Five Latin American Nations Reach the World Cup’s Round of 16
Latin America · World Cup
Key Facts
- Five through. Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay all reached the Round of 16.
- Five of seven. Of the seven Latin American nations that started, only Uruguay and Ecuador went out.
- Argentina’s scare. The holders needed extra time to beat Cape Verde 3-2 after two equalisers.
- The fixtures. Paraguay play France today, Brazil meet Norway Sunday, Mexico host England Monday.
- Two on Tuesday. Argentina face Egypt and Colombia play their tie next Tuesday.
*Five Latin American nations — Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay — reached the World Cup's Round of 16, with only Uruguay and Ecuador eliminated from the seven that started.*
Latin America has five nations in the World Cup’s last 16. Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay all came through the first knockout round, which now runs through the weekend and into next week.
Five flags in the last 16
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay have all reached the Round of 16, five of the seven Latin American nations that started the tournament. Only Uruguay and Ecuador have gone out.
It caps a group and first-knockout phase in which the region punched above its weight. Paraguay’s shootout win over Germany was the tournament’s signature upset, and Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a knockout win at the Azteca.
Argentina’s great escape
The holders came closest to the exit, needing extra time to beat debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in Miami. Lionel Messi opened the scoring, but Cape Verde equalised twice, the second a curling strike that was among the goals of the tournament.
Cristian Romero’s header, deflected in late in extra time, spared Argentina what would have been one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. Colombia had a calmer night, beating Ghana 1-0 through Jhon Arias.
The fixtures this weekend
Paraguay open the region’s Round of 16 against France in Philadelphia on Saturday, followed by Brazil against Norway in New Jersey on Sunday. Mexico then host England at the Azteca on Monday, the host nation’s marquee night.
Argentina and Colombia play on Tuesday, with Argentina facing Egypt in Atlanta and Colombia meeting the Switzerland-Algeria winner. The quarterfinals begin on Thursday.
| Team | Round-of-16 tie |
|---|---|
| Paraguay | v France, Philadelphia, Sat Jul 4 |
| Brazil | v Norway, New Jersey, Sun Jul 5 |
| Mexico | v England, Azteca, Mon Jul 6 |
| Argentina | v Egypt, Atlanta, Tue Jul 7 |
| Colombia | v Switzerland/Algeria, Tue Jul 7 |
Where to watch
Free fan zones run at Mexico City’s Zócalo, Buenos Aires’s Plaza Seeber, and across Rio and São Paulo whenever a regional side plays. The Azteca tie on Monday will fill the capital, so plan transport early.
Kickoff times span several US time zones, so confirm each match in your own zone. For the big nights, arrive early as the popular zones fill fast.
What it means
For expat fans, it is a rare tournament with a regional side almost certain to reach deep into the second week. At least one Latin American nation is guaranteed a quarterfinal place from the Mexico, Argentina and Colombia ties.
The run also lifts the mood in every hub, filling bars and fan zones from Mexico City to Buenos Aires. For newcomers, it is a good week to find a local crowd and a screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Latin American teams are in the Round of 16?
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay all advanced. Uruguay and Ecuador are the regional sides that went out.
How did Argentina survive?
They beat Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time after being pegged back twice. Cristian Romero’s late header settled it.
When do the Latin American teams play?
Paraguay play Saturday, Brazil Sunday, Mexico Monday, and Argentina and Colombia on Tuesday. The quarterfinals begin Thursday.
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. Kickoff times vary by zone, so check before you go.
How many Latin American teams started?
Seven, counting Mexico with the six South American sides. Five reached the last 16, while Uruguay and Ecuador went out.
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