Every day of the 2026 World Cup, our European barometer breaks down the latest from the continent’s teams. Key stats, standout quotes, and major moments – here’s what you need to know from the 18th matchday for European nations.
The 2026 Fifa World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, moved into the knockout phase with the round of 32. A single match was on the schedule last night. Canada battled past South Africa in Los Angeles, snatching a 1-0 win deep into stoppage time. Eustaquio fired a superb strike from the edge of the box to send the Canucks through to the round of 16 for the first time in their history.
Sixteen European nations were among the 48 sides at the start of the tournament. After the group stage, 13 remain, following the elimination of the Czech Republic, Scotland and Turkey. France, the 2018 champion and 2022 runner-up, is still in the mix.
The stat that matters: 215 goals and a new record
After 72 group matches over 16 days, the total number of goals scored in a World Cup edition has already been surpassed. A remarkable 215 goals were netted before the first round of 32 match, an average of 2.99 per game. That easily beats the previous record of 172 set at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Of course, earlier editions featured a maximum of 64 matches with 32 teams, while this North American World Cup has 104 matches and 48 teams.
Quote of the night
“I couldn’t place it on a map. Actually, I don’t know anything about this country and I don’t want to know.”
Vélez made the remark during a live cross from Long Beach, a Los Angeles suburb, while previewing the July 2 match between the United States and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The clip spread rapidly on social media, racking up over 8 million views on the “Bosnian Football” account. The comment proved especially awkward given that ABC’s news director, Almin Karamehmedovic, was born in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Vélez later issued a public apology.
France’s favourable schedule
Good news for French supporters still in Europe: no France match will kick off later than 11 p.m. French time, no matter how far the team progresses. Les Bleus begin their knockout campaign against Sweden on Tuesday at 11 p.m. If they advance, they would face the winner of Germany vs Paraguay, also at 11 p.m., on July 4, US Independence Day.
The quarterfinal is scheduled for Thursday, July 9 at 10 p.m., followed by a potential semifinal on Tuesday, July 14 at 9 p.m., and the final on Sunday, July 19, also at 9 p.m.
European news
Gary Lineker, the top scorer at the 1986 World Cup with six goals, has firmly backed France as the tournament favourite. In an interview with a French sports daily, the former England striker said he already knows the outcome of a potential round of 16 clash between Germany and France. Lineker described Germany as “one of the weakest German national teams” he has ever seen, predicting an easy French victory.
Germany will face Paraguay in Foxborough on Monday, June 29 at 10:30 p.m. in the round of 32.
