The 2026 World Cup has entered the knockout stage, with six Latin American teams still in contention. Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Paraguay all booked places in the round of 32, but the margin for error has now disappeared.

With the group stage behind them, every match is win or go home. Here’s a look at each team’s first knockout opponent and the road that could lie ahead.

Brazil

Brazil are the first up. Carlo Ancelotti’s side had an uneven group stage but eventually showed why it remains among the tournament favorites.

Vinícius Júnior has been the standout performer, becoming the first player to win man of the match in all three group-stage matches at a World Cup. Brazil will again look to him to lead the attack.

Their first knockout test is far from straightforward. Japan awaits on Monday at Houston’s NRG Stadium at 2 p.m. Brazil has not been eliminated in its opening knockout match since 1990, but Japan has built a reputation for upsetting traditional powers.

The path ahead only gets tougher, with Ivory Coast or Norway potentially next before a likely quarterfinal against England.

Paraguay

Paraguay appears to have drawn the toughest assignment of the Latin American teams, taking on one of the tournament favorites, Germany, on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Gustavo Alfaro’s side endured a difficult group stage. A 4-1 defeat to the United States in its opener left little margin for error before a crucial win over Türkiye, and a scoreless draw against Australia secured progression as one of the best third-placed teams.

Germany has struggled to convert its chances despite controlling matches, offering Paraguay a glimmer of hope. A disciplined defensive display, combined with efficiency on the counterattack — or success in a penalty shootout — may be its best route to an upset.

Sweden or, more likely, France would await in the round of 16, with Canada, the Netherlands or Morocco potential quarterfinal opponents.

Ecuador vs. Mexico

Ecuador produced one of the biggest surprises of the group stage by defeating Germany in the final group match to keep its World Cup hopes alive.

Sebastián Beccacece’s side advanced as one of the best third-placed teams thanks largely to the performances of Gonzalo Plata and Moisés Caicedo. To extend its run, however, Ecuador will likely need another step up.

Standing in its way is Mexico, the first team to qualify for the knockout rounds and one of only three nations — alongside Argentina and France — to win all three group-stage matches.

Backed by home support, El Tri will also be hoping to end its long-standing “fifth-game curse”: Mexico has not reached the quarterfinals since hosting the World Cup in 1986.

They will face off on Tuesday at 10 p.m., with the winner going up against either England or Congo for a place in the quarterfinals, where Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast or Norway could await.

Argentina

Argentina arguably received the kindest draw of the remaining South American sides, avoiding heavyweight clashes with Spain or Uruguay in favor of World Cup debutants Cape Verde.

That does not mean an easy night awaits. Inspired by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, the Blue Sharks held Spain to a goalless draw and twice came from behind to earn a point against Uruguay, capitalizing on costly mistakes by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Still, Cape Verde has struggled to create chances consistently, and the reigning world champions will be expected to have enough quality to advance. 

The match kicks off at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday at 7 p.m.

Victory would set up a meeting with either Australia or Egypt in the round of 16, while Colombia or Algeria could await in the quarterfinals.

Colombia

Colombia exceeded expectations by finishing top of Group K ahead of UEFA Nations League champions Portugal, but its reward is a demanding tie against Ghana.

The Black Stars narrowly missed out on second place in Group L after a final-day defeat to Croatia. 

They comfortably beat Panama and produced a disciplined display against England, showcasing a squad packed with Premier League experience.

The teams meet at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday at 10:30 p.m., with Switzerland or Algeria awaiting the winner. Argentina could loom in the quarterfinals.

All times are Argentine time.