HOUSTON – The FIFA World Cup is rolling quickly and now we are close to turning the page on group play and focusing on the Round of 32!
The Knockout stage begins on Sunday in Los Angeles.
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The tournament field includes 48 teams but that will all change as teams start to be eliminated and the field is trimmed to 32. All of the action continues throughout the United States along with Canada and Mexico.
The unbeaten USA squad is off to a 2-0 start and has already won Group D but finishes against Turkey Thursday night in Los Angeles in their group finale. The United States is likely to play more players and also protect those that currently have yellow cards. They are still favored to beat Turkey.
Among the notable national teams already punching tickets to the Round of 32 are unbeaten Mexico, defending World Cup champion Argentina as well as fan favorites Norway and The Netherlands.
Other squads also celebrating advancing include Germany, Brazil, France, Columbia, South Africa, Morocco and Canada which lost its match on Wednesday.
Friday in Houston, Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia will clash in their Group H finale. Cabo Verde needs a draw or win to advance while Saudi Arabia faces a must win to move on to the Round of 32.
Houston Stadium’s Round of 32 match will feature five-time World Cup champion Brazil on Monday at 12pm. Their opponent has yet to be determined.
Houston’s final FIFA World Cup match is set for July 4th in the Round of 16.