First Round of 16 Pair Confirmed! The next stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout phase begins Saturday

Canada's football dream on home soil continues. The Maple Leaf squad overcame a tough challenge from South Africa in the opening playoff round, proving that their offensive, direct play, backed by immense physical conditioning, can succeed. On the other side of the bracket, Morocco dispatched a formidable European obstacle in the Netherlands, clearly demonstrating that their fantastic run to the semi-finals in the previous Qatar tournament was no fluke. The "Atlas Lions" are once again showcasing defensively perfect and tactically mature football with lethal counter-attacks.

This enticing Round of 16 clash is scheduled for Saturday, July 4th, coinciding with American Independence Day. The monumental NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, will host the encounter. Slovakian fans will be pleased to know that kickoff in the USA is set for noon local time (12:00 p.m. UTC-5), which translates to an ideal evening program for Central European Summer Time (CEST), starting at 7:00 p.m. The stadium, with a capacity of over 72,000 spectators, is expected to be sold out, with an electrifying battle anticipated not only on the pitch but also in the stands between local supporters and the large Moroccan community.

For both teams, this represents a historic opportunity to etch their names in football history. While Canada has a unique chance to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the very first time, amplifying the euphoria in their home country, Morocco aims to solidify its place among the absolute world elite. Slovakian viewers will once again enjoy this Round of 16 delicacy through live broadcasts, thanks to the collaboration between JOJ Group and public television STVR, which will air this crucial match on their channels and digital platforms.