Soccer

2018 World Cup Round of 16 Preview: Everything You Need to Know

By Michelle Kaufman
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after he scored his third goal with a free kick during the group B match between Portugal and Spain at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Fisht Stadium in Sochi, Russia, Friday, June 15, 2018.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after he scored his third goal with a free kick during the group B match between Portugal and Spain at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Fisht Stadium in Sochi, Russia, Friday, June 15, 2018.

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Defending champion Germany is out of the World Cup after finishing last-place in its group, hard as that is to fathom. The dancing Senegalese and lovable Icelanders with their Thunderclapping fans have also packed up their bags and headed home.

Sixteen of the 32 teams are still alive, and now comes the unforgiving knockout stage, starting Saturday morning with a scintillating matchup between France and Argentina. Brazil, Spain and France have emerged as favorites, with Belgium also looking like a strong contender.

The Round of 16 brings with it a whole bunch of new questions: Will Argentine superstar Lionel Messi step up and lead his team to the only trophy that eludes him? Can Cristiano Ronaldo carry Portugal on his back one more round? Can Mexico pull off magic against Brazil? Will Colombia's James Rodriguez shake off a calf injury in time to play against England? Just how good can Croatia be?

Buckle your seatbelts. To help you prepare for the knockout phase, here is everything you need to know...

2018 World Cup Round of 16 Fan Guide

When: Round of 16 begins Sat. June 30, tournament final July 15

Where: Russia.

Past 5 Champions:

2014: Germany (Runner-up Argentina).

2010: Spain (Runner-up Netherlands)

2006: Italy (Runner-up France)

2002: Brazil (Runner-up Germany)

1998: France (Runner-up Brazil)

THE LAST 16:

Uruguay (winners of Group A)

Russia (runners-up in Group A)

Spain (winners of Group B)

Portugal (runners-up in Group B)

France (winners of Group C)

Denmark (runners-up in Group C)

Croatia (winners of Group D)

Argentina (runners-up in Group D)

Brazil (winners in Group E)

Switzerland (runners-up in Group E)

Sweden (winners in Group F)

Mexico (runners-up in Group F)

Belgium (winners in Group G)

England (runners-up in Group G)

Colombia (winners in Group H)

Japan (runners-up in Group H)

ROUND OF 16 MATCHUPS

Lionel Messi during a training session of Argentina at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Bronnitsy, Russia, Thursday, June 28, 2018.
Lionel Messi during a training session of Argentina at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Bronnitsy, Russia, Thursday, June 28, 2018.

France vs. Argentina (Sat. June 30, 10 a.m., Fox, Telemundo)

Argentina barely survived the group stage. France won its group, but didn't dominate Australia, Peru and Denmark as most would have expected. Both of these teams were pre-tournament favorites, and neither has played to its potential. Prediction: France 2, Argentina 1.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, right, and Iran's Omid Ebrahimi challenge for the ball during the group B match between Iran and Portugal at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk, Russia, Monday, June 25, 2018.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, right, and Iran's Omid Ebrahimi challenge for the ball during the group B match between Iran and Portugal at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk, Russia, Monday, June 25, 2018.

Uruguay vs. Portugal (Sat. June 30, 2 p.m., Fox, Telemundo)

Barcelona's Luis Suarez vs. Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo. The two Spanish league superstars know each other well, and both are capable of brilliance on the big stage. These teams are mirror images of each other, and should be an entertaining match. Uruguay is the only team yet to give up a goal in this World Cup. Prediction: Uruguay 3, Portugal 1.

Spain's Andres Iniesta, left shoots at goal during the group B match between Portugal and Spain at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Fisht Stadium in Sochi, Russia, Friday, June 15, 2018.
Spain's Andres Iniesta, left shoots at goal during the group B match between Portugal and Spain at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Fisht Stadium in Sochi, Russia, Friday, June 15, 2018.

Spain vs. Russia (Sun. July 1, 10 a.m., Fox, Telemundo)

Although Spain's attack has not been as impressive as in World Cups past, it is hard to imagine such a star-studded lineup losing to Russia. The host team did what its fans hoped it would -- advance to the knockout round -- but chances are, their party will end now. Prediction: Spain 2, Russia 0.

Croatia's Luka Modric controls the ball during the group D match between Iceland and Croatia, at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Rostov Arena in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Tuesday, June 26, 2018.
Croatia's Luka Modric controls the ball during the group D match between Iceland and Croatia, at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Rostov Arena in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Tuesday, June 26, 2018.

Croatia vs. Denmark (Sun. July 1, 2 p.m., Fox, Telemundo)

The Croatian midfield, led by Luka Modric, has been sensational and its defense has looked good, too. Denmark is disciplined, and has a solid roster, but Croatia's creativity and big-game experience will be hard to overcome. Prediction: Croatia 3, Denmark 1.

Brazil's Gabriel Jesus, left, fights for the ball with Serbia's Nemanja Matic during the group E match between Serbia and Brazil, at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, June 27, 2018.
Brazil's Gabriel Jesus, left, fights for the ball with Serbia's Nemanja Matic during the group E match between Serbia and Brazil, at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, June 27, 2018.

Brazil vs. Mexico (Mon. July 2, 10 a.m., FS1, Telemundo)

The Mexican counter-attack against Germany worked to perfection, and the Mexican fans have brought so much joy to the tournament, but Mexico lost 3-0 to Sweden and has been eliminated in the Round of 16 of the past six World Cups. The same fate likely awaits against a Neymar-led Brazilian team that got better each group stage match. Prediction: Brazil 2, Mexico 1.

Belgium's Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the group G match between Belgium and Tunisia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, June 23, 2018.
Belgium's Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the group G match between Belgium and Tunisia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, June 23, 2018.

Belgium vs. Japan (Mon. July 2, 2 p.m., Fox, Telemundo)

Belgium, loaded with English Premier League stars such as Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard, won all three group games and rested many starters against England. Japan was a surprise Group H survivor after Poland underwhelmed and Senegal, even with Japan in record and goal differential, lost the final tiebreaker due to the Fair Play Rule (accumulation of yellow/red card points). Prediction: Belgium 3, Japan 0.

Switzerland's Blerim Dzemaili, top celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the group E match between Switzerland and Costa Rica, at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod , Russia, Wednesday, June 27, 2018.
Switzerland's Blerim Dzemaili, top celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the group E match between Switzerland and Costa Rica, at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod , Russia, Wednesday, June 27, 2018.

Sweden vs. Switzerland (Tues. July 3, 10 a.m., FS1, Telemundo)

This one is tough to predict. Sweden breezed past Mexico 3-0, and could have beaten Germany were it not for late-game German heroics. Switzerland, led by Xherdan Shaqiri, tied Brazil and finished second in the group. Prediction: Sweden on penalty kicks.

England's Harry Kane celebrates after he scored his side's second goal during the group G match between England and Panama at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod , Russia, Sunday, June 24, 2018.
England's Harry Kane celebrates after he scored his side's second goal during the group G match between England and Panama at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod , Russia, Sunday, June 24, 2018.

Colombia vs. England (Tues. July 3, 2 p.m., Fox, Telemundo)

England, which dominated easier opponents Tunisia and Panama, lost some steam and struggled against Belgium. Colombia with a healthy James Rodriguez is tough to beat, but he left the Senegal game with a calf injury. The winner here gets the Switzerland-Sweden winner in the next round. Prediction: Colombia 2, England 1.

Players to Watch:

Lionel Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Neymar (Brazil), James Rodriguez (Colombia), Gabriel Jesus (Brazil), Eden Hazard (Belgium), Luis Suarez (Uruguay), Edinson Cavani (Uruguay), Harry Kane (England), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Kylian Mbappe (France), Luka Modric (Croatia), Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

TV SCHEDULE LATER ROUNDS

QUARTERFINALS

Friday, July 6

10 AM – A1-B2 Winner vs C1-D2 Winner, FS1, Telemundo

2 PM – E1-F2 Winner vs G1-H2 Winner, FS1, Telemundo

Saturday, July 7

10 AM – E2-F1 Winner vs G2-H1 Winner, FOX, Telemundo

2 PM – A2-B1 Winner vs. C2-D1 Winner, FOX, Telemundo

SEMIFINALS

Tuesday, July 10

A1-B2-C1-D2 Winner vs E1-F2-G1-H2 Winner, St. Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg, FOX, Telemundo

Wednesday, July 11

A2-B1-C2-D1 Winner vs. E2-F1-G2-H1 Winner, Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, FOX, Telemundo

THIRD-PLACE MATCH

Saturday, July 14

10 AM – St. Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg, FOX, Telemundo

FINAL

Sunday, July 15

11 AM – Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, FOX , Telemundo

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Where to Catch the Cup

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Abbey Brewing Company 1115 16 St., Miami Beach; 305-538-8110

American Social, 690 SW 1 Ct. Miami; 305-223-7004

Batch Gastropub, 30 SW 12 St. Miami; 305-808-5555

Boteco 916 NE 79 St. Miami; 305-757-7735

Brimstone Woodfire Grill, 8300 NW 36 St. Doral; 786-837-8960

Bru’s Room, 8318 Bird Rd (SW 40 St), Miami; 305-220-3995

Buffalo Wild Wings, 5701 Sunset Dr. 305-668-0911 Sunset Place, South Miami

Buffalo Wild Wings 11401 NW 12 St. Miami 305-513-2660

Churchill’s 5501 North East 2nd Ave N. Miami 305-757-1807

Clevelander Hotel 1020 Ocean Dr. Miami Beach 305-532-4006

Doral Billiards & Sports Bar 7800 NW 25th St. Doral 305-592-8486

Duffy’s Sports Grill, 3969 NE 163 St., North Miami Beach; 305-760-2124

Duffy’s Tavern 2108 SW 57th Ave. Miami 305-264-6580

El Rincon Asturiano 225 SW 17 Ave. Miami 305-643-8822

Fado Irish Pub 900 S.Miami Ave. 786-924-0972

Finnegan’s Way 1344 Ocean Dr. Miami Beach 305-672-7747

Flanigan’s all locations.

Fontainebleau Hotel 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 800-548-8886

Foxhole 1218 14th Ct., Miami Beach; 305-534-3511

Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way Coral Gables 305-774-1883

The Grove Spot 3324 Virginia St. Coconut Grove 305-774-6696

Hofbrau 943 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305-538-8066

Irish Times 5850 Sunset Dr. South Miami 305-667-4114

John Martin’s 253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305-445-3777

Little Hoolies, 13135 SW 89 Place, Miami; 305-252-9155

Macy’s International Mall Men’s Court, 1455 NW 107 Ave. Doral

Mike’s at Venetia, 555 NE 15 St, 9th floor, Miami; 305-374-5731

Miller’s Ale House, 1209, 3271 NW 87 Ave., Doral; 305-760- 2124

Manolo’s 7300 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-868-4381

Novecento 1414 Brickell Ave. Miami Beach 305-403-0900

Playwright Irish Pub 1265 Washington Ave. Miami Beach 305-534-0667

Rok BRGR (3 locations), 208 SW 2nd St, Ft. Lauderdale; 5800 SW 73 St. South Miami; 600 Silks Run #120 Hallandale Beach

Sandbar Sports Grill, 3064 Grand Ave, Coconut Grove; 305-444-5270

Segafredo L’Originale 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305-673-0047

Shuckers Bar and Grill, 1819 79th St Causeway, Miami Beach; 305-866-1570

Sports Grill, 1559 Sunset Dr., South Miami; 305-668-0396. For information at other locations: www.sportsgrillmiami.com

Stone Sports Bar Brickell City Centre 701 S. Miami Ave., Miami 786-482-2097

Sunset Tavern, 7230 SW 59 Ave. South Miami; 305-665-9996

Sushi Samba Dromo 600 Lincoln Rd. Miami Beach 305-673-5337

Tapas y Tintos, 448 Espanola Way, Miami Beach; 305-538-8272 (All of Espanola Way will be watch party)

Tom’s NFL 5001 NW 36 St., Miami Springs 305-888-6022

ToroToro Miami 100 Chopin Plaza, downtown Miami 305-372-4710

Vares Sports Bar 1250 S. Miami Ave, Miami . 305-577-7779

Wynwood Marketplace, 2250 NW 2 Ave. Miami; 305-239-8833

Yard House 320 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables; 305-447-9273

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BROWARD COUNTY

Bokamper's Fort Lauderdale 3115 NE 32 Ave., Fort Lauderdale (waterfront on New River), 954-900-5584

Bokamper’s 15500 SW 29 St. Miramar 754-400-8558

Bokamper’s 1280 South Pine Island Rd, Plantation 954-533-7152

Fox & Hound 4812 N. Dixie Highway Ft Lauderdale 954-491-8869

Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub 1921 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood 954-921-2317

Carolina Ale House 2618 Weston Road, Weston; 954-217-1233

The Ambry 3016 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-771-7342

Stout Bar and Grill 3419 N. Andrews Ave. Oakland Park 754-223-5678

Waxy O’Connor’s 1095 S.E. 17th St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-525-9299

Kingshead Pub 2692 N. University Dr., Sunrise; 954-572-5933

Duffy's

811 S. University Dr., Plantation 954-473-0477

1804 Cordova Rd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-713-6363

This story was originally published June 29, 2018 at 12:11 AM.

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Meet South Florida's World Cup fans

The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 14 in Russia. Meet the South Florida fans of every country represented in the tournament and learn about their best memories, favorite players and predictions.

Back to Story