The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now in its most exciting phase, with the knockout stages underway. It has been a World Cup for the goalscorers so far, with many of the big names living up to expectations, and we have seen almost three goals per game on average across the competition.
We have seen many of the nations play much better than expected, with Cape Verde, DR Congo and South Africa among those to have reached the Round of 32, but Scotland did not make the cut.
One knockout stage game is already in the books, with Canada defeating South Africa with a 92nd minute goal, and the action continues on Monday night, with knockout games coming thick and fast from this point to accommodate the extra round at this expanded World Cup.
Here we run through when the remaining Celtic World Cup stars are next in action.
Daizen Maeda
Maeda has already had an impressive World Cup, and Japan have as a collective, it must be said. The Asian giants have invested significantly into their football system in recent years, and it has shown at this tournament.
Japan look one of the fittest nations at this World Cup, and they have plenty of ability, too. The bad news for them is that their second-place group stage finish got them a date with Brazil, who haven't set the world alight, but they have plenty of world-class quality to lean upon.
Maeda and Japan take on Brazil on Monday, June 29, with kick-off at 6pm UK time. The game will be played in Houston.
Benjamin Nygren
Sweden have been up and down at this World Cup, starting brilliantly but suffering a crushing defeat to Netherlands which proved a reality check. A draw with Japan saw them scrape through to the next round as one of the best third-place teams, but they have one of the toughest knockout stage draws of the lot, taking on one of the favourites in France.
Nygren lost his starting place, but he is still likely to play a part of the bench, even if he doesn't start the game.
Sweden face France on Tuesday, June 30, with kick-off at 10pm UK time. The game will be played in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Auston Trusty - USA
Trusty scored in USA's last group stage game, a narrow late defeat to Turkiye, but he later went off with a twisted ankle. He is hoping to be available for the Round of 32 game, but he will likely start from the bench in any case.
USMNT have dazzled at this competition so far, putting that final group stage game that meant nothing aside, and should fancy their chances of getting past Bosnia and Herezegovina, although they are very tough to break down.
USA face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1, but kick-off UK time is 1am on Thursday, July 2. The game will be played in Santa Clara.
Alistar Johnston - Canada
Johnston and his Canada teammates have already played their Round of 32 game, making history by becoming the first Canada side to reach the Round of 16 of the World Cup.
Canada have played well at this World Cup, but they struggled against South Africa and required a stoppage time goal to get through. But a win is a win, and Johnston continues to play a huge part in their efforts.
The Canucks await Monday night's winner of the Netherlands vs Morocco in the Round of 16, which is not the worst draw. Canada vs Netherlands or Morocco will take place on July 4, with kick-off at 6pm UK time. The game will be played in Houston.
Add us as a preferred source on Google