Thursday, July 2 β Round of 32 Results
| Match | Score | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|
| πͺπΈ Spain vs Austria π¦πΉ | 3-0 | Mikel Oyarzabal x2, Pedro Porro. Spain didn’t allow a single shot on target. |
| π΅πΉ Portugal vs Croatia ππ· | 2-1 | Ronaldo penalty (68′), GonΓ§alo Ramos stoppage-time winner. Croatia’s equalizer overturned by VAR+ball microchip. |
| π¨π Switzerland vs Algeria π©πΏ | 2-0 | Breel Embolo opened early. Clean sheet and solid progression for the Swiss. |
Portugal vs Croatia β The VAR Microchip Drama
The most talked-about moment of Thursday came in Toronto, where Croatia thought they had snatched a stoppage-time equalizer through JoΕ‘ko Gvardiol. But VAR overturned the goal β and the decisive evidence came from a microchip embedded inside the match ball. The sensor confirmed that Igor MatanoviΔ had flicked the ball with his head before it reached PaΕ‘aliΔ, putting the midfielder offside on the second phase of play. The decision sealed Portugal’s 2-1 victory and sent Croatia home in heartbreaking fashion.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, scored a penalty to keep his World Cup dream alive. Portugal will face Spain next in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash.
Friday, July 3 β Today’s Round of 32 Matches
Three final knockout fixtures will determine the remaining Round of 16 spots:
| Match | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| π¦πΊ Australia vs Egypt πͺπ¬ | 2:00 PM | Dallas, TX |
| π¦π· Argentina vs Cape Verde π¨π» | 5:00 PM | Miami, FL |
| π¨π΄ Colombia vs Ghana π¬π | 8:00 PM | Kansas City, MO |
Confirmed Round of 16 Matchups
| Matchup | Date |
|---|---|
| π¨π¦ Canada vs π²π¦ Morocco | TBD |
| π§π· Brazil vs π³π΄ Norway | TBD |
| π«π· France vs π΅πΎ Paraguay | TBD |
| π²π½ Mexico vs π΄ England | TBD |
| π§πͺ Belgium vs πΊπΈ United States | TBD |
| πͺπΈ Spain vs π΅πΉ Portugal | Monday, July 6 β Dallas |
Biggest Upsets So Far
- π΅πΎ Paraguay eliminates Germany (pens) β Julian Nagelsmann has since stepped down as Germany manager, with JΓΌrgen Klopp reportedly in talks to take over.
- π²π¦ Morocco eliminates Netherlands (pens) β Issa Diop was the hero for the Atlas Lions.
- π¨π» Cape Verde’s Cinderella run β The Blue Sharks advanced from the group stage and now face Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Looking Ahead
All eyes are on Friday’s matches, especially Argentina vs Cape Verde. Can Cape Verde pull off another shock? Or will Messi and the defending champions roll on? The Round of 16 promises even more fireworks, including a blockbuster Spain vs Portugal derby on Monday.
FAQ
Q: How does the Round of 32 work in the 2026 World Cup?
A: With 48 teams expanded to 12 groups of four, the top two from each group and the eight best third-place finishers qualify for a 32-team single-elimination knockout stage.
Q: When is the 2026 World Cup final?
A: The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Q: Where can I watch the 2026 World Cup in the US?
A: Matches are broadcast on Fox, FS1, and streamed on the Fox Sports app and Fubo.
Q: Who are the favorites to win?
A: Brazil, France, Argentina, and Spain are among the top contenders, though Paraguay and Morocco have emerged as surprise dark horses.
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