World Cup 2026: Spain to face Portugal in round of 16 as Argentina survives Cape Verde scare

Round of 32 concludes

The first knockout round of the expanded 48-team World Cup is complete. Canada, one of three co-hosts, opened the round by beating South Africa. Brazil advanced, but the biggest shock came when Germany lost to Paraguay on penalties, repeating their recent World Cup struggles. Morocco also needed penalties to eliminate the Netherlands, while Norway and France progressed behind their stars Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. Mexico, England, and Belgium all advanced, with Belgium coming from behind to beat Senegal. The United States joined Canada as host nations in the last 16.

Spain sets up Iberian duel

Spain eased past Austria 3-0 with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro, securing their first World Cup knockout win since the 2010 final. They will face Portugal in a highly anticipated round of 16 match in Dallas on Monday night. Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic finish, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos overturning an early deficit. A controversial disallowed goal for Croatia's Joško Gvardiol in the final play added to the tension. Luka Modrić's World Cup career ended with the defeat.

Argentina survives Cape Verde test

Argentina, the defending champion, was pushed to extra time by a resilient Cape Verde side playing in its first World Cup. The match ended 3-2 after an own goal in the 111th minute spared Argentina from a penalty shootout. Lionel Messi led the Albiceleste, who will now face Egypt in the last 16. Egypt reached the round of 16 for the first time after beating Australia on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Round of 16 schedule

The knockout stage continues immediately. Today, Canada faces Morocco in Houston, and Paraguay takes on France in Philadelphia. On Sunday, Brazil meets Norway in New York/New Jersey. The early hours of Monday bring Mexico against England at the Azteca. Later Monday, Spain and Portugal clash in Dallas. Tuesday features the United States vs Belgium in Seattle, Argentina vs Egypt in Atlanta, and Switzerland vs Colombia in Vancouver.

Other storylines

Switzerland ended an 88-year wait for a World Cup knockout win by beating Algeria 2-0 with goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye. Colombia advanced with a 1-0 win over Ghana, Jhon Arias scoring early. The Swiss and Colombians will meet for a quarter-final spot. The winner of Spain-Portugal will face either the United States or Belgium in the next round.