The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has officially moved into its thrilling knockout phase with the start of the round of 16. Last night featured a single, tense encounter in Los Angeles, where Canada dramatically secured a 1-0 victory over South Africa in stoppage time.

At the tournament’s outset, 16 European nations were among the 48 competing teams, including France, the two-time champions (1998, 2018) and current vice-champions. Following the previous round’s exits of the Czech Republic, Scotland, and Turkey, 13 European contenders now remain in the competition.

As the World Cup progresses, we provide a daily overview of the Old Continent’s teams, highlighting their key performances and significant news. Here’s a recap of the eighteenth day, Sunday, June 28, focusing on the European squads.

The stat sheet 📊

215

After 72 group stage matches concluded in just 16 days, this edition of the World Cup has already set a new goal-scoring record. A staggering 215 goals were tallied before the first round of 16 fixture last night, averaging 2.99 goals per match. This impressive figure significantly surpasses the previous record of 172 goals set during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

It is worth noting, of course, that previous tournaments typically featured a maximum of 64 matches with 32 teams, whereas this North American-hosted World Cup boasts 104 matches and 48 participating nations.

The soundbite 🎙️

I couldn’t place it on a map. In fact, I know nothing about this country and I don’t want to know.

Abigail Vélez, American journalist for local channel ABC7 Los Angeles

A recent comment has sparked considerable debate. During a live report from Long Beach, a Los Angeles suburb, American journalist Abigail Vélez spoke about the upcoming July 2nd match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina. She openly admitted to knowing nothing about the European nation (a non-EU member, but an accession candidate).

The segment quickly gained traction across social media, with the “Bosnian Football” account sharing the clip, which has already been viewed over 8 million times. The statement was particularly jarring given that Almin Karamehmedovic, the head of news for the entire ABC network, was born in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following the significant public outcry, the journalist issued an apology.

Under the microscope 🔎

French supporters remaining in Europe can rejoice: the France national team will not play any matches past 11 PM (French time), regardless of their progression through the tournament to a potential final.

Les Bleus are set to commence their knockout stage journey against Sweden on Tuesday at 11 PM. Should they advance, they would then face the winner of the clash between Germany and Paraguay, also at 11 PM, on July 4th, a significant date for American Independence Day.

The quarter-final is scheduled for Thursday, July 9th, at 10 PM, with a potential semi-final on Tuesday, July 14th, at 9 PM. The grand final itself will take place on Sunday, July 19th, also at 9 PM.

European football news 📰

A recent opinion is unlikely to sit well with German supporters. English football icon Gary Lineker, the top scorer of the 1986 World Cup with six goals, has identified France as the overwhelming favorite to win this North American tournament.

In an interview, the former striker confidently predicted the outcome of a potential round of 16 fixture between Germany and the French national team. Lineker expressed his conviction that Les Bleus would achieve an easy victory against what he considers “one of the weakest German national teams” he has ever witnessed.

As a reminder, the Mannschaft is scheduled to face Paraguay in their round of 16 match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough this Monday, June 29th, at 10:30 PM.