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July 3, 2026 — The 2026 World Cup knockout stage continued with a packed Friday that delivered drama, history, and another vintage Lionel Messi moment. Here is everything you need to know.
📊 Today’s Results (Last 32)
| Match | Score | Winner | Key Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland vs Algeria | 2-0 | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Breel Embolo |
| Australia vs Egypt | 1-1 (2-4 pens) | 🇪🇬 Egypt | Mohamed Salah |
| Argentina vs Cape Verde | 1-0 (2nd Half) | 🇦🇷 Argentina (live) | Lionel Messi |
| Colombia vs Ghana | TBD | — | — |
🇨🇭 Switzerland 2-0 Algeria — First Knockout Win in 88 Years
Switzerland made history at BC Place Vancouver, winning a World Cup knockout match for the first time since 1938. Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 10th minute after brilliant wing play from Johan Manzambi, and Dan Ndoye doubled the lead just 46 seconds into the second half.
- Breel Embolo (10′) — 1-0
- Dan Ndoye (46′) — 2-0
It was the first time Switzerland scored more than one goal in a World Cup knockout game since their 7-5 defeat to Austria in 1954. Algeria, searching for their first-ever knockout win, rarely threatened after the break. The Swiss will face the winner of Colombia vs Ghana in the Round of 16 on July 7.
🇪🇬 Egypt 1-1 Australia (4-2 Pens) — Salah’s Panenka Seals Historic Win
In one of the most emotional matches of the tournament, Egypt defeated Australia on penalties to claim their first-ever World Cup knockout win — their first knockout appearance since 1934.
Match Timeline:
- 13′ — Emam Ashour heads Egypt ahead from a Karim Hafez cross
- 56′ — Aiden O’Neill free-kick deflects off Mohamed Hany (own goal) — 1-1
- 90+4′ — Australia keeper Patrick Beach makes a miraculous save to deny Rabia
- 120′ — Australia subs in Mat Ryan for penalties
- Penalties: Egypt wins 4-2
The shootout hero was Mohamed Salah, who calmly slotted home a Panenka penalty. Defender Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the decisive spot-kick after Australia’s Harry Souttar and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington missed.
Salah, 34, was in tears after the final whistle. “It’s history,” he said. Egypt join Morocco in the last 16 — the first time two African nations have won a knockout match at a single World Cup. They face Argentina or Cape Verde next.
🇦🇷 Argentina vs Cape Verde — Messi Does It Again
At Miami Stadium, Lionel Messi showed why he is still the man for the big moments. The 39-year-old scored a brilliant opener just after the first-half hydration break to put Argentina ahead in their last-32 clash.
- Messi now leads the Golden Boot race with 7 goals
- He became the oldest South American to score in a World Cup knockout match (39 years, 9 days)
- Cape Verde have been composed despite being heavy underdogs
🔮 Round of 16 Schedule
| Date | Match | Details |
|---|---|---|
| July 4 | Canada vs Morocco | Last 16 |
| July 4 | Paraguay vs France | Last 16 |
| July 5 | Brazil vs Norway | Last 16 |
| July 6 | Mexico vs England | Azteca Stadium |
| July 6 | Portugal vs Spain | Last 16 |
| July 7 | USA vs Belgium | Last 16 |
| July 7 | Switzerland vs Colombia/Ghana | BC Place |
⚡ Quick Facts
Who leads the Golden Boot? Lionel Messi (7 goals) tied with Kylian Mbappé (6 + 2 vs Sweden).
Egypt’s first knockout win? Yes — their only previous knockout match was in 1934.
Two African nations in the Round of 16? Yes — Egypt and Morocco, a first in World Cup history.
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