Sunday served up just one World Cup knockout matchup—Canada vs. South Africa in Los Angeles—but Monday is a whole different beast. The FIFA Men's World Cup kicks into high gear with three knockout round games on June 29, and fans are calling the slate absolutely loaded. We couldn't agree more.
Six teams take the pitch in a marathon of high-stakes soccer starting in the afternoon and stretching into the evening. Here's how Monday breaks down:
- 1 p.m. ET on FOX: Brazil vs. Japan
- 4:30 p.m. ET on FOX: Germany vs. Paraguay
- 9 p.m. ET on FOX: Netherlands vs. Morocco
That's three of the sport's most iconic nations—Brazil, Germany, and the Netherlands—all in one day. Add in spirited underdogs like Japan, Paraguay, and Morocco, and you've got a recipe for pure drama. It's the kind of afternoon that reminds you why the World Cup captivates the globe, as global fans unite against the US in a tournament that's already full of surprises.
Supercomputer Spits Out Favorites
Before the action kicks off, a supercomputer has crunched the numbers for all Round of 32 games, and the results lean heavily toward the traditional powers. Brazil is predicted to top Japan with 68.94% probability, while Germany holds an even stronger 78.58% edge over Paraguay. The Netherlands are favored at 61.17% against a resilient Morocco side.
Other projected winners include France (81.46% over Sweden), England (84.04% vs. DR Congo), and the USMNT (78.46% against Bosnia and Herzegovina). Argentina tops the list at 89.24% against Cabo Verde. For a full look at the bracket, check out how the Round of 32 is nearly set.
What to Watch For
Brazil brings Neymar and a relentless attack against a disciplined Japanese side that loves to counter. Germany, always a tournament powerhouse, faces a Paraguay squad that thrives on physical play. And the Netherlands—led by their dynamic midfield—will need to contain Morocco's speed on the break. Each game carries knockout-or-go-home weight, so expect no mercy.
Beyond the pitch, the tournament has already delivered viral moments and off-field drama. From the viral fan in a tiny skirt finally being identified to reporter Eleonora Incardona turning heads, the World Cup is as much a spectacle off the field as on it.
Your Predictions?
Who advances to the Round of 16? Will the supercomputer's picks hold, or will an underdog spoil the party? Drop your predictions in the comments below. Monday's tripleheader is just the beginning of a thrilling week of knockout soccer.
