The GIST: The World Cup (WC) knockout rounds began yesterday when Canada kicked off the Round of 32 with a bit of history — and there’s more to be made as the remaining 30 squads fight for a berth to the Round of 16 today through Friday.
- Unlike last week’s group stage, the tournament is win-or-go-home from here on out, meaning one decision can be the difference between WC glory and a shocking crashout. Can’t wait.
🇨🇦 As you read, CanMNT punched their ticket to the Round of 16 thanks to a stoppage time goal from midfielder Stephen Eustáquio for a 1–0 victory over South Africa yesterday. This marks the first knockout round win for the CanMNT in a tournament that already saw their first WC point, first WC win, and the most goals ever scored by a CONCACAF nation in a single game. Heroes, indeed.
🥊Twelve teams are vying today and tomorrow to join Canada in the Round of 16. Here are the games to plan your week around:
- 🇧🇷 Brazil vs. 🇯🇵 Japan — Today at 1 p.m. ET: Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior has been dancing through defenses (and AirPod ads) this tourney, but a disciplined Japanese squad will try to disrupt his rhythm and earn their first-ever WC knockout-round win.