This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 came to a thrilling close on Tuesday, July 7, delivering one of the tournament's all-time great comebacks. Defending champions Argentina clawed back from a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3–2, while Switzerland edged Colombia on penalties to complete the quarterfinal lineup.
Tuesday, July 7 — Round of 16 Results
| Match | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina vs. Egypt | **3–2** | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA) |
| Switzerland vs. Colombia | **0–0 (4–3 pens)** | BC Place (Vancouver, Canada) |
Argentina 3–2 Egypt: A Comeback for the Ages
Egypt stunned the reigning champions early, taking a 1–0 lead in the 15th minute through Yasser Ibrahim. Mostafa Zico doubled the lead before the half-hour mark, and with Argentina trailing 2–0 as late as the 77th minute, it looked like Messi's World Cup defense was over.
But Argentina refused to quit. Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute to give the Albiceleste hope. Then, in the 86th minute, Lionel Messi stepped up — scoring the equalizer to send the Atlanta crowd into a frenzy. With the score tied 2–2 and extra time looming, Enzo Fernández delivered the dagger in the 93rd minute, completing a stunning three-goal rally in just 14 minutes.
Messi was visibly emotional at full time, celebrating with teammates in front of thousands of Argentina supporters.
Key Moments:
- 15' — Yasser Ibrahim header puts Egypt 1–0 up
- 29' — Mostafa Zico doubles Egypt's lead
- 79' — Cristian Romero heads Argentina back into the game
- 86' — Lionel Messi equalizes with a clinical finish
- 90+3' — Enzo Fernández scores the dramatic winner
Switzerland 0–0 Colombia (4–3 Pens): Nail-Biter in Vancouver
The nightcap was a far tighter, more tactical affair. Neither side could break the deadlock through 90 minutes of regulation or 30 minutes of extra time. Colombia's Jhon LucumĂ hit the crossbar in extra time, while Switzerland's Granit Xhaka missed a golden opportunity in the second period.
In the penalty shootout, Gregor Kobel came up clutch for Switzerland. After Davinson Sánchez hit the crossbar for Colombia, Rubén Vargas stepped up and buried the winning spot-kick to send Switzerland through.
Penalty Shootout:
| Round | Switzerland | Colombia |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Granit Xhaka âś… | Fernando Quintero âś… |
| 2 | Zeki Amdouni âś… | (Player) âś… |
| 3 | Manuel Akanji ❌ | (Player) ✅ |
| 4 | Cedric Itten ✅ | Davinson Sánchez ❌ |
| 5 | Rubén Vargas ✅ | (Not needed) |
Complete Round of 16 Results
| Date | Match | Score |
|---|---|---|
| July 4 | France vs. Paraguay | **1–0** |
| July 4 | Morocco vs. Canada | **3–0** |
| July 5 | England vs. Mexico | **3–2** |
| July 5 | Norway vs. Brazil | **2–1** |
| July 6 | Spain vs. Portugal | **1–0** |
| July 6 | Belgium vs. USA | **4–1** |
| July 7 | Argentina vs. Egypt | **3–2** |
| July 7 | Switzerland vs. Colombia | **0–0 (4–3 pens)** |
Quarterfinal Schedule
The quarterfinal round runs from July 9 to July 11:
| Date | Matchup | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Thu, July 9** | France vs. Morocco | Boston Stadium | 4:00 PM |
| **Fri, July 10** | Spain vs. Belgium | Los Angeles Stadium | 3:00 PM |
| **Sat, July 11** | Norway vs. England | Miami Stadium | 5:00 PM |
| **Sat, July 11** | Argentina vs. Switzerland | Kansas City Stadium | 9:00 PM |
Looking Ahead
Argentina's comeback keeps Messi's dream of a second consecutive World Cup title alive. The defending champions will face Switzerland — making their first quarterfinal appearance since 1954 — on Saturday in Kansas City.
Meanwhile, France takes on Morocco in a rematch of the 2022 semifinal, while Norway makes its quarterfinal debut behind the inspired play of Erling Haaland. Spain and Belgium face off in a battle of European giants with both teams looking to reach the semifinals for the first time in years.
Can Messi lead Argentina to another title? Will Haaland carry Norway all the way? The quarterfinals promise more drama ahead.
What match are you most excited for? Drop a comment below!