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World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Recap: Spain Stuns Portugal, Belgium Crushes USA, Quarterfinal Bracket Takes Shape
The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage is in full swing, and the Round of 16 delivered drama, controversy, and unforgettable moments. With six of eight matches decided, the quarterfinal picture is nearly complete — and three blockbuster matchups are already locked in.
Monday’s Marquee Results (July 6)
| Match | Score | Key Scorers |
|---|---|---|
| Spain vs. Portugal | 1-0 | Mikel Merino (90+’) |
| Belgium vs. USA | 4-1 | De Ketelaere (2), Vanaken, Lukaku; Tillman |
| Norway vs. Brazil | 2-1 | Norway with a massive upset |
| England vs. Mexico | 3-2 | England edges thriller |
🇧🇪 Belgium 4-1 🇺🇸 USA: Balogun Controversy Overshadows American Exit
The United States’ World Cup run came to a crashing halt as Belgium dominated 4-1 at Lumen Field in Seattle. Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the 9th minute, and after Malik Tillman equalized for the USMNT, De Ketelaere struck again just two minutes later to restore Belgium’s lead before halftime.
Hans Vanaken added a third just before the hour mark, and substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed the rout in injury time. The match was overshadowed by the Folarin Balogun red card controversy — FIFA overturned his suspension from the Round of 32, allowing him to play, but the decision drew criticism from Belgium and UEFA.
The result means all three co-hosts (USA, Canada, Mexico) are now eliminated from the tournament.
🇪🇸 Spain 1-0 🇵🇹 Portugal: Mikel Merino Breaks Portuguese Hearts
In a tense Iberian derby at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, it looked destined for extra time — until Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner sent Spain through and ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign. Portugal battled hard but couldn’t find a breakthrough against a disciplined Spanish defense.
Ronaldo, 41, exits the World Cup for the last time, bringing an emotional close to one of football’s greatest international careers.
🇳🇴 Norway 2-1 🇧🇷 Brazil: The Upset of the Tournament
Norway pulled off the biggest shock of the knockout stage so far, dispatching five-time champions Brazil 2-1. Erling Haaland and co. delivered a disciplined performance to send the South American giants home far earlier than expected.
🏴 England 3-2 🇲🇽 Mexico: Three Lions Prevail in Thriller
England needed every bit of their attacking firepower to overcome a determined Mexico side in a 3-2 goal fest. The Three Lions advance to the quarterfinals where they’ll face surprise package Norway.
Confirmed Quarterfinal Matchups
| Quarterfinal | Teams |
|---|---|
| QF 1 | 🇫🇷 France vs. 🇲🇦 Morocco |
| QF 2 | 🏴 England vs. 🇳🇴 Norway |
| QF 3 | 🇪🇸 Spain vs. 🇧🇪 Belgium |
| QF 4 | TBD vs. TBD |
Tuesday’s Round of 16 Fixtures (July 7)
The final two Round of 16 matches will determine the remaining quarterfinalists:
- 🇦🇷 Argentina vs. 🇪🇬 Egypt
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland vs. 🇨🇴 Colombia
What’s Next?
The quarterfinals are set to kick off later this week, with the semifinals and the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey rapidly approaching. Will France defend their crown? Can England finally bring it home? Or will a dark horse like Norway or Morocco continue their fairy-tale run?
Stay tuned to PC Master Deals for continued World Cup 2026 coverage, match updates, and analysis.