Creahan · Editorial (source)
