World Cup 2026 Round of 32: Switzerland Advance, Portugal Edge Croatia in Thriller

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The World Cup 2026 Round of 32 is reaching its thrilling conclusion, with several heavy hitters punching their tickets to the last 16. Here’s a full wrap-up of the latest action across North America.

Latest Result: Switzerland 2–0 Algeria

Switzerland made history on Friday, July 3, by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 1938 with a commanding 2–0 victory over Algeria at BC Place in Vancouver.

TeamGoalsScorers
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡­ Switzerland2Embolo (11′), Ndoye (46′)
πŸ‡©πŸ‡Ώ Algeria0β€”

Key Moments

  • 11′ β€” Johan Manzambi, the 20-year-old Freiburg sensation, produced a dazzling run down the right flank, beating Aissa Mandi before cutting back a perfect cross for Breel Embolo to tap home.
  • 46′ β€” Just 48 seconds into the second half, Dan Ndoye controlled a hopeful clearance on his left foot before smashing a right-footed strike past Luca Zidane into the far corner.
  • Manzambi became the youngest player to record five goal involvements at a single World Cup since records began β€” only Thomas MΓΌller (2010) had achieved that as a U21 player before him.
  • Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez confirmed his retirement from international football after the defeat.

Switzerland will face either Colombia or Ghana in the Round of 16 in Vancouver on Tuesday.

Portugal 2–1 Croatia: Ronaldo’s Farewell March Continues

One of the most dramatic matches of the tournament saw Portugal snatch a 94th-minute winner through substitute GonΓ§alo Ramos, who rose above two defenders to head home a brilliant Rafael LeΓ£o cross.

TeamGoalsScorers
πŸ‡΅πŸ‡Ή Portugal2Ronaldo (pen 68′), Ramos (90+4′)
πŸ‡­πŸ‡· Croatia1Perisic (53′)

Key Moments

  • 53′ β€” Ivan Perisic fired Croatia ahead after RΓΊben Dias only half-cleared a cross.
  • 68′ β€” Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty (his first-ever World Cup knockout goal) after VAR spotted a foul at a corner.
  • 90+4′ β€” Ramos’ header sent Portugal through.
  • 90+13′ β€” Croatia thought they’d equalized through JoΕ‘ko Gvardiol, but VAR ruled it out for offside after a lengthy review.
  • Ronaldo, at 41 years and 148 days, became the oldest player ever to start a World Cup knockout match. He was visibly emotional after the final whistle, wearing the jersey of late teammate Diogo Jota in tribute.

Next up: Portugal faces European champions Spain in the Round of 16 at Dallas Stadium on Monday, July 6 (8 PM ET).

Spain 3–0 Austria: La Roja Back in Business

Spain produced their most complete performance of the tournament, dismantling Austria 3–0 in Seattle to set up a mouthwatering clash with Portugal.

TeamGoalsScorers
πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Spain3Oyarzabal (36′, 89′), Porro (76′)
πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ή Austria0β€”

Spain kept a fourth consecutive clean sheet β€” goalkeeper Unai SimΓ³n broke Iker Casillas’ 2010 record. Teen sensation Lamine Yamal, 18, was a constant threat throughout.

Round of 32: Full Results & Round of 16 Picture

The knockout stage bracket is taking shape. Here are all the completed last-32 matches and the confirmed Round of 16 fixtures so far.

MatchScoreDate
Canada vs South Africa1–0Jun 28
Brazil vs Japan2–1Jun 29
Germany vs Paraguay1–1 (pens)Jun 30
Netherlands vs Morocco1–1 (pens)Jun 30
Norway vs CΓ΄te d’Ivoire2–1Jun 30
France vs Sweden3–0Jul 1
Mexico vs Ecuador2–0Jul 1
England vs DR Congo2–1Jul 1
Belgium vs Senegal3–2Jul 1
USA vs Bosnia2–0Jul 1
Spain vs Austria3–0Jul 2
Portugal vs Croatia2–1Jul 2
Switzerland vs Algeria2–0Jul 3
Australia vs Egyptβ€”Jul 3

Confirmed Round of 16 Fixtures

MatchVenueDate & Time (ET)
Portugal vs SpainDallas StadiumMon, Jul 6 – 8 PM
Switzerland vs (Colombia/Ghana)VancouverTue, Jul 7 – TBD

Looking Ahead

The Round of 32 wraps up today with Australia vs Egypt β€” the winner will face either France or Belgium in the next round. Meanwhile, fans are already circling Portugal vs Spain on Monday as potentially the match of the tournament so far.

Can Ronaldo add to his World Cup legacy against the European champions? Will Switzerland’s young star Manzambi continue his incredible breakout campaign? The World Cup 2026 is delivering drama in every match.

Which team are you backing to lift the trophy? Drop your predictions in the comments below!

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