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Group Finales Set First 16avos in Expanded World Cup, Key Upsets Reshape Bracket

The expanded 48‑team format with eight best third-place qualifiers has produced early knockout ties that will affect travel, kickoffs and broadcast schedules.

Overview

  • Netherlands beat Tunisia 3–1 to win Group F and will face Morocco in Monterrey on June 29 in one of the first confirmed Round of 16 matchups.
  • Brazil drew Japan as its 16avos opponent after Japan finished second in Group F following a 1–1 draw with Sweden; that match is scheduled for Houston on June 29.
  • The United States lost 3–2 to Turkey but kept top spot in Group D and will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16.
  • Ecuador defeated Germany 2–1 on Thursday to record its first win over Germany and clinch a place in the 16avos as one of the best third-placed teams.
  • Paraguay finished third after a 0–0 draw with Australia and sits provisionally among the best third-placed qualifiers pending final cross-group comparisons; the 16avos run June 28–July 3 with single-elimination matches that use 30 minutes of extra time and, if needed, penalty shootouts.