Morocco will become the next African nation under the spotlight at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after South Africa’s Round of 32 exit, with the Atlas Lions preparing for a crucial knockout clash against the Netherlands.

Bafana Bafana’s campaign ended after Stephen Eustaquio struck a late winner to hand Canada victory in the Round of 32. Canada will now await the winner of the Netherlands-Morocco match in the Round of 16.

South Africa’s elimination leaves eight African teams still in contention after a record nine nations reached the expanded Round of 32. Attention now turns to Morocco as Africa looks to maintain its presence in the tournament.

Morocco will face the Netherlands at 4:00 a.m. EAT on Tuesday, June 30, at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico. Both teams qualified for the knockout stage after collecting seven points during the group phase.

The Atlas Lions impressed in a challenging group that featured Brazil, Scotland and Haiti, while the upcoming fixture will be their first World Cup knockout match since their historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi believes the knockout stage demands a different approach despite his side’s strong group performances.

“In the last three matches, we showed that we are capable of producing good performances and that we have a strong personality on the pitch, but tomorrow’s match is different and requires different solutions. That is the mentality with which we will enter the game,” Ouahbi said.

Before Morocco takes to the field, two other Round of 32 matches will headline Monday’s action.

Brazil will meet Japan at 8:00 p.m. EAT at the NRG Stadium in Houston, before Germany face Paraguay at 11:30 p.m. EAT at the Boston Stadium.

Brazil topped Group C after drawing 1-1 with Morocco before recording successive 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland to finish with seven points. Japan qualified as runners-up in Group F and will now attempt to overcome the five-time world champions.

Germany, meanwhile, progressed after finishing first in Group E, having scored nine goals in victories over Curacao and Ivory Coast before booking their place in the knockout stage. They now face Paraguay, who advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

The expanded FIFA World Cup Round of 32 runs from June 28 to July 4, with the winners advancing to the Round of 16.

2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 – Matchday Two Fixtures (EAT)

Monday, June 29

Brazil vs Japan – 8:00 p.m. (NRG Stadium, Houston)

Germany vs Paraguay – 11:30 p.m. (Boston Stadium)

Tuesday, June 30

Netherlands vs Morocco – 4:00 a.m. (Estadio BBVA, Monterrey)