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The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage has delivered drama, heartbreak, and history across North America. Heres a complete roundup of the latest Round of 32 results and whats ahead in the Round of 16.
Latest Round of 32 Results (July 3-4)
| Match | Score | Key Story |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina vs. Cape Verde | 3-2 (AET) | Holders survive massive scare — own goal settles it in 111th minute |
| Egypt vs. Australia | 1-1 (4-2 pens) | Salah Panenka sends Egypt to first-ever knockout win |
| Switzerland vs. Algeria | 2-0 | First Swiss knockout win since 1938 |
| Portugal vs. Croatia | 2-1 | Ramos 94th-minute winner after chaotic VAR drama |
| Spain vs. Austria | 3-0 | Dominant display — first knockout win since 2010 |
| USA vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina | 1-0 | Balogun scores AND gets red card |
| Colombia vs. Ghana | TBD | Final last-32 tie still to play |
Key Moments That Defined the Night
🏆 Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (AET) — Champions Nearly Dethroned
Holders Argentina came within minutes of elimination against tournament debutants Cape Verde, ranked 64th in the world. Lionel Messi opened the scoring with his 20th World Cup goal in the 29th minute with a beautiful control and finish. But Cape Verde refused to fold. Deroy Duarte equalized in the second half, and after Lisandro Martinez thought he had won it in extra time, Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the goals of the tournament with a curling strike into the top corner. An own goal by Diney Borges in the 111th minute ultimately saved Argentina, but the message is clear: this Argentina team is vulnerable.
🇵🇹 Portugal 2-1 Croatia — VAR Chaos and Ronaldo Last Dance
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first-ever World Cup knockout goal (a penalty) and became the oldest player to start a World Cup knockout match at 41. But the real drama came deep in stoppage time: Croatia thought they had equalized through Josko Gvardiol, only for VAR to rule it out for offside after a lengthy review. Goncalo Ramos came off the bench to score the 94th-minute winner, setting up a blockbuster Portugal vs. Spain clash in the last 16.
🇪🇸 Spain 3-0 Austria — Oyarzabal Shines
Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice to take his tournament tally to four goals, leading Spain to their first World Cup knockout win since the 2010 final. Unai Simon kept a fourth straight clean sheet. Spain have now gone four matches without conceding a single goal.
🇪🇬 Egypt 1-1 Australia (4-2 pens) — History in Dallas
Mohamed Salah calmly slotted a Panenka penalty, and Egypt won their first-ever World Cup knockout match since 1934. Australia pushed them all the way, but defenders Harry Souttar and teenager Lucas Herrington both missed in the shootout. Egypt will face Argentina or Cape Verde in the last 16.
🇨🇭 Switzerland 2-0 Algeria — 88-Year Wait Over
Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye scored as Switzerland won a World Cup knockout match for the first time since 1938. Its their fourth straight tournament reaching the last 16.
🇺🇸 USA 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina — Bittersweet Win
Folarin Balogun became the first player since Zinedine Zidane (2006 final) to score and get a red card in the same World Cup knockout game. His goal plus red card means the US will face Belgium without arguably their best player of the tournament.
Looking Ahead — Round of 16 Matches
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| England vs. Mexico | July 5/6 | Azteca, Mexico City |
| Portugal vs. Spain | July 6 | Dallas Stadium, Texas |
| Egypt vs. Argentina/Cape Verde | TBD | Atlanta |
| Switzerland vs. Colombia/Ghana | July 7 | BC Place, Vancouver |
| USA vs. Belgium | TBD | TBD |
England vs. Mexico Update: FIFA briefly proposed moving the kick-off time due to thunderstorm forecasts but ultimately backed down after pushback from both associations. The game kicks off as originally scheduled.
FAQ
When does England vs. Mexico kick off?
6 PM local time (Mexico City) / midnight BST / 7 PM ET on Sunday, July 5. The match was nearly rescheduled but FIFA confirmed the original time after pushback from both FAs.
Who impressed the most in the Round of 32?
Cape Verde captured hearts worldwide, pushing reigning champions Argentina to the limit. Mikel Oyarzabal (4 goals) has been Spains most decisive player so far.
Which African teams are still in the tournament?
Egypt and Morocco both reached the last 16 — the first time two African nations have won knockout matches at a single World Cup.
Where can I watch the World Cup 2026?
In the US, matches are on Fox Sports. In the UK, BBC and ITV are sharing coverage.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases. All match details sourced from BBC Sport.
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