🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.
The FIFA World Cup has reached the sudden death stage, with 16 teams qualifying for the knockout rounds in Qatar.
This is the time when it is win at all costs or pack your bags for the flight home, as there are no more second chances for any of the teams left in the tournament. Some big names have already been sent packing, with four-time winner Germany not making it out of the group stage for the second World Cup running.
No. 2–ranked Belgium has also failed to progress, while Qatar has produced the worst-ever showing for a World Cup host.
Pretournament favorites Brazil, Spain, France and Argentina have all reached the round of 16 and are joined by the U.S. men's national soccer team (USMNT), which finished second to England in Group B.
Poland was the runner-up in Group C, behind Argentina, while Netherlands and Senegal made it through from Group A.
France is joined by Australia from Group D, while Morocco sprung a shock by beating Belgium and topping the Group E table, with Croatia advancing to second place.
Japan surprised Spain with a 2-1 win, which meant the team finished first in Group F, sending Germany home with Spain as runners-up.
South Korea beat Portugal in Group H to qualify for the knockouts on goals scored, after Uruguay fell just short with its 2-0 victory over Ghana. Portugal had already qualified ahead of the final game.
Brazil has already qualified from Group G but will look to keep its 100 percent record against Cameroon. Switzerland, in the driver's seat to get to second place, needs to avoid defeat against Serbia in its final game.
World Cup 2022 Round of 16 Fixtures
The World Cup 2022 round of 16 begins on Saturday. With eight matches to be decided, two games a day will be played on December 3, 4, 5 and 6.
December 3: Netherlands vs. United States at Khalifa International Stadium, 10 a.m. ET
December 3: Argentina vs. Australia at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, 2 p.m. ET
December 4: France vs. Poland at Al Thumama Stadium, 10 a.m. ET
December 4: Senegal vs. England at Al Bayt Stadium, 2 p.m. ET
December 5: Japan vs. Croatia at Al Janoub Stadium, 10 a.m. ET
December 5: Portugal vs. Runners-Up Group H at Stadium 974, 2 p.m. ET
December 6: Morocco vs. Spain at Education City Stadium, 10 a.m. ET
December 6: Winners Group H vs. South Korea at Lusail Iconic Stadium, 2 p.m. ET
World Cup 2022 Quarterfinal Fixtures
December 9: Japan or Croatia vs. South Korea or Winners Group H, 10 a.m. ET
December 9: Netherlands or United States vs. Argentina or Australia, 2 p.m. ET
December 10: Morocco or Spain vs. Portugal or Runners Up Group H, 10 a.m. ET
December 10: England or Senegal vs. France or Poland, 2 p.m. ET
Do you have a tip on a sports story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about the World Cup? Let us know via entertainment@newsweek.com.
