The first stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is complete, and the international field of 32 teams has been cut in half. The knockout stage starts Saturday — and with it comes the biggest game in the lives of the young United States Men’s National Team.

The USMNT kicks off the 16 team single-elimination bracket at 10 a.m. Eastern against the Netherlands, a historically tough team that’s looking to get to the final round of the World Cup for the fourth time in its history. But a handful of favorites — including five-time World Cup champion Brazil, two-time champion Argentina and 2018 World Cup winner France — still loom within the bracket.

(All times Eastern.)

Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.

United States (1W-2D-0L) vs Netherlands (2W-1D-0L)

The last game of the group stage was drama-filled for the United States — the Baby Eagles (this USMNT team started the tournament among the youngest sides) was in a win-or-go-home situation against Iran. Though the game got tight at the end, the U.S. survived on the shoulders of star forward Christian Pulisic, who was injured while scoring the eventual game-winner. Pulisic has been made available for Saturday’s game, and the U.S. will lean on counterattacking, fast-breaking play to challenge the Netherlands. With any luck, they might actually score a goal or two (something they’ve had trouble with, scoring only two goals so far this tournament) to move on.

Meanwhile, the Dutch team will lean on its pressure defense to squeeze the U.S. and dominate possession; they’ve been led by Cody Gakpo, a 23 year old winger who leads Holland with three goals this cup. The big question is their health — Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal told reporters that several members of his team are dealing with flu-like symptoms ahead of the game with the U.S., though he didn’t offer specifics.

"We are not going to elaborate on that. But if it goes around in the group, it is worrying,” ESPN reported.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2 p.m.

Argentina (2W-0D-1L) vs. Australia (2W-0D-1L)

Argentina recovered from a stunning loss to Saudi Arabia to start the World Cup by thumping Mexico and Poland behind the play of the legendary all-time great Lionel Messi, who is believed to be playing in his last World Cup. They’re an aggressive team that loves to own control of the ball, rather than depending on lightning-strike long passes and quick scores.

This Australian side is the first in the country’s history to win two consecutive matches at a World Cup, following up a loss to France with wins against Tunisia and Denmark. The Socceroos love surprising opponents with the long ball and counterattacking. They’ll be hard-pressed to beat Argentina — but then no one expected Saudi Arabia to beat Argentina, either.

Sunday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.

France (2W-0D-1L) vs. Poland (1W-1D-1L)

The Blues are seeking to become just the third team defend their World Cup championship, and the first to do so since 1962. They essentially cruised through the group stage, dropping both Australia and Denmark before dropping a game to Tunisia — a game that, for all intents and purposes, didn’t matter, as they had already locked up a berth in the Round of 16. Star forward Kylian Mbappe (and EA Sports FIFA 21 cover athlete) will be the player to watch.

Poland has an uphill battle against France, a team that — like Argentina — likes to control possession and is very good at it. Striker Robert Lewandowski is among the game’s greats, but he only scored his first World Cup goal this year. Poland is hoping he can help carry to the quarterfinals.

Sunday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m.

England (2W-1D-0L) vs. Senegal (2W-0D-1L)

England loves owning possession and counter-pressing — jumping on the opponent as soon as possession changes — and though they posted a draw against the United States in their second match of the tournament, the Three Lions have played well, thumping Iran and Wales even while star forward Harry Kane has lagged due to injury (and amid hundreds of abusive tweets sent his way, according to a report by The Guardian.)

Senegal have played strongly this cup despite the loss of star forward Sadio Mané, taking down Qatar and Ecuador, the latter match ending in hugely dramatic fashion as Senegal needed a win to advance. They’ve shown a flair for long passes and playing the ball on the wings, but they’re also without a few key players — including midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye, who is disqualified for this match after accumulating too many yellow card fouls — leaving a tough road ahead.

Monday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.

Japan (2W-0D-1L) vs. Croatia (1W-2D-0L)

Japan came to the top of Group E — which featured frequent cup favorites in Spain and Germany — with a dramatic, chaotic finish on their last day of first round play. (At one point during that day of play, each the four teams in the group was in a position to go into the Round of 16.) But by posting a surprising win over Germany in their first game of the tournament, they put themselves in position to slide into the knockout round. They’ve played well in the second half of their World Cup matches, owing to smart substitutions and defensive pressure.

But Croatia will be a tough task for Japan. Croatia, the runners-up in the 2018 World Cup, will be seeking to avenge last Cup’s loss to France with a nearly airtight defense (they’ve given up only one goal so far in this tournament). Croatia plays an intense, physical game, and will seek to continue their run by denying Japan opportunities to put the ball in the net.

Monday, Dec. 5, 2 p.m.

Brazil (2W-0D-1L) vs. South Korea (1W-1D-1L)

Even with a surprise, late-game loss to Cameroon on the final day of group play, Brazil easily cruised through into the group stage with victories over Serbia and Switzerland. It’s possible for Neymar, the team’s star forward, to return from a nasty ankle injury in time for the match against South Korea, but he may not necessarily be needed. Brazil are a deeply talented squad that holds onto the ball and slings passes through the tightest of defensive spaces to create scoring chances.

South Korea stunned Portugal on their last day to qualify for the Round of 16, with a late-game goal in stoppage time that left South Korean faithful crying tears of joy both in the stands and on the field. South Korea is buoyed by beloved forward Son Heung-min, who is literally playing with a broken face (and protective mask). South Korea boasts a history of solid defensive play, which they’ll need to lean on to stand a chance against the Brazilian attack.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.

Morocco (2W-1D-0L) vs. Spain (1W-1D-1L)

Morocco comes into the knockout round with wins over the now-vanquished but once-favorited Belgium side, as well as an unheralded Canadian team. They’ve shown great defensive ability, leading to strong counter-attacks, and they’ve got a talented attacking midfielders who can sneak through opposing defenses.

Spain is a well-organized team that stands as favorites to win the whole thing. They're a side that loves possession, playing a sharp passing attack that has allowed them to pour on the goals — Spain scored seven times in their opening match against Costa Rica.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2 p.m.

Portugal (2W-0D-1L) vs. Switzerland (2W-0D-1L)

The shadow of generational great Cristiano Ronaldo has loomed large over this Cup, amid his prominent divorce from his now-former Premier League employers at Manchester United. But his countrymen have played well around him, netting wins over Ghana and Uruguay. They’re also among the favorites to win the whole thing, given their depth of talent.

Switzerland played a contentious match against Serbia on the last day of group play, including a late scuffle between the teams. But the Swiss play sharp, tactically smart defense, featuring attacking midfielder (in both the positional and the combative senses) Granit Xhaka, who tends to serve as the team’s playmaker.