Only 13 teams remain in the 2018 Fifa World Cup, with the fourth knockout game between Croatia and Denmark set to reduce that number even further.
Football fans have been tuning into matches in record numbers online, according to new live streaming figures published by the BBC.
More than 3 million people requested to watch the first two England games across BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer live, with a total of 31.2 million browsers watching the group matches. This compares to 32 million online viewers for the whole of Brazil 2014.
The game between Croatia and Denmark will likely tip the total viewers over the 2014 figure. Kickoff is set for 3pm BST and live coverage on BBC iPlayer will begin from 2.30pm.
The BBC's chief technology and product officer Matthew Postgate, said in a statement shared with The Independent: “Alongside the BBC’s world-class TV and Radio coverage, record numbers of fans are using our digital services to follow the World Cup. Millions are watching the big matches on their connected TV at home, while millions more are sneaking a peak on their work laptop or cramming in some games on their commute.
He added: "People love the BBC’s World Cup coverage -and we’re making sure they can tune in whenever and wherever they want.”
Even more viewers are expected for the knockout games, as the last 15 days of the tournament tend to produce the largest viewing figures – both for TV and online.
“We’re delighted that we’ve been able to bring some of the most exciting games of the World Cup so far to BBC audiences and that so many have tuned in," said Steve Rudge, BBC lead executive of football.
"We now look forward to bringing viewers some of the biggest games of the next round including heavyweight clashes between France and Argentina and when the hosts Russia take on Spain in Moscow.”
Cybersecurity experts have previously warned that some online sites hosting live streams of World Cup matches pose a threat to football fans who watch them.
