Brazil vs. Norway and Mexico vs. England: A World Cup Program for History

On Sunday at the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, two very unpredictable matches are scheduled in the round of 16. Brazil and Norway open the day in New Jersey, where Erling Haaland will look to continue his impressive scoring run against the five-time champions, who suffered a real scare against Japan in the round of 32. The second match takes us to Mexico City, where England will have to perform much better than they have so far in this tournament, against a Mexico that has won all four of its matches without losing goals.

Here's everything you need to know for Sunday's World Cup.

When: Sunday, July 5, 4:00 PM ET
Where: New York/New Jersey
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch for three days for free on FOX One

This will be a clash of elite attacking teams when Brazil and Norway meet at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in the round of 16. Historically, there have been many conflicting trends. Norway enter the game on a four-match unbeaten run (two wins, two draws) against the five-time world champions since their 2-1 win over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup. Meanwhile, Brazil have won nine of their last 10 matches in the round of 16 of the World Cup, but have lost all six knockout matches (including the third-place match in 2014) against European opponents following their victory over Germany in the 2002 final. Norway will play with his strongest team ever. This World Cup will see Haaland make his debut in a major international tournament and he has not disappointed so far with five goals in three games, and now has 60 goals in just 53 appearances for Norway. Norway must prepare to withstand Brazil's pressure and counter quickly. Ståle Solbakken's team will likely play in a central block, relying on central midfielders Martin Ødegaard and Sander Berge to lead quick transitions, usually feeding them to the flanks before trying to pass Haaland.

On the other hand, Brazil needs a strong performance from Vinícius Junior, who has been excellent during this World Cup with four goals and an assist. This is his chance to lead Brazil's attack. Even if Vini Jr. does not score, Brazil has several other top scorers. In the tight 2-1 win over Japan in the round of 32, Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro were the scorers, while Newcastle's Bruno Guimarães and Arsenal's Gabriel provided the assists.

However, Brazil is missing two basic players, Lucas Paquetá and Raphinha, both of whom are injured. The biggest question for this match is how Brazil will try to stop Norway in transition defensively. If Carlo Ancelotti's team has difficulty with that, Norway can certainly provide a surprise.

Player to watch: Erling Haaland. Haaland is one of the best strikers of his generation and if he can find openings in Brazil's defense it could be enough to pull off an upset.

When: Sunday, July 5, 8:00 PM ET
Where: Mexico City
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch for three days for free on FOX One

Theevening match between Mexico and England offers a confrontation between two teams with great ambitions to go far in this tournament. Held in Mexico City's iconic Stadium, where Pelé and Diego Maradona were crowned world champions, this will be the biggest test for both teams yet. Mexico is perfect in this World Cup, with four wins and no goals conceded: 8-0 in goals ratio.

Mexico's star player is winger Julián Quiñones, who was the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League of the 2025-26 season with 33 goals in 31 games for Al Qadsiah. At the World Cup, Quiñones has three goals and an assist, with his best performance coming in the 2-0 win over Ecuador in the round of 32. Mexico has several scoring options. 35-year-old striker Raúl Jiménez has two goals and plays like a teenager. Chivas midfielder Roberto Alvarado has three assists in this tournament and has been crucial for Mexico. Then there is 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, the youngest player in the tournament, who was dangerous against Ecuador.

For Mexico to be successful against an English team hoping to lift the trophy on July 19, a strong defensive performance is required, which is the best in the tournament so far. This will be the best attack Mexico has encountered. Central defenders César Montes and Johan Vásquez, along with backs Jorge Sánchez and Jesús Gallardo, deserve much of the credit for the defensive successes.

England have a tough task in this match. Mexico has not lost a competitive home match since 2013. The stadium offers Mexico a great home advantage. The Three Lions have struggled since their 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening match. The 0-0 draw against Ghana showed an attack that sputters when Harry Kane is not in top form.

Player to watch: Harry Kane. Kane, along with Haaland, is one of the best strikers of his generation. So far in the tournament he has often got England out of tough situations. But if Kane can't score, he can also be valuable by dropping back into midfield and creating chances.

If Kane can't score in this match, it could be a long day for the Three Lions.

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