Latin America’s World Cup Knockouts: Who’s Through, Who Plays Tonight, Who’s Friday
Latin America · World Cup
Key Facts
- Two through. Brazil and Paraguay have reached the last 16, beating Japan and Germany.
- The upset. Paraguay knocked out four-time champions Germany on penalties, the tournament’s biggest shock.
- Tonight. Mexico host Ecuador at the Azteca, an all-Latin-American tie that sends one side home.
- Saturday. Argentina face Cape Verde and Colombia meet Ghana to close the regional first round.
- Out. Uruguay are the only regional side eliminated in the group stage.
*Brazil and Paraguay are through to the last 16, Paraguay having knocked out four-time champions Germany on penalties in the tournament's biggest upset, with Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina, Colombia and Ghana still to play.*
Latin America’s World Cup knockout round has roared into life, with one of the tournament’s all-time upsets and a marquee night still to come. Here is where the region stands — who is through, who plays tonight, and who closes the first round on Friday.
Through to the last 16
Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston, with Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner sealing the comeback. They advance to the next round and await the winner of Côte d’Ivoire and Norway.
Paraguay produced the shock of the tournament, holding Germany to a 1-1 draw and winning 4-3 on penalties in Foxborough. It is their first World Cup knockout win since 2010, and it sent the four-time champions home.
| Team | Status | Result / next |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Through to last 16 | Beat Japan 2-1 |
| Paraguay | Through to last 16 | Beat Germany 4-3 on pens |
| Mexico | Plays tonight | v Ecuador, Azteca, 1pm ET |
| Ecuador | Plays tonight | v Mexico, Azteca, 1pm ET |
| Argentina | Plays Saturday | v Cape Verde, Jul 4 |
| Colombia | Plays Saturday | v Ghana, Jul 4 |
| Uruguay | Eliminated | Out in the group stage |
Tonight at the Azteca
Mexico host Ecuador in Mexico City tonight, an all-Latin-American tie and the Estadio Azteca’s first-ever World Cup knockout match. Kickoff is at 1pm Eastern, and one of the two regional sides will go through.
The same evening brings Côte d’Ivoire against Norway and France against Sweden elsewhere. For neutrals in the region, the Azteca night is the one to watch.
Saturday closes the first round
Argentina face Cape Verde and Colombia meet Ghana in Saturday matches on July 4. Both are among the favourites to advance and complete the regional picture in the last 32, though our reporting has shown that Argentina’s path is widely seen as the softer of the two.
Ecuador’s fate is settled tonight, so by Saturday the region will know its full roster for the next round. Uruguay, beaten in the group stage, are the only side already out.
Where to watch across the hubs
Free fan zones run in Mexico City’s Zócalo, Buenos Aires’s Plaza Seeber, and across Rio and São Paulo. The Zócalo FIFA Fan Festival asks for free registration and shows every match on a giant screen.
Kickoff times span several US time zones, so confirm yours before heading out. For the big nights, arrive early as the popular zones fill fast.
More: Latin America news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Latin American teams are through to the last 16?
Brazil and Paraguay have advanced, beating Japan and Germany respectively. Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina and Colombia still have their Round-of-32 ties to play.
Who plays tonight?
Mexico host Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca, the stadium’s first World Cup knockout match. Kickoff is at 9pm Eastern.
When do Argentina and Colombia play?
Both close the regional first round on Saturday, July 4 — Argentina against Cape Verde in Miami and Colombia against Ghana in Kansas City.
How big was Paraguay’s win?
Paraguay knocked out four-time champions Germany on penalties, one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. It was their first knockout win since 2010.
Where can I watch for free?
Fan zones run at Mexico City’s Zócalo, Buenos Aires’s Plaza Seeber, and across Rio and São Paulo. The Zócalo festival asks for free registration.
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