The group stage is done. 72 matches played, records broken, upsets that nobody saw coming, and now the tournament gets real.
The Round of 32 bracket is officially set, and if you have been following along with us all month, you already know this field is wide open. There is no easy path for anyone left standing.
The matchups that have everyone talking
Germany and Paraguay open the knockout round on June 29 in Boston. Germany has looked dominant in stretches but Paraguay eliminated Turkey with ten men. Do not sleep on them.
France and Sweden meet in New York on June 30. France has been quietly impressive, Mbappe finding form at exactly the right time. Sweden will make it difficult.
The United States faces Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1 in San Francisco. This is the match every American soccer fan has been circling. The USMNT has earned their spot here and they are playing at home. Expect noise.
Argentina and Cape Verde meet in Miami on July 3. Cape Verde has been the story of this tournament, holding Spain, drawing Uruguay. Messi and Argentina will be heavy favorites but this group of islands has surprised everyone once already.
England and DR Congo face off in Atlanta on July 1. After the frustration of the Ghana draw, England will be looking to make a statement. This is their chance.
Portugal and Croatia go head to head in Toronto on July 2. Two European heavyweights, Ronaldo still finding the net at 41, this one could go either way.
And then there is MetLife
New York hosts two Round of 32 matches. France vs. Sweden on June 30 and another bracket match on July 5. If you are in Northern NJ and have been waiting for your moment to be inside that stadium this summer, now you know exactly which matches to target.
East Rutherford is twenty minutes from Ridgewood. The energy building in this region right now is unlike anything we have seen in a long time. Communities that already felt tight-knit have found another reason to come together, and you can feel it everywhere from Montclair to Kearny to Rutherford.
That is what this World Cup has done for NJ. It has reminded everyone why living here, being part of these neighborhoods, matters.
We are following every match through the final. If you want our guide to the best spots in Northern NJ to watch the knockout stage, link in bio.
And if this summer has you thinking about what community means and where you want to plant your roots, we would love that conversation. No pressure, just clarity.
(201) 677-8843 | themeenapatelgroup.com
