While Rayan, Justin Kluivert, and Tyler Adams will have their sights set on progressing further in the tournament, Ryan Christie, Ben Gannon-Doak, and Alex Paulsen will be heading home.
Paulsen’s New Zealand finished bottom of Group G with one point from their three games, while Scotland entered the weekend knowing a host of results had to go their way for them to qualify after their 3-0 defeat to Brazil.
But their -3 goal difference as a result of that loss proved to be critical.
Only one side qualified for the round of 32 with three points, and that was Senegal, thanks to their +2 goal difference following a thumping 5-0 win over Iraq.
Steve Clarke’s side ended the group stage as the 11th best third-placed side, which was not enough to see them progress, and Clarke has resigned as head coach of the nation.
(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
But the World Cup moves swiftly on.
The round of 32 begins tonight, Sunday, with South Africa vs Canada, but the first Cherry is in action tomorrow, Monday.
Rayan’s Brazil will take on Japan at 6 pm UK time, in what could be a crunch fixture, with the Japanese well-fancied in the tournament and off the back of a victory over Brazil last October.
Another eye-catching game sees the Netherlands take on Morocco on Tuesday at 2 am.
Justin Kluivert got his first minutes of the tournament in the final group stage game, and he’ll be hoping to make an impact against the nation which reached the semi-finals in 2022.
England will play on Wednesday evening, against DR Congo at 5 pm.
Then, co-hosts the USA take on Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday at 1 am.
(Image: AP/Maddy Grassy)
Tyler Adams has been a key part of Mauricio Pochettino’s side in their two group stage wins, and he was rested for their final group game against Turkey.
Adams will likely return to the midfield for the tie against Bosnia, who beat Italy to reach the competition in the qualifiers.
Monday, June 29: Brazil vs Japan, 6 pm
Tuesday, June 30: Netherlands vs Morocco, 2 am
Thursday, July 2: USA vs Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1 am.
