# World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Heats Up: Portugal Edges Croatia in Thriller, Switzerland Makes History
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage is delivering drama in spades. With the Round of 16 underway across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, two matches have already produced unforgettable moments — from Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic appearance to Switzerland’s first knockout win in nearly nine decades.
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## Portugal 2-1 Croatia: A Night of Drama in Dallas
The headline act of the Round of 16 so far was Portugal’s pulsating 2-1 victory over Croatia in Dallas. The match had everything — goals, VAR controversy, a missed penalty shout, and an emotional farewell.
**Cristiano Ronaldo**, at 41 years and 149 days, became the **oldest player ever to start a World Cup knockout match**. And he delivered when it mattered most.
After a goalless first half dominated by Portugal, Croatia struck first through veteran **Ivan Perisic** in the 53rd minute. The Swiss-born winger rifled a shot into the corner after a defensive mix-up.
But Portugal responded. **Ronaldo converted a penalty** in the 68th minute after VAR spotted a foul on Renato Veiga at a corner — his first-ever World Cup knockout goal. The stadium erupted.
The drama wasn’t over. With the match heading toward extra time, substitute **Goncalo Ramos** rose above two Croatia defenders in the 94th minute to head in a superb Rafael Leao cross. Cue wild Portuguese celebrations.
Croatia thought they’d equalized deep into stoppage time when **Josko Gvardiol** bundled the ball home, but VAR intervened — **Igor Matanovic’s slight touch** on the cross meant Mario Pasalic was in an offside position in the buildup.
**Luka Modric**, aged 40, likely played his final World Cup match. The Real Madrid legend put in a masterful midfield performance, but it wasn’t enough to extend Croatia’s campaign.
> **Up next:** Portugal faces Spain in the Round of 16 at Dallas Stadium on **Monday, July 6** (8 PM ET). A European heavyweight clash awaits.
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## Switzerland 2-0 Algeria: History in Vancouver
In Vancouver, **Switzerland** ended an 88-year drought by winning their first World Cup knockout match since 1938, comfortably defeating Algeria 2-0.
**Breel Embolo** opened the scoring in the 10th minute, turning home a lovely cutback from Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi. **Dan Ndoye** doubled the lead just 46 seconds into the second half — the first time Switzerland scored more than one goal in a World Cup knockout game since a 7-5 defeat by Austria in 1954.
Algeria rarely threatened, with their best chance a tame shot from Fares Chaibi easily saved by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Switzerland will face the winner of Colombia vs Ghana on **July 7** at BC Place, Vancouver.
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## What’s Coming Next?
The Round of 16 action continues with more mouthwatering ties:
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (ET) |
|——|——-|——-|———–|
| Fri, Jul 3 | Australia vs Egypt | TBD | TBD |
| Fri, Jul 3 | Argentina vs Cape Verde | TBD | TBD |
| Sat, Jul 4 | Colombia vs Ghana | TBD | TBD |
| Sun, Jul 5 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Mon, Jul 6 | **Portugal vs Spain** | Dallas Stadium | 8 PM ET |
| Mon, Jul 6 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
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## FAQ
### Who scored the winning goal for Portugal vs Croatia?
Goncalo Ramos scored a 94th-minute header from a Rafael Leao cross to seal Portugal’s 2-1 victory.
### Why was Croatia’s last-minute goal disallowed?
The VAR ruled that Mario Pasalic was in an offside position during the buildup after Igor Matanovic got a slight touch on the cross. Gvardiol’s subsequent goal was therefore disallowed.
### When was the last time Switzerland won a World Cup knockout match?
Switzerland hadn’t won a knockout match since beating Germany in the 1938 World Cup — 88 years ago. Their victory over Algeria ended that historic drought.
### When do Portugal play Spain in the World Cup 2026 Round of 16?
Portugal will face Spain on Monday, July 6 at Dallas Stadium, with kickoff at 8 PM ET.
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## Final Verdict
The 2026 World Cup knockout stage has already delivered edge-of-your-seat entertainment. Portugal vs Spain is now the tie everyone’s talking about — two European giants with a fierce rivalry, set for a primetime slot in Dallas. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard football enthusiast, this is must-watch television.
Check back for more World Cup 2026 coverage and updates throughout the tournament!
*Already read our [World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Wrap-Up](/world-cup-2026-round-of-32-wrap-july-1/)? Don’t miss our full tournament coverage.*