Welcome to our live blog of day 19 of the 2026 World Cup.
This tournament is flying by at surreal speed, as it always does, with the knockout stages now under way.
Hosts Canada were in action overnight hoping to reach the last 16.
And they did exactly that, with Stephen Eustaquio scoring late to fire them through.
There are three big matches to come later today, and in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Brazil are set to face Japan at 6pm before Germany lock horns with Paraguay.
At 2am tomorrow morning, Morocco and the Netherlands will do battle in what promises to be a belter of a match.
Read on below for live updates throughout the day.
Brazil vs Japan preview
Brazil meet Japan in a compelling World Cup knockout tie in Houston tonight.
The Selecao arrive as five-time champions, having topped their group unbeaten and conceding just once in three matches.
Japan continue their rise as Asia’s most consistent World Cup force, also progressing unbeaten after a disciplined group stage built on organised defending and quick transitions.
Historically, Brazil dominate this fixture with 11 wins in 14 meetings, including a World Cup victory in 2006.
Japan have reached the Round of 16 in four consecutive tournaments but are still chasing a first quarter-final. Expect flair versus structure in fascinating clash.
Riot police deployed
More than 150 riot police have been deployed to Incheon Airport as South Korea’s World Cup squad returns home following their early Group A exit.
Coach Hong Myung-bo, who has resigned, has received death threats. Police will send 160 riot and airport officers plus 25 special guards to prevent violence and respond to illegal acts, including throwing objects.
South Korea beat the Czech Republic but lost to Mexico and South Africa, finishing on three points and outside the best third-placed teams.
Controversy over selection decisions, including benching Son Heung-Min, has intensified public-political scrutiny now.
Alan Shearer warning
Alan Shearer has pinpointed just four England players worthy of praise following Saturday's 2-0 victory over Panama, warning that defensive frailties must be addressed before Wednesday's round of 16 encounter with DR Congo in Atlanta.
"The positives today have been without a doubt Kane getting his goal. Bellingham getting his goal and assist. I thought Elliot Anderson in midfield was superb," Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live.
The former England captain highlighted Tuchel's inability to settle on a preferred lineup as a significant concern. Across 270 minutes of group stage football, the German manager deployed nine different combinations of full-backs and wingers, utilising eight separate players in those positions.
"And that will be what they have to work on because the further they go, if they give the chances they have today then they will be punished," Shearer cautioned.
Clarke explains Scotland exit
Steve Clarke has revealed he resigned as Scotland manager just a month after signing a new four-year contract because he had already decided to step down if his side failed to reach the World Cup knockout stages.
The 62-year-old said the extension was designed to reassure his players before the tournament rather than guarantee his long-term future.
Clarke admitted qualifying for the World Cup had fulfilled a lifelong ambition and felt it was the right moment to leave after seven years in charge.
He also insisted Scotland's current generation is not finished and can still challenge at Euro 2028.
WAGs hit back after Keane criticism
England's WAGs have reportedly hit back at Roy Keane after the former Manchester United captain mocked their personalised World Cup shirts, with one source branding the ITV pundit a "miserable old git".
Keane described the trend of partners wearing England shirts with players' names on the back as "ridiculous", but those close to the squad insist they have no intention of changing.
According to the Daily Mail, the WAGs will continue wearing the shirts to support their partners and have largely laughed off the criticism.
South Africa star wants manager to stay
Aubrey Modiba has urged Hugo Broos to remain as South Africa manager after Bafana Bafana's historic World Cup run ended in the last 32.
The full-back believes the 74-year-old Belgian has transformed the national team and still has "unfinished business" at next year's Africa Cup of Nations.
Broos hinted he could extend his stay after refusing to confirm his departure following the 1-0 defeat to Canada, despite previously suggesting this would be his final World Cup.
Modiba praised Broos for changing South Africa's mentality, insisting the squad now fear nobody after reaching their first-ever World Cup knockout stage.
Tuchel planning major change if England beat DR Congo
Thomas Tuchel is preparing to change England's World Cup routine if the Three Lions beat DR Congo and reach the last 16.
Rather than travelling the day before a potential clash with Mexico or Ecuador, England are expected to arrive in Mexico City 48 hours early to help players adapt to the altitude before playing at the Azteca Stadium.
Tuchel has based his squad in Kansas City throughout the tournament but believes earlier preparation could prove crucial.
England have already been using hyperbaric chambers and fitness technology to prepare for high-altitude conditions as their World Cup campaign gathers momentum.
Tuchel calls out four England players
Thomas Tuchel has challenged four of England's attacking players to "show up" as the Three Lions prepare for the World Cup knockout stages.
While Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford have already found the net, the England boss wants Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka to deliver decisive moments when it matters most.
Tuchel stressed that attacking success is not measured solely by goals, highlighting the importance of movement and teamwork in creating chances.
England face DR Congo in the round of 32 on Wednesday, with Tuchel confident more of his forwards are ready to make their mark.
World Cup star gives up captaincy in middle of tournament
Moises Caicedo has been named Ecuador's new captain after veteran striker Enner Valencia handed over the armband during the nation's World Cup campaign.
Valencia, 36, formally passed on the honour to the 24-year-old Chelsea midfielder in an emotional ceremony attended by team-mates following Ecuador's qualification for the knockout stages.
The gesture symbolises the start of a new era for a youthful Ecuador side, with Caicedo now entrusted to lead the nation forward.
Ecuador secured their place in the last 32 by stunning Germany 2-1, reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in 20 years.
Neville worried by Saka
Gary Neville has admitted he is concerned about Bukayo Saka's fitness ahead of England's World Cup knockout clash with DR Congo, insisting the Arsenal winger "doesn't look right at all".
Saka has featured in all three group-stage matches while carefully managing a persistent Achilles problem, but Neville believes the 24-year-old remains below his usual standards.
Ian Wright echoed those concerns, suggesting Saka may need a proper rest after a demanding campaign.
England's wide players have struggled to make a consistent impact throughout the tournament, with Roy Keane warning they must now deliver as the knockout stages begin.
Canada boss explains huddle after South Africa win
Following Canada's 1-0 win over South Africa, Jesse Marsch and his players convened for a huddle.
Explaining that decision, Marsch said: "People will say it is performative to meet in the middle of the pitch. All I care about is our team and what we do together.
"At full-time it is hard to be with your team as everyone is pulled in a million different directions with the media, and you don't really have time to take that moment unless you take it right there.
"I wanted to be able to voice to them how important a moment this will prove to be for the sport in the country.
"It is a shame we couldn't do it in Vancouver, in front of our fans, but nevertheless I think you saw the character of the team, the quality of the team, the mentality of the team and the togetherness of the team."
Kane emerges as surprise Barcelona target
Harry Kane has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Barcelona, with the Spanish champions reportedly exploring a move for the England captain after the World Cup.
The Catalan club have made contact with Kane's representatives and plan to revisit the situation once England's campaign concludes.
However, the Bayern Munich striker is happy in Germany, with his camp swiftly dismissing Barcelona's initial approach.
Kane, whose contract expires next summer, is instead expected to prioritise fresh terms at Bayern.
Good morning!
Brazi, Germany and the Netherlands are in action later today
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Good morning and welcome to our live blog of the World Cup.
Three games tonight. Three games that have the potential to be special, too.
Fans are in for a treat. Thank you for joining us.