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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its business end. After a blistering month of action across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the quarter-final lineup is locked in. With all three host nations eliminated and heavyweights like Brazil sent packing, the stage is set for an unforgettable knockout weekend from July 9โ12.
Round of 16: The Story in Numbers
The expanded 48-team format delivered drama from start to finish. A tournament-record 6,259,584 fans packed stadiums across North America, surpassing the 1994 record. With 280 goals scored across 96 matches (2.92 per match), this World Cup has been one of the most entertaining in history.
Last 16 Results at a Glance
| Match | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Canada vs Morocco | 0โ3 | ๐ฒ๐ฆ Morocco |
| Paraguay vs France | 0โ1 | ๐ซ๐ท France |
| Brazil vs Norway | 1โ2 | ๐ณ๐ด Norway |
| Mexico vs England | 2โ3 | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ England |
| Portugal vs Spain | 0โ1 | ๐ช๐ธ Spain |
| USA vs Belgium | 1โ4 | ๐ง๐ช Belgium |
| Argentina vs Egypt | 3โ2 | ๐ฆ๐ท Argentina |
| Switzerland vs Colombia | 0โ0 (4โ3 pens) | ๐จ๐ญ Switzerland |
Key Moments & Highlights
๐ณ๐ด Norway Stuns Brazil โ Haaland Delivers
Erling Haaland announced himself as a true global superstar, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to knock Brazil out of the World Cup. His towering header and clinical low drive brought his tournament tally to 7 goals. Neymar scored a late consolation penalty but left the field in tears as Norway reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. The 2โ1 victory in Atlanta sent shockwaves through the football world.
๐ฆ๐ท Messi’s Miracle โ Argentina Escapes Egypt
Trailing 2โ0 with 11 minutes to play, Argentina looked destined for elimination. But Lionel Messi, as he has done so many times, refused to let his team lose. He assisted Cristian Romero, scored the equalizer, and Enzo Fernรกndez headed home the winner from a Lautaro Martรญnez cross. Messi now has 8 goals this tournament โ the most ever by a 39-year-old at a World Cup โ and a record 21 World Cup goals overall. He also became the first player in history to score in six consecutive knockout matches.
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ England Edges Mexico in Thriller
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane combined to send England past a spirited Mexico side 3โ2. The match swung back and forth in front of a electric crowd in Houston, with England’s quality ultimately proving decisive.
๐บ๐ธ๐ง๐ช USA Crashes Out After Controversy
The United States saw their World Cup dream end with a 4โ1 defeat to Belgium in Seattle. The match was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s red card โ which was overturned after a reported intervention by President Donald Trump โ but the US simply had no answer for a dominant Belgian side that played without Kevin De Bruyne and Jรฉrรฉmy Doku in the starting XI.
๐จ๐ญ Switzerland Advances on Penalties
In the final Round of 16 match, Switzerland held Colombia to a 0โ0 draw through 120 minutes and prevailed 4โ3 in a penalty shootout. Ruben Vargas converted the winning spot-kick, sending Switzerland to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.
Golden Boot Race
| Player | Team | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | 8 |
| Erling Haaland | Norway | 7 |
| Kylian Mbappรฉ | France | 7 |
Quarter-Final Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, July 9 | ๐ซ๐ท France vs Morocco ๐ฒ๐ฆ | Boston, MA | 4:00 PM |
| Fri, July 10 | ๐ช๐ธ Spain vs Belgium ๐ง๐ช | Los Angeles, CA | 12:00 PM |
| Sat, July 11 | ๐ณ๐ด Norway vs England ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Miami, FL | 5:00 PM |
| Sun, July 12 | ๐ฆ๐ท Argentina vs Switzerland ๐จ๐ญ | Kansas City, MO | 8:00 PM |
Looking Ahead
The semi-finals are set for July 14โ15, with the third-place playoff on July 18 and the grand final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, July 19. The final will feature the first Super Bowl-style halftime show in World Cup history, produced by Global Citizen and curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, with performances by Madonna, Shakira, and BTS.
FAQ
Q: Which host nation performed best?
A: The United States reached the Round of 16 before losing 4โ1 to Belgium. Mexico also made the Round of 16 but fell 3โ2 to England. Canada were eliminated in the Round of 32.
Q: Who is favored to win the World Cup?
A: Argentina remain the defending champions and have Messi in inspired form. France look strong after a 1โ0 win over Paraguay, while England’s firepower makes them a serious threat. Norway are the tournament’s dark horse after eliminating Brazil.
Q: Where can I watch the matches?
A: In the US, matches are broadcast on Fox Sports and streamed on Fubo. In the UK, BBC and ITV share coverage. Check local listings for your region.