The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its knockout stage.
48 teams have been whittled down to 32, and those 32 are set to compete in a single-elimination bracket to determine the next world champion.
There are 16 fascinating fixtures to follow in this round — here are the stories behind the headliners.
Brazil vs. Japan on Monday, June 29
Some games are headliners because of their social and cultural significance; others are headliners because their on-field product looks so tantalizing. Brazil versus Japan in Houston, Texas, is the latter. These are two of the fastest, most aggressive and most athletic teams at this tournament, and they will give the world a show. It’ll be a shame to lose either of these sides, but it will be an incredible privilege to see them battle.