Toothless Argentina eventually bow to La Roja momentum

Spain have lifted the famous, and now Louis Vuitton-couriered, World Cup trophy for the second time in their history. And just like they did back in 2010, La Roja won the final with a single goal in extra-time, with substitute Ferran Torres playing the role of Andrés Iniesta, albeit scoring a little earlier than the Barcelona legend when he leapt on Nico Williams’ clever knock down to smash home in the 106th minute (Iniesta’s winner came on 116’).

Argentina became only the third side in the history of data collection at the World Cup (which includes all tournaments played from 1966 onwards) not to record a single shot in the regulation 90 minutes of the game.

Goalkeeper Unai Simón therefore extended his clean sheets record to seven, with Spain conceding just one actual goal (from 2.4 xG), and only nine shots on target throughout their World Cup winning campaign.

🇪🇸🇦🇷 On the whistle World Cup final match report

Argentina carried little threat going forward

Messi falls short in the race for the Golden Boot

Emi Martínez, the golden glove winner when Argentina won the Qatar World Cup, earned the highest FotMob rating (8.77) in this year’s showpiece game - his 11 saves broke the record number made in any previous World Cup final and meant he stopped more shots in one game than Spain’s Simón was forced to in the eight he played in North America.

Lionel Messi was responsible for the first of Argentina’s two shots on goal in the match, but saw his 117th minute effort hit Mikel Moreno square in the face. In perhaps the quietest of all his record 34 World Cup appearances, Messi failed to make an impact, and never looked likely to score the goals he needed to stop Kylian Mbappé claiming the Golden Boot, or take back the all-time goalscoring record from the French captain.

Mbappé, then, takes top honours with 10 goals at these finals (to Messi’s eight), and now has 22 overall, with Messi most likely to end his international career on 21 World Cup goals.

🇦🇷🗣️ Messi ‘the best player to ever stand on a pitch’ - Lionel Scaloni

Spain mop up in the individual player awards

As FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump vied for attention in the post-match awards ceremony, it was Spain’s players who walked away with the majority of the top individual prizes.

Rodri, the dominant force in Spain’s midfield and most notably, in the semifinal against France, claimed the Golden Ball as captain. That nicely rounds off a perfect narrative arc for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner following his return from an ACL injury.

Simón took the Golden Glove, despite the lack of threat he faced in goal, and centre-back Pau Curbasí, the victim of the reckless tackle that lead to Enzo Fernández’s red card in the final, was given the Best Young Player award.

👑 Full details on all the end of tournament awards

The winning moment

With all 104 games now played, we’re rounding off this run of special daily editions of the newsletter, with The Assist taking a break until the 2026/27 club football season kicks off in earnest.

Thank you for stopping in and supporting FotMob during the tournament, and we hope the app has helped you in some way to follow the biggest show on earth!

We’ll leave you with the FotMob Team of the Tournament, based on average match ratings across the World Cup and not the opinions or the prejudices of the writers here. We will be accepting feedback via our socials.

🇪🇸 Six takeaways from Spain’s World Cup final win

🥇 Rodri’s fairytale tournament performance

📈 Sports Illustrated rank all 48-World Cup participants 

France and England go goal-crazy with the handbrake off

“England does not want to play this game and neither do we,” said France boss Didier Deschamps ahead of the dreaded third place play-off. After all, no remembers who came third at the World Cup, do they?

Well, they might on this occasion, after England came out on the right side of an extraordinary ten goal thriller in Miami – the joint third highest-scoring World Cup match of all time – to record their best finish since lifting the trophy in 1966.

Four-nil up at half-time, Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions found themselves pegged back to 4-3 midway through the second half – but Bukayo Saka’s hat-trick, the first for England in a World Cup knockout match since Geoff Hurst in the 1966 final, ensured they avoided outdoing their own semi-final collapse against Argentina.

Kylian Mbappé’s brace edged him ahead of Lionel Messi as the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, so maybe the France captain is glad they did play this game – though perhaps more than anything, it was an insight into what can happen when released from the pressure of football’s highest stakes.

🇫🇷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 On the whistle match report from France-England

England take Bronze

Mbappé in pole position as Messi aims to reclaim supremacy

Barring a Messi hat-trick in the final, the Golden Boot will go to Mbappé – who’s poised to become the first player ever to win the award more than once, having claimed it last time around.

He’s also the first player to hit double figures in a single edition of the World Cup since German great Gerd Müller in 1970, moving two clear of Messi at this summer’s finals to 10 goals.

The Golden Boot is one of the few individual accolades Messi has yet to claim, but the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner still has a sniff of becoming the third Argentine to top the goals charts at a single edition of the tournament – after Guillermo Stábile in 1930 and Mario Kempes in 1978.

He’ll also want to wrestle back that World Cup goalscoring record in what looks likely to be his record-extending 34th and final game in the competition.

🇫🇷🗣️ Mbappé backs Messi to score in the final

This. Is. It. Spain and Argentina go for glory in New York in the 23^rd World Cup final.

And for the first time in World Cup history, the final pits the reigning European champions against the reigning world (and South American) champions – who are trying to become the first side to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962.

Are you ready?

Stage set for showdown that could go the distance

Ranked second and first respectively, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain and Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina are, per the pre-tournament FIFA World Ranking, the best two national teams in the world. On paper, it’s a fitting final match-up.

And there’s plenty to suggest that will translate to a memorable encounter at the New York New Jersey Stadium, hosting the biggest event in its 16-year history – after staging Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.

While both sides love to control possession – Spain average 63.8% at this World Cup, Argentina 60.7% - La Roja’s defensive meanness, as they demonstrated to stunning effect in restricting France to just 0.31 expected goals (xG) in 2-0 their semi-final victory, might mean we’re in for a lower-scoring affair than each of the last two finals – which have both produced six goals.

That being said, Argentina’s remarkable tendency to manifest goals when they most need them should ensure we avoid the first goalless final since the turgid stalemate between Brazil and Italy at the last American World Cup in 1994.

Having stunningly been held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde in their opening game, Spain have found the net twice or more in four of their six matches since – putting four goals past Saudi Arabia and three past Austria.

Argentina average 2.7 goals per game – the most of any team who went beyond the Round of 32 – and have struck 11 times in the knockout stage alone. Nine of those goals have come in the 79^th minute or later, including two in stoppage time at the end of normal time and four in extra time.

Four of the last five World Cup finals have gone to extra time, with two of those involving Argentina and one Spain. A sign of things to come?

🇪🇸🇦🇷 World Cup final match preview

History within reach for La Roja

Spain are looking to emulate their own achievement of 2010 – when they became just the second country, after West Germany in 1974, to win the World Cup as reigning European champions.

Should La Roja triumph on Sunday night, they’ll leave England as the only one-time World Cup winners.

Heading into the biggest match of their lives having kept a World Cup-record six clean sheets already, Spain will make some kind of history with victory – for which they’re slight favourites in the bookies’ eyes. 

🇪🇸🇦🇷 Complete Spain-Argentina H2H record

Messi’s final act?

Poised to win a record-extending third Golden Ball, Messi is about to join Cafu as only the second player to feature in three World Cup finals. And this will be the GOAT’s last – won’t it…?

Given he’ll be 43 when the next World Cup rolls around, we’re going to assume yes (though the fact one of the opening three matches of that tournament will take place in Argentina leaves a shred of uncertainty there).

Messi is our best rated player at the tournament

Just 21 players have won the World Cup more than once (and only one of them, Pelé, has lifted the trophy three times). 

So, naturally, Messi will have sights firmly set on a spot in that exclusive club, whose sole current Argentine member is 1978-winning skipper Daniel Passarella (who was also part of the victorious Argentina squad eight years later).

🤔 How De La Fuente plans to stop Lionel Messi

🤯 Nine Barcelona academy graduates could feature in World Cup final

🏟️ The final ‘deserves better’ than the MetLife Stadium

🇦🇷🗣️ Messi discusses the famous photoshoot with infant Lamine Yamal

Spain’s complete performance does for France

The reigning European champions radiated calmness and control, deservedly claiming a tremendous 2-0 win over France thanks to a brilliantly well-rounded team display to advance into the World Cup final.

Spain opened the scoring from the spot midway through the first half when Lamine Yamal was apprehended by Lucas Digne. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up as the coolest man in the stadium, firing his spotkick into the corner.

Everyone was anticipating a French onslaught on the Spanish goal in the second half, only for Pedro Porro to double La Roja’s lead with a decisive finish after an intricate one-two with Dani Olmo on 58 minutes. France knocked on the door, but there was no beating Spain’s impenetrable defence. 

The result means that Spain are the first team in the competition’s history to keep six clean sheets at a single World Cup, while the 0.3 xG France accumulated against them is the lowest tally for a nation in a semi-final in the tournament since Sweden versus Brazil in 1994 (0.1). 

Spain’s watertight defence neutralised France’s star-studded attack to devastating effect. Luis de la Fuente described his side as “exceptional”, and it's easy to understand why – Spain look like red-hot prospects to lift the trophy on Sunday.

🇪🇸 ‘Control beats Chaos’ - match reaction from Sports Illustrated

Oyarzabal quietly spearheads Spain to victory

Once again, Mikel Oyarzabal delivered for his country, playing a pivotal role in Spain’s smooth triumph over France.

The 29-year-old’s clinical penalty handed La Roja a 22nd-minute lead for his fifth goal at this tournament, meaning no Spanish player has ever scored more than this at a single World Cup.

De la Fuente’s key men at the tournament

Oyarzabal's importance for de la Fuente’s side stretches over a far longer period – since the start of 2025, he’s registered 24 goal contributions in 19 appearances across all competitions (17 goals, seven assists), 14 more than any other player. 

The Real Sociedad frontman is an effective and unselfish cog in Spain’s slick attack, whose proven he can deliver in defining moments. He will forever haunt England fans after he netted the winning goal in Spain’s 2-1 European Championship final victory in 2024. 

Oyarzabal doesn’t necessarily garner the headlines by default, given he isn’t the most skilful, powerful or eye-catching forward but you simply cannot argue with his output, and he will undoubtedly be one of the first names on the teamsheet for Sunday’s final. 

🇫🇷🇪🇸 Full France-Spain match report

Deschamps and Mbappé’s tournament ends in disappointment 

On a night where Didier Deschamps took charge of his 26th World Cup match, the outright most of any manager, his France side tumbled to a hugely disappointing defeat to end their hopes of reaching a third successive final. 

Spain have emerged as Deschamps’ bogey team as Les Bleus have now lost three straight semi-finals against Spain (2-1 in Euro 2024 and 5-4 in 2024/25 Nations League). 

It seems crazy to say about France, but their ridiculously talented attack just didn’t click, with Deschamps calling his players “devastated” and “technically inferior.” 

Kylian Mbappé arrived in Dallas brimming with confidence after bagging eight goals in the tournament, but his frustrating outing was encapsulated by the fact that he was caught offside more times (twice) than he had touches in the opposition box (one) in the first half. 

The Spanish machine keeps marching on as they target back-to-back major tournament trophies, while France will have to settle for the third-place play-off match on Saturday – something that neither Deschamps nor his captain would have envisioned taking part in when they were steamrolling through the earlier rounds of the competition.

🇫🇷🗣️ Deschamps’ post-match quotes in full

Spain’s opponents in the final will be decided today, with England taking on reigning world champions Argentina in Atlanta in what promises to be a mouthwatering encounter for all involved.

England vs. Argentina H2H results at previous World Cups

A historic rivalry deeply rooted in controversy 

For the first time since 2002, old enemies England and Argentina will meet again in a World Cup to battle for a spot in this year’s final. 

In total, these two nations have played each other five times in the competition’s history, but they’ve never clashed this deep into the tournament, meaning the stakes arguably couldn't be higher. 

The fire of this rivalry was ignited in their 1966 quarter-final, when Argentina captain Antonio Rattín refused to leave the pitch for several minutes after being sent off, before Geoff Hurst’s second-half strike blessed England with a narrow 1-0 victory on their way to lifting the World Cup trophy for the only time in the country’s history. England boss Alf Ramsey refused to let his players swap shirts with the opposition at full-time, while in Argentina, this game is referred to as “El robo del siglo” (the theft of the century). 

La Albiceleste revelled in their revenge 20 years later at the same stage, with Diego Maradona’s notorious “Hand of God” and extraordinary solo effort sealing a 2-1 win for Argentina, who ended up clinching the tournament in Mexico courtesy of a 3-2 victory over West Germany at the Azteca in the 1986 final. 

David Beckham’s red card during Argentina’s 1998 victory in the round of 16 on penalties is another infamous moment, with the former England skipper redeeming himself four years afterwards by netting a penalty in the Three Lions’ 1-0 group-stage win. 

We’ve not even scratched the surface with the wider historical significance and bitterness of this epic rivalry, but you can guarantee drama when England and Argentina battle on a football pitch.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇦🇷 Full H2H history of England-Argentina

Bellingham out to continue his knockout form

Jude Bellingham’s heroics have dragged England through their previous two matches, with his spectacular performance single-handedly powering his nation to a 2-1 comeback victory over Norway. 

Bellingham is the highest scoring midfielder at the World Cup

While the win against Mexico was a resounding team effort, Bellingham shouldered all the responsibility in the Norway clash. The Real Madrid man’s equaliser just before the break was a sensational finish and his winner showcased some brilliant instinct to pounce on a rebound. 

Bellingham’s double ensured he became the first player to score two or more goals in successive World Cup knockout games since Maradona (1986) and the youngest to do so at 23 years and 12 days since Pelé (17y 249d) in 1958. That is quite an esteemed, exclusive club. 

Only Gary Lineker (six in 1986) has scored as many non-penalty goals in a single World Cup tournament for the Three Lions as Bellingham in 2026 (six). 

The 23-year-old has emerged as the ultimate player for the big occasion, with a World Cup semi-final tie against Argentina arguably the grandest and most befitting occasion of all. Bellingham seems to be relishing the expectation bestowed upon him.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇦🇷 England-Argentina match preview

Can a will to win and Messi’s brilliance carry Argentina to another final?

Are the defending champions a great team who always find a way or will they come unstuck against an opponent containing real world-class quality?

By the skin of their teeth, Argentina have narrowly squeezed through their three knockout ties, beating Cabo Verde, Egypt and Switzerland in dramatic circumstances, needing extra time to overcome two of them.

Overall, Argentina’s 3-1 victory against Switzerland was their 13th match to reach extra time at the World Cup, more than any other team, and the South Americans’ late goals meant they’ve recorded 11 wins in such situations.

Lionel Messi has predictably been his nation’s attacking heartbeat at this tournament. Although he didn’t score against Switzerland, his corner teed up Alexis Mac Allister for the opener, and was his 10th World Cup assist, two more than any other player since 1966 (Maradona has eight). 

Suppressing the diminutive genius, who is the tournament’s joint-top scorer alongside Mbappé with eight goals, almost seems like an impossible task, but Messi is entering uncharted territory in his international career, given that this is the first time that the 39-year-old has faced England.

Back-to-back World Cup trophies are on line for Messi, with the defiant Three Lions standing in his way of setting a new, potentially unrepeatable benchmark.

🇦🇷🗣️ Argentina inspired by Maradona ahead of England clash

💰 Elliot Anderson proving his worth to Man City with World Cup showing

🚨 Enhanced security measures in place for England-Argentina

🇪🇸 Pedro Porro living his biggest dream at the World Cup

And then there were four…

FIFA constructed the 2026 World Cup draw so the top four teams in the World Rankings couldn’t meet before the semi-finals – and it’s worked out perfectly as far as football’s world governing body is concerned.

For the first time in World Cup history, the four semi-finalists are – as ranked by FIFA – the best four teams in the world (although it’s worth noting the FIFA World Ranking wasn’t introduced until December 1992).

Argentina led the last official FIFA rankings pre-tournament

It’s not the greatest surprise, then, that for the first time since 1990, every World Cup semi-finalist is a former winner. Three of them have lifted the trophy in the last 16 years: Argentina (2022), France (2018) and Spain (2014). For one, it’s been a bit of a longer wait: just the 60 years of hurt for England…

The 1966 World Cup was also the last time England reached the final, of course – but according to the Opta Supercomputer, Thomas Tuchel’s side have the second-highest chance of progressing (50.9%), fractionally higher than their semi-final opponents and great rivals Argentina (49.1%).

If the Supercomputer gets it right, we’re set for an England vs France final, with Les Bleus being given a 57.7% probability of making it compared to Spain’s 42.3%.

🏆🤖 Check out everything the Opta Supercomputer has to day - via The Analyst

The battle to be the star of the World Cup hots up

We’re down to the best of the best in terms of teams, but who will reign supreme on an individual level at this World Cup? Only one can go home with the Golden Ball as player of the tournament.

Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi – neck and neck in the race for the Golden Boot, the former also hot on the latter’s heels in the battle for all-time World Cup goalscoring supremacy – are surely the two prime candidates, boasting the top two average FotMob ratings (Mbappé 8.87, Messi 8.73) – but there’s still time for others to stake a claim.

Mbappé leads the average FotMob ratings at the tournament

Four other players still involved in the competition hold ratings higher than 8.00: France trio Michael Olise (8.03), Aurélien Tchouaméni (8.07) and Ousmane Dembélé (8.08), and England’s man of the moment Jude Bellingham (8.12) – who became the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score two or more goals in successive World Cup knockout games, and who you wouldn’t put it past to make that three in a row (or more…).

Messi has won the Golden Ball twice: as a runner-up in 2014 then as winning captain last time around; Mbappé has yet to get his hands on that particular accolade – nor has any English player since its introduction as an official award in 1982.

🏆📊 Those average FotMob ratings in full

Where exactly does the business end of a 48-team World Cup begin? Oh well, we’re definitely in it now.

The most prolific attack of the tournament faces the meanest defence as France take on Spain in Tuesday’s first semi-final in Dallas, then it’s over to Atlanta on Wednesday for one of the great World Cup rivalries between England and Argentina.

Strap yourselves in.

A World Cup classic on the cards?

As they aim to become the first country since Brazil from 1994 to 2002 to reach three straight World Cup finals, France meet Spain for only the second time on this stage, having beaten La Roja 3-1 in the last 16 en route to the 2006 final. Spain themselves have made it this far for just the second time, after going all the way in 2010.

These two nations were many people’s pre-tournament favourites, but one of them must fall at the penultimate hurdle.

France’s all-star attack has been finding the net at will; Spain’s almost impervious defence was only breached for the first time in the quarter-finals. This could be a classic.

🇫🇷🇪🇸 France-Spain match preview

Predicted France starting XI

Can France continue to keep their cool?

This will be France’s seventh World Cup semi-final. They’ve won the last four, including at each of the last two tournaments. But that’s not just some historical statistic of questionable current relevance – a lot of these French players know exactly what it takes to get over the line and into the final.

Of the starting 11 one would expect Didier Deschamps to name against Spain, five started the 2-0 victory over Morocco in the 2022 World Cup semis – including now-captain Mbappé. If there’s another thing this French side doesn’t lack, it’s experience – and, on the evidence of their perfect run so far, cool – under the highest pressure.

🇪🇸🗣️ Pau Cubarsí claims facing Mbappé is ‘not intimidating’

Does recent history favour Spain?

Spain arguably have an even more impressive semi-final record than France at major tournaments. Across two semis at the World Cup and four at the Euros, La Roja have won five – their sole defeat coming on penalties to Italy at Euro 2020.

Similarly, this current crop of players has ample recent experience of making it to a major final (and lifting the trophy). Of the 11 players Luis de la Fuente is likely to pick from the start against France, six started the Euro 2024 semi triumph – and one more came off the bench. And who did Spain beat that day? Correct – France.

🆚 Full France-Spain Head to Head record

🇪🇸 Marc Cucurella has been influential in Spain’s World Cup run

🥳 The best fans at the World Cup - as ranked by Sports Illustrated

📉 Top 10 biggest disappointments at the finals

Bellingham’s ominous brace keeps England’s dream alive

Thomas Tuchel said England got lucky in beating Norway – but you know what they say… You make your own luck. And this group of players continue to do that by being more resilient – more determined – than any England side in recent memory. Their latest achievement was clinching the Three Lions’ first extra-time World Cup win since 1990.

For the second time in the knockouts of this World Cup, England fought back from a goal down to prevail 2-1 – and for the second game running, Jude Bellingham was the two-goal hero. In doing so, he became the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to find the net twice in successive World Cup knockout games – and look who went on to win that World Cup…

Bellingham, along with fellow talisman Harry Kane, has scored six of England’s 13 goals this summer. In fact, the pair have accounted for every goal in each of the last five matches.

On the one hand, you wonder where England would be without them. On the other, it doesn’t feel like they’re carrying the team to a disproportionate degree – there just seems to be something in the water.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🗣️ Bellingham has his say on Tuchel’s post-match remarks

Messi draws a blank but still makes history as Argentina advance

Argentina await England in the semi-finals after their most comfortable victory of the knockouts so far – although we use that term relatively.

For the second time as they look to become the first nation to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, Lionel Scaloni’s men needed extra time to get the job done – but get the job done they did against a spirited 10-man Switzerland.

For the first time at this tournament, Lionel Messi wasn’t on the scoresheet, with Julián Alvarez and substitute Lautaro Martínez the world champions’ extra-time saviours (though Messi, naturally, still had a key part to play, sending in the corner for Alexis Mac Allister’s opener).

And that assist saw Messi make yet more history by moving to 10 World Cup assists – at least two more than any other player (of whom that man Diego Maradona is one) since 1966.

🇦🇷🇨🇭 On the whistle Argentina-Switzerland match report

The stage is set for the semi-finals, and they feature the countries ranked first to fourth in FIFA’s latest rankings.

Spain (2) and France (3) get things underway in Dallas on Tuesday, before Argentina (1) face England (4) in Atlanta on Wednesday

Until then, we rest…

The winner takes it all?

Most would surely agree France and Spain have been the two standout teams of the 2026 World Cup – but one of them is going to miss out on the final.

France’s all-star front four (well, five) of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola has certainly lived up to the billing, with a whopping 28 goal contributions between them. They’ve accounted for all 16 of the goals Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus have scored at the tournament.

But Mbappé and co. are about to encounter the stingiest defence they’ve faced yet – one which was only breached for the first time in the quarter-finals. Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella – backed up by Golden Glove leader Unai Simón – have routinely shut down opposition threat, giving up a tournament-low 1.8 Expected Goals (xG).

On paper, then, this one is going to be a classic attack vs defence showdown – but we’ve also seen enough of this World Cup that we almost expect the script to be flipped…

🏆📊 Ranking the four semi-finalists

Great grudge match has never meant more

It’s one of the World Cup’s great grudge matches – and it’s never meant as much as this. For the first time since 2002, England and Argentina go head-to-head on the biggest stage – and later in the tournament than they ever have.

For all the pain of Maradona’s flawed brilliance in 1986 and David Beckham’s disgrace-inducing red in 1998, England do have the upper hand against Argentina in World Cup matches – recording three wins to their great rivals’ two – though the Three Lions have yet to triumph over the Albiceleste in knockout football. That would be a bonus milestone for Tuchel as he looks to lead England to their first World Cup final in 60 years.

This is also a clash of the two most resilient teams left in the tournament, which could set up an absolute ding-doing of a contest – though neither will be happy to partake in another World Cup classic if it doesn’t book them a place in New York next Sunday.

It wouldn’t be an understatement to say this is England’s biggest World Cup match since 1966 – but Argentina are arguably under no less pressure for the fact it’s ‘only’ their biggest since 2022. This is the kind of needle-imbued, heavyweight bout World Cups are all about – and it has all the ingredients to be one for the ages.

🇿🇦 The tragic passing of South Africa’s Jayden Adams

🇩🇪 Jürgen Klopp closes in on return to management with Germany

📺 How the new World Cup VAR rules spared England

Merino’s heroics save Spain once again

If Spain need a goal, Luis de la Fuente knows who to turn to. For the second knockout match running, Mikel Merino was introduced off the bench and found the decisive goal, with his late strike handing the European champions a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in their quarter-final clash.

With the score locked at 1-1 after Charles De Ketelaere’s header cancelled out Fabián Ruiz’s first-half opener, we looked set for extra time. But after entering the action late on, super-sub Merino pounced on Senne Lammens’ costly error, smashing a close-range rebound into the roof of the net on 88 minutes to seal Spain’s semi-final spot. 

Merino’s heroics against both Portugal and Belgium ensure he’s the first player in World Cup history to score the winning goal in two different knockout matches as a substitute. 

Post-match, de la Fuente described the Arsenal man as “world class”, and it’s easy to see why – Merino’s physicality and attacking instinct provide Spain with a different dimension in the box. His productive form does give de la Fuente an intriguing selection headache: should the head coach continue relying on Merino as an impact substitute or throw him in from the start?

The 30-year-old has done all he can and demonstrated exactly what he offers. Spain’s current formula works, but it would be a risk to leave Merino on the bench against an in form France side in their semi-final on July 14. 

🇪🇸🇧🇪 On the whistle Spain-Belgium match report

Yamal backs a formidable Spain to strike fear into France

It’s confirmed – Spain will face France for a place in this year’s World Cup final and Lamine Yamal is relishing the challenge.

“If anyone should be afraid, it’s them. We’ve eliminated them [from Euro 2024 and the 2024-25 Nations League],” said Yamal. “We are two great teams, for me, the two best, but we have no fear.”

The winger’s confidence is backed by an array of mind-boggling statistics, including the fact that Spain have now set the outright longest unbeaten run in their history, avoiding defeat in their previous 36 matches since a 1-0 loss to Colombia in March 2024 (W27 D9). 

De la Fuente is also enjoying a formidable run as Spain’s head coach, with La Roja now having progressed from all seven of their knockout games at major tournaments (World Cup/Euros). The only manager to advance from their first eight such ties with a European nation is Vittorio Pozzo, who did it with Italy between 1934 and 1938. 

Yamal’s self-belief will collide with France’s poise and self-assurance – whatever happens, it promises to be a fascinating encounter.

🇪🇸🗣️ Those Yamal quotes in full

Belgium run out of luck with injuries

Thibaut Courtois’ withdrawal due to an apparent thigh injury proved to be the final straw for Belgium, who eventually succumbed to Spanish pressure with just two minutes of normal time to go.

Lammens became the first goalkeeper other than the Real Madrid shotstopper to represent Belgium at a World Cup since Geert de Vlieger against Brazil in 2002, and Courtois’ absence ultimately cost the Red Devils.

Belgium were also dealt another massive blow before kick-off as captain Youri Tielemans got injured in the warm-up. He joined Aston Villa teammate Amadou Onana on the sidelines, meaning Rudi Garcia was without his first-choice midfield pivot. 

Furthermore, Romelu Lukaku’s domestic season has been hampered by injury and the striker has only been fit enough to start one game at the tournament. The striker was introduced in the second half, but, like the rest of his teammates, he couldn’t wrestle back control of the match from an incessant Spain. 

As if Belgium’s task against the reigning European champions wasn’t hard enough, these injuries and fitness concerns made their task almost impossible.

The make up of the second World Cup semifinal will be decided today as Norway meet England in Miami and holders Argentina clash with Switzerland in Kansas City.

Can Haaland keep Norway’s fairytale World Cup return on track?

After a 28-year hiatus from the global stage, Norway are gearing up for their first World Cup quarter-final in the country’s history. 

It’s been a dream tournament for the Scandinavian nation, and it hit new, glorious heights when they defeated five-time World champions Brazil 2-1 in the last 16 thanks to a clinically dispatched double from Erling Haaland. 

The Manchester City striker already has seven goals at this tournament, and against Brazil, he became just the eighth European player to score in each of his opening four World Cup appearances, and first since Christian Vieri for Italy in 1998. 

Could Haaland score in five consecutive games at his first World Cup? The previous player to achieve this was Colombia’s James Rodríguez in 2014, while Germany’s Gerd Müller was the last European to do this, back in 1970. 

The Norwegian is just one strike behind Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi in the 2026 World Cup scoring charts, so with the Golden Boot firmly in his sights, he’ll aim to extend his nation’s fairytale tournament, while dashing English dreams.

🇳🇴🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Norway-England match preview

England aim to hold their nerve

England showcased a different side to their game and personality in the previous round, digging deep in uncompromising and testing circumstances to beat Mexico 3-2 at an electric Azteca.

Jude Bellingham netted twice in 98 seconds to propel the Three Lions into dreamland, before Julián Quiñones pulled a goal back for the co-hosts. Jarrel Quansah was then dismissed shortly after the break, but England reclaimed their two-goal advantage through Harry Kane’s penalty. Despite Raúl Jiménez’s spot-kick setting up a nervy finish, England held on for one of their greatest victories in World Cup history. 

With their backs against the wall, England delivered, but Haaland has ramped up the pressure on Thomas Tuchel’s side, calling them the “clear favourites” to win this tie.

England notoriously stumble in the latter stages of the competition – they’ve been eliminated from five of their previous six World Cup knockout matches against European opposition and each of their last three in succession. 

For the 2024 European Championship runners-up, this quarter-final is both a psychological and physical battle for a nation desperate for World Cup glory.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🗣️ Haaland playing ‘mind games’ - Nico O’Reilly

Two worlds collide as Argentina and Switzerland clash for a semi-final spot

In their previous two knockout games, Argentina have flirted with the prospect of a monumental World Cup exit. But their fears have never been as palpable as when Egypt stormed into a 2-0 lead midway through the second half.

Lionel Messi had already missed a penalty before the break and was really struggling to break down Egypt’s stubborn defence. But almost out of nowhere, in under four second half minutes, he registered an assist and then a goal to haul the scoreline back to 2-2, before Enzo Fernández’s last-ditch winner. 

It means the 39-year-old has now scored in nine successive World Cup matches, and he’s also the first player in World Cup history to net in six consecutive knockout stage outings. 

Switzerland have only conceded three goals in five games at this tournament, keeping clean sheets in their latest two fixtures. Their resolve will be put to the ultimate test against the unstoppable Messi.

In over 120 minutes of football, Colombia were unable to find a way past the Swiss, who won 4-3 in the penalty shootout as Gregor Kobel crucially saved Juan Hernández’s attempt. 

Cape Verde and Egypt have set the blueprint for how to contain Argentina, but given Switzerland’s added defensive quality and steel, they could potentially frustrate the World Cup holders even more than their previous opponents. 

🇦🇷🇨🇭 Argentina-Switzerland match preview

🇳🇴 Erling Haaland is winning over hearts and minds at the World Cup

🇵🇹 Veteran coach Jorge Jesus signs in as new Portugal coach

🇺🇸 Pochettino ‘not at fault’ for USMNT World Cup exit

Mbappé recovers from penalty miss to crush Morocco

France confidently flexed their tournament-winning credentials by shrugging off Morocco, beating the Atlas Lions 2-0 in Boston to seal the first spot in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.

Kylian Mbappé’s uncharacteristic penalty miss in the first half - only his second failure from 16 spot kicks he’s taken for France - offered Morocco a lifeline. Still, the Real Madrid frontman wouldn’t afford Mohamed Ouahbi’s men the same mercy after the break, curling in a sumptuous effort right into the corner on the hour mark to deservedly give France the lead, moving him level with Lionel Messi on eight goals in the 2026 Golden Boot race.

Just six minutes later, the result was put beyond any doubt when 2025 Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé dribbled at Morocco’s backline, before calmly slotting an effort into the bottom corner, having been assisted by Mbappé. 

This meant that France’s captain became the first player to record 10 or more goal involvements at multiple World Cups, with his eight goals and three assists bettering his return from 2022 (eight goals, two assists). 

Morocco managed just 0.14 xG and one shot on target against a France side who have hit a seemingly unassailable rhythm.

🇫🇷🇲🇦 On the whistle France-Morocco match report

The battle for all-time supremacy

On the day when Mbappé equalled Hugo Lloris’ record for the most appearances at a World Cup for France, he became the fourth player in 60 years to score, assist and miss a penalty in a match at the finals, with Messi also doing the same against Egypt earlier in the week.

Mbappé’s expertly taken opener ensured he’s now the second player in World Cup history to reach 20 goals in the competition’s history. The 27-year-old is just one strike behind Messi in the all-time charts and looks unstoppable.

Despite the saved penalty, which was excellently stopped by Yassine Bounou, Mbappé couldn’t be silenced. The unstoppable Frenchman’s 11-goal contributions are the most by a player in a single edition of the tournament since Gerd Müller in 1970 (10 goals, three assists). Mbappé is playing like a man on a mission to reclaim his World Cup crown.

🇫🇷🗣️ “There’s no room for complacency” - Mbappé

Deschamps set for history in the semi-final

France’s headline-grabbing attack will receive nearly all the plaudits, but head coach Didier Deschamps is also set to reach uncharted territory.

The 2-0 victory over Morocco meant that Deschamps became the first coach to oversee 20 wins at the tournament, while this was his 25th World Cup match in charge of the national team, equalling the record of West Germany coach Helmut Schön. 

Before this World Cup, there were questions about how France would get the best out of all their outstanding attacking talent. But the 57-year-old has emphatically brushed off these concerns, with Mbappe, Dembélé and Michael Olise all enjoying sensational tournaments.

The second quarter-final is played in Los Angeles, where France will find out their opponents in a semi-final that takes place on Bastille Day.

It sees the reigning European champions Spain tussle with Belgium, with both sides unbeaten at this tournament and looking to exorcise the demons of 2022, where neither heavyweight advanced beyond the Round of 16. 

Spain’s impenetrable defence

Spain’s defence is quietly and efficiently spearheading La Roja’s charge for a second World Cup trophy. Luis de la Fuente’s side still haven’t conceded at the tournament, and following their 1-0 victory over Portugal in the last 16, they became the first team in the competition’s history to keep six successive clean sheets.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 12th-minute effort was the first shot on target Spain faced in a first half at this World Cup. Despite Spain’s misfiring attack, Portugal didn’t manage a single shot on target in the second half, with substitute Mikel Merino’s well-taken 91st-minute stoppage-time winner settling the tie. 

Goalkeeper Unai Simón, as well as defenders Marc Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsí have all started every game at the tournament, producing consistent and reliable performances to make Spain’s goal seem almost untouchable. 

De la Fuente has pinpointed a successful formula and opted for continuity. So far, it has worked wonders, with Spain’s defence arguably the primary reason for their near-perfect progression into the quarter-finals. 

🇪🇸🇧🇪 Spain-Belgium match preview

Belgium’s scintillating attack comes alive

After consecutive draws in their opening two group matches against Egypt and Iran, which yielded just one goal, all eyes were on Belgium's underperforming attack.

With the threat of a premature exit from the competition looming, Rudi Garcia’s men delivered when it mattered most, netting 12 times in their next three games. Firstly, they thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to finish top of Group G, before sealing an extraordinary 3-2 comeback victory over Senegal. 

Belgium then ended the United States’ World Cup dream in the last round, smashing the co-hosts 4-1. It was a productive outing for Charles De Ketelaere, who became the first Belgian player on record to be directly involved in three goals in a single World Cup match (two goals, one assist). 

Once again, Romelu Lukaku made another notable contribution as a substitute, scoring his third goal off the bench in this tournament to add some serious gloss to the result against the United States.

History favours the Spanish

Belgium are still on the hunt for their first-ever major tournament title, while Spain aim to add the World title to the European crown they won in 2024.

The history points in favour of the Spanish, who are unbeaten in their last 11 meetings with Belgium in all competitions (W9 D2) – a run stretching back to 1980. Moreover, Spain have won their last five games against the Red Devils by an aggregate score of 13-1. 

Given past fixtures and their current standings, Spain will be the overwhelming favourites to reach the semi-finals, where a mouthwatering tie against France could await them.

However, if their impressive array of midfield and attacking talent clicks on the day, Garcia’s side are more than capable of causing an upset. 

🇪🇸🇧🇪 Spain-Belgium all-time record

✍️⚽️ Going first or second in a penalty shootout - does it matter?

👀 Ranking the most controversial refereeing decisions at the World Cup

📺 Mexico-England the most watched game in US history!

Picking up where we left off?

So, the Round of 16 – for the first time, not the first knockout round of the World Cup but the second – is in the books. And what did we learn?

Well, ostensibly, it was more competitive than the first-ever Round of 32. While that saw five out of 16 games won by a margin of two goals or more (31.25%), only two of the eight last-16 matches were as one-sided in scoreline (25%).

If we’re looking at things in proportion, the last 16 also produced a higher volume of World Cup classics. England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico – only the co-hosts’ third defeat in 90 competitive encounters at the iconic Azteca – was absolutely worth staying up into the early hours of the morning for, while Argentina’s monster-mentality comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt by the same scoreline was just as memorable (even with the conspiracy theories).

And lastly, it was a round in which the crème de la crème of world football came out to play once again. Kylian Mbappé kept his cool to decide France’s bad-tempered clash with Paraguay from the spot; Erling Haaland continued his dream debut World Cup with two more typically world-class goals as Norway saw off Brazil; England’s superstar duo Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane did the business again; and Lionel Messi, well… Lionel Messi was Lionel Messi.

🔍 Rating the Round of 16 games in full

FotMob Team of the Round

Three of those aforementioned stars made it into FotMob’s Team of the Week for the Round of 16, along with Mbappé and Messi’s France and Argentina teammates Dayot Upamecano and Cristian Romero, and six more players covering three other nations.

Morocco are the best-represented country in the XI, with both full-backs – Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui – and sought-after attacking midfielder Azzedine Ounahi all making significant contributions as the 2022 semi-finalists continued to prove that run wasn’t just a flash in the pan, dispatching co-hosts Canada 3-0.

Meanwhile, Belgium striker Charles De Ketelaere was one of four players to bag a brace in the Round of 16 as the Red Devils defeated the USA 4-1 to make it three hosts out of three eliminated at the same stage.

For our best graphics, follow @fotmobapp on Instagram

The Big Guns continue to deliver

In surely one of the most thrilling Golden Boot races in World Cup history, four players are separated by two goals – and they’re all averaging better than a goal a game.

All-time record World Cup scorer Messi still leads the way on eight – despite missing both penalties he’s taken at this tournament – with Mbappé in hot pursuit on seven as he aims to go back-to-back and become the first player ever to win multiple Golden Boots.

But 2018 recipient Kane – who trails seven-goal Mbappé and Haaland by one – must fancy himself to do likewise. He and Haaland will also be acutely aware that one of them is going no further this summer…

The quarter-finals begin with a bang, with that rematch between France and Morocco the only game on the agenda today.

The remaining ties are spread over Friday and Saturday, with tonight’s victors going on face the winners of Spain vs. Belgium in the semis.

France’s quest continues against Morocco side out for revenge

For the second World Cup running, France and Morocco meet in the knockouts – this time, a round earlier.

Two-time winners France, aiming to reach a third straight final, had been in ominous form – but Paraguay, for all their nefarious tactics, proved the French threat can be nullified to a degree. That being said, Les Bleus still thoroughly dominated proceedings as they have done throughout the tournament, with Mbappé showing once more that he’s in the form of his life as he looks to win his second World Cup still aged just 27.

If Morocco are to do as Paraguay did – and, they’ll hope, inflict revenge on 2022’s 2-0 defeat in the final four – it won’t be purely through defensive resilience. The Atlas Lions more than proved themselves to be an attacking force to be reckoned with, with goals flowing freely from multiple sources – though three-goal striker Ismael Saibari, just signed by Bayern Munich, is an injury doubt.

🇫🇷🇲🇦 France-Morocco match preview

Morocco centre-backs must be ready for unstoppable Mbappé

France’s terrifying forward foursome of Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Mbappé can each cause any defence a whole world of problems in their own right – but it’s the latter, their captain and talisman, who spearheads it all.

No team at this World Cup has prevented the Real Madrid striker from at least providing an assist, and he’s scored against four of France’s five opponents so far – so Morocco’s likely centre-back pairing of Issa Diop and Chadi Riad will know they’ll have to be at the top of their game as the African champions brace to come under the cosh more than they’ve done at any point this summer.

🎯 France are joint-top scorers but Deschamps still wants more!

Hakimi could present Digne’s toughest test

The superstar of the Morocco team, skipper Achraf Hakimi must be in the conversation for a place in the Team of the Tournament.

The all-action PSG right-back has yet to miss a minute at these finals, asserting his reputation as one of the world’s finest operators in his position on both sides of the ball – and his attacking prowess will doubtless keep his opposite number, France left-back Lucas Digne, heavily occupied in Boston.

It’s been said that Digne is the weak link in Didier Deschamps’ side. Well, it’s time for the 32-year-old to prove he’s not and draw on his ample experience to try and shut down the considerable threat of Hakimi in what promises to be an intriguing individual battle.

🇫🇷🔑 Olise key to everything France do at this World Cup

🇪🇬 The fall out continues following Egypt’s exit to Argentina

🇨🇴 The World Cup made James Rodríguez, now he must say goodbye

De Ketelaere delivers as presidential intervention backfires

And then there were none. Just like Canada and Mexico, the USA crashed out in the last 16 of their own World Cup – thrashed 4-1 by Belgium amid the tournament’s greatest controversy so far.

With Folarin Balogun cleared to play after his red-card ban was suspended following an intervention by Donald Trump – who personally contacted FIFA chief Gianni Infantino asking for a review – the USA ought to have been buoyed as they eyed a first quarter-final since 2002.

Instead, the farcical situation only seemed to galvanise Belgium, who completely dominated proceedings in Seattle to record their biggest-ever World Cup knockout win.

Leading the line once more, Charles De Ketelaere was involved in three of his country’s goals – scoring twice in the first half, either side of Malik Tillman’s deflected free-kick which had the States fleetingly level, before teeing up Hans Vanaken as the Red Devils took full advantage of goalkeeper Matt Freese’s second-half howler. De Ketelaere is the first Belgian to register three goal contributions in a single game at the World Cup.

Romelu Lukaku extended his national record to 93 by netting his customary goal from the bench for the third game running, putting the icing on the cake and compounding the hosts’ misery as Belgium set up a quarter-final date with European champions Spain.

🇺🇸🇧🇪 On the whistle USA-Belgium match report

Merino magic means miserable end of an era for Ronaldo

Mikel Merino struck the winner minutes after being subbed on as Spain saw off Iberian rivals Portugal 1-0 in Dallas, keeping their quest for a second World Cup on course and bringing down the curtain on 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo’s 20-year World Cup career.

Played through in the first minute of stoppage time by another of Luis de la Fuente’s second-half introductions, Ferran Torres, Merino sent Spain into the last eight for the first time since they were crowned world champions in 2010 – when they also defeated Portugal 1-0 in the last 16…

This game was hardly a World Cup classic, but Spain aren’t likely to have cared as they became the first side in the history of the competition to keep six successive clean sheets – with goalkeeper Unai Simon extending his all-time individual record to 609 minutes without conceding.

As for a teary-eyed Portugal captain Ronaldo, who had said ahead of kick-off that this would be his last World Cup, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected: “I will wake up tomorrow the same way I woke up today: with a clear conscience. I gave my all. I won three titles with Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal had never won a big trophy.”

🇪🇸🗣️ “We don’t care who we face” - Luis de la Fuente is feeling confident

The Round of 16 concludes on Tuesday evening as the tournament heads into its first football-less day after 27 straight days of action (nb. there will no newsletter tomorrow, but we’ll be back on Thursday!).

First up, holders Argentina take on Egypt in Atlanta, before Switzerland face Colombia in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Argentina hot favourites against Egypt, but neither of two modern icons will want this to be the end

As Argentina continue the defence of their crown and look to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup, the Golden Boot race could take another intriguing twist.

Currently level on seven goals with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland at a tournament where the superstars really have come out to play, Lionel Messi will have sights set on scoring in a record-extending ninth consecutive World Cup match.

Whatever happens in Atlanta, it looks set to be the end of an era for one modern great.

If Argentina triumph as all logic suggests, that’s probably that for Egypt skipper and talisman Mohamed Salah – now 35 – at least on this stage. And if the Pharaohs spring an almighty surprise on the Albiceleste, 39-year-old Messi surely bows out with nothing left to prove at the pinnacle of international football.

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between the two countries and the omens aren’t great for Egypt: while Messi just keeps scoring, they haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last five World Cup outings…

🇦🇷🇪🇬 Argentina-Egypt match preview

Switzerland and Colombia bid goodbye to stadium where it rains goals

Switzerland and Colombia go head-to-head in an intriguingly poised tie from which the victors will play Argentina or Egypt in the quarter-finals.

Having finally notched their very first World Cup knockout success, Switzerland are targeting a first quarter-final since reaching that stage as hosts (of a 16-team tournament) way back in 1954.

Colombia, meanwhile, made it to their only quarter-final 12 years ago in Brazil – but they’ve already made some history by winning a knockout game outside South America for the first time in their seven World Cup appearances to date.

This encounter also marks the 2026 World Cup’s farewell to Canada – and to a stadium, BC Place Vancouver, whose six matches at these finals have seen an average of just shy of five goals.

And maybe ominously for Colombia, Switzerland have already won twice here – beating Canada 2-1 in their final group fixture then dispatching Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32.

🇨🇭🇨🇴 The Opta Analyst preview Switzerland-Colombia

🇦🇷🗣️ Argentina determined not to underestimate Egypt

🇵🇹🗣️ Cristiano Ronaldo’s defiant post-World Cup exit quotes in full

🇺🇸😞 USMNT made to pay for not showing up against Belgium

Haaland’s heroics sink Brazil

You can’t prevent the inevitable, and the unstoppable Erling Haaland was the deciding factor in this tie, netting a brilliant double to help Norway to a historic 2-1 victory over Brazil. 

Haaland’s second-half goals – a towering header and a sweet, arrowed strike into the bottom corner – earned Norway a World Cup quarter-final spot for the first time in the country’s history, despite Neymar’s incredibly late penalty threatening to ruin the party.

Alongside the Manchester City frontman, Norway also have Ørjan Nyland to thank, after the currently clubless goalkeeper saved Bruno Guimarães’ penalty in the first half. 

Nevertheless, the untameable Haaland and will rightfully grab the headlines, moving level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé on seven goals at the top of the 2026 World Cup scoring charts.

Neymar was in tears after the full-time whistle on what was his 15th and final World Cup appearance for Brazil, while Haaland led Norway’s already iconic Viking Row by banging the drum to dictate the celebration. Safe to say, it’s the greatest result in Norwegian football history, and with their formidable goal-scoring machine up top, anything is possible for the Scandinavians.

🇧🇷🇳🇴 On the whistle Brazil-Norway match report

England dig deep to overcome Mexico in a thriller

In a game that truly had everything, England battled to secure a hard-fought and momentous 3-2 victory over Mexico at a feverish Azteca. 

Kick-off was delayed by an hour due to extreme weather, and when the action did get underway, England undermined the pre-match talk about how playing at such a high altitude (2,200m above sea level) would negatively impact their performance. 

Jude Bellingham’s quickfire double – the second-earliest a player has scored twice in a World Cup match for England, after Gary Lineker vs. Poland in 1986 – fired Thomas Tuchel’s side into a 2-0 lead before Julián Quiñones’ drilled finish halved the deficit.

Jarrel Quansah’s red card left England fans fearing the worst, but Harry Kane’s clinical penalty – his sixth goal of the tournament – restored the Three Lions’ two-goal advantage. Raúl Jiménez replicated Kane’s calmness, stroking a penalty of his own into the bottom corner to set up a frenetic ending, but England defiantly held on to book their 11th World Cup quarter-final, with only Brazil (15) and Germany (14) having reached more in the competition’s history. 

40 years on, returning to the scene of Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal, England condemned Mexico to a rare defeat at the Azteca. The sporting cathedral is an iconic landmark, befitting of the full-throttle football that was on show throughout the 101 minutes in the Mexican capital. 

Another belting rendition of Oasis’ ‘Wonderwall’ anthem was sung by the England players, coaching staff and fans after the full-time whistle. Once again, there’s palpable belief that these players could go all the way. 

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🗣️ Azteca triumph ‘felt like winning a final’ - Thomas Tuchel

Norway and England now set for quarter-final clash

Following their closely-contested last-16 victories, both England and Norway enjoyed heartfelt celebrations with their supporters. When they meet for their quarter-final next Saturday, only one nation will experience similar jubilation.

Tuchel must try and find out the formula to neutralise Haaland’s threat. The 25-year-old is in the form of his life for Norway, having now scored in 14 successive competitive appearances for this country, netting a whopping 27 goals in that run. Out of nowhere, he can just pop up and convert a chance with deadly composure. 

Norway’s team talk won’t be easy either. Through Kane and Bellingham, England possess two world-class attackers who love to deliver on the big occasion. The pair have bagged 10 of the Three Lions’ 11 goals at this tournament 

Miami will host this mouthwatering encounter, with the two nations aiming to build on the goodwill and unity generated by their previous knockout exploits.

The last 16 is in full swing and Monday looks set to be another thrilling episode of action as the quarter-finals begin to take serious shape. 

First off, two heavyweights collide as reigning European champions Spain face Portugal in a mouthwatering encounter between the Iberian neighbours. 

Next up, the United States aim to keep their World Cup dream alive in their homeland when they play Belgium in Seattle. 

Next-Gen Yamal’s Spain out to end Ronaldo’s World Cup dream with Portugal

Everyone associated with Portugal breathed a huge sigh of relief when Joško Gvardiol’s equaliser in the 13th minute of second-half stoppage was ruled out because Mario Pašalić had strayed offside, allowing Roberto Martínez’s side to claim a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory.

Earlier Cristiano Ronaldo - who confirmed he’s featuring in his last World Cup - was ecstatic when he netted the equaliser from the penalty spot to score his first knockout-stage goal on his ninth appearance. The 41-year-old’s mood turned when he was taken off for Gonçalo Ramos, but Martínez’s decision was vindicated when the recent Milan signing headed in the winner. 

After finishing second in their group and only just squeezing past Croatia in the last-32, Portugal have been far from convincing in this tournament. And they won’t have it any easier against one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

Spain effortlessly coasted past Austria in their Round of 32 tie, winning 3-0 thanks, in part, to a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal. Luis de la Fuente’s men are not only unbeaten at this World Cup they have yet to concede a goal, and with Lamine Yamal seemingly back to full strength, they are purring in attack.

La Roja have won all nine games that Yamal has started in at major tournaments. And despite not turning 19 until next Monday, the dazzling winger is absolutely indispensable and could easily be the difference that sends Ronaldo home in the final World Cup game of an illustrious career.

🇵🇹🇪🇸 Complete history of the Iberian Derby

USA and Belgium grit their teeth to tussle for a last-16 spot

Nerves were jangling throughout the United States when star striker Folarin Balogun was sent off after 64 minutes, having put Mauricio Pochettino’s side ahead in the first half in their Round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

The co-hosts demonstrated tremendous determination to protect their 1-0 advantage with 10 men, before Malik Tillman’s late free-kick doubled the lead. It underlined the togetherness of the current American squad, who sealed their nation’s first World Cup knockout triumph since 2002, while also posting their third win of the tournament – the most the USA have managed in a single edition of the competition. These records aren’t cemented. Instead, they could be extended. 

It’s still somewhat unbelievable that opponents Belgium are still in the tournament after falling 2-0 behind against Senegal last time out. Somehow, out of absolutely nowhere, the Red Devils rallied, launching the latest ever two-goal comeback to avoid defeat inside 90 minutes at a World Cup, with Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans both netting late on to haul the match into extra time. 

Tielemans’ winning penalty in the 125th minute was also the latest goal scored in World Cup history, displaying that, just like the USA, Belgium also understand how to dig deep and battle against the odds to victory. Can they follow up their later-than-late showing by bursting the bubble of the last co-host left in the competition? 

The reward for the winners is an even more intimidating challenge against either Spain or Portugal.

🇺🇸🇧🇪 USA-Belgium match preview

What’s happened with Balogun’s red card?

With three goals at this World Cup, Balogun has been one of the USA’s most important players in his nation’s journey to the last 16. So when he was dismissed for a debatable foul on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemović, it looked as if Pochettino would have to navigate the game against Belgium without his first-choice striker.

But FIFA have controversially stepped in, ruling that the automatic one-match ban would be suspended for a year, citing article 72 of their disciplinary code as the reasoning.

Spare a thought for Belgium, who must be especially frustrated, given that they’ve probably spent the last few days preparing for the tie under the impression that Balogun would not be involved. 

Balogun’s goal and red card meant he’s the first player to score and receive his marching orders in a World Cup match since Zinedine Zidane’s unforgettable role in the 2006 final. Unlike Zizou 20 years ago, Balogun’s tournament is still alive and he could easily play a starring role against Belgium. 

🇧🇪🗣️ Belgium boss Rudi Garcia reacts furiously to Balogun u-turn

🚣 Watch FotMob lead the Viking Row in our native Norway!

☎️ How the White House may have influenced FIFA call on Balogun

🇧🇷 Brazil are squandering a world class talent in Vinícius Júnior 

Mbappé’s penalty enough to end Paraguay’s tournament run

Kylian Mbappé converted a second half spot kick, awarded by VAR, to score his 19th World Cup finals goal (in 19 appearances!) and send France through to the quarterfinals for a third straight tournament. This sets up a rematch with Morocco, the side they beat at the semifinal stage in Qatar four years ago.

Didier Deschamps became the first manager in history to record 10 knockout stage wins at the World Cup but his side had to do it the hard way, as Paraguay came out to spoil France’s usual free-flowing game.

In blistering heat, with pitchside temperatures hitting 39°C, Gustavo Alvaro set up his team to contain France by any means necessary. And for the large part, it was a tactic that worked, with Les Bleus reduced to zero shots on target in the first half, having previously scored at least three goals in each of their last four games.

After Mbappé’s penalty - his seventh goal at these finals - had eventually broken the deadlock, France successfully negotiated an increasingly ugly affair as Paraguay’s desperation to break up play and find an equaliser threatened to spill over.

🇵🇾🇫🇷 On the whistle Paraguay-France match report

Paraguay pushed sportsmanship to the limit

In sharp contrast to the refereeing in the other game of the day (see below), the leniency shown by Uzbek official Ilgiz Tantashev during the clash in Philadelphia has come under serious question.

Referees have clearly been instructed to let the game flow at this tournament but Paraguay’s adoption of the dark arts (and the not-so-dark but actually rather blatantly negative game-spoiling tactics) appeared to cross the line on numerous occasions.

Amazingly, the South American’s containment of France’s attacking threat through strong tackles, off-the-ball antics, and clear baiting of the opposition resulted in zero yellow cards inside 90 minutes. And even the obvious trip on Désiré Doué inside the area that led to Mbappé’s goal, was not initially awarded as a penalty until VAR forced the on-pitch referee to check the monitor.

France had the last laugh though, with Mbappé telling reporters “They thought we'd show up in tuxedos, but we were ready. Even at that game, we were better than them.

"That's their style of football. There's no right or wrong way to play the game. They tried to beat us that way, but we won.”

Morocco dispatch co-hosts Canada

The Atlas Lions made further history on the world stage after their 3-0 win over Canada had earlier seen them become the first side through to the next round.

Morocco are now the first African nation to reach the last eight on more than one occasion, and they’ve done so in back-to-back tournaments, following on from their seminal run all the way to the semis in Qatar.

For the first 45 minutes in Houston, Canada stuck to coach Jesse Marsch’s game plan to the letter, albeit there were a World Cup record equalling six yellow cards dished out by Premier League referee Michael Oliver before half time - more cards than shots on goal(!), and the final card count of eight (all yellow) was the most of any match at these particular finals.

After half-time, Morocco turned it on, scoring with all three of their shots on target - Azzedine Ounahi bagging two, both with impressive first touch finishes, before Soufiane Rahimi put further gloss on the scoreline in stoppage time.

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi only took the Morocco job in March, but by backing up their recent success at the World Cup with this run to the quarterfinals, he has already proven his tactical acumen.

🇨🇦🗣️ Jesse Marsch believes Canada were the “better team.”

Before we move too far ahead, here’s a reminder of the FotMob Team of the Round for the last 32. For our best graphics, check out @fotmobapp on Instagram.

Sunday promises to be a special day at the World Cup as two more quarterfinals places are up for grabs.

First, five-time record winners Brazil take on Norway, the only side they’ve faced multiple times in their history without actually beating.

And then, at the formidable Azteca, Mexico face Thomas Tuchel’s England.

Brazil out to end Norway’s fairytale return to the World Cup

Up to this point, Carlo Ancelotti has received high praise for his ability to get the best out of a Brazil side considered by many as not up to the standard of previous generations.

Their response to a frustrating draw with Morocco in their group stage opener has seen the Seleção record back-to-back 3-0 wins and then overhaul Japan in a tactical masterclass thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage time winner.

Norway, though, will provide a different test, with the iconic Viking Row emblematic of a team and fanbase united in their quest to get beyond the Round of 16 for the first time, back at a tournament they have not featured in since 1998.

The last time they did, Norway beat Brazil in the group stages at France ‘98, and their all-time record against the South Americans reads P4, W2, D2, L0.

🇧🇷🇳🇴 Brazil-Norway match preview

Mexico to take on England at the Azteca, as originally advertised

The build up for The Three Lions’ trip to face co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City has been a complicated one - and seemingly through no fault of the competing teams -, with FIFA at one point threatening to bring forward the kick-off by six hours.

With that logistical nightmare now averted, the pre-match chatter reverts to the cold hard facts around the task facing Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Mexico are yet to concede a goal in their four wins at these finals, and at the Azteca, famously 2,200m above sea level, they are unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches - with the iconic stadium having hosted games at three separate finals (1970, 1986, and 2026).

England also have bad memories of the arena, having been knocked out of the ‘86 finals by Argentina in a quarterfinal famous for the five minute spell in which Diego Maradona scored both his Hand of God goal, and the ‘Goal of the Century’ that followed.

🇲🇽🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Mexico-England match preview

The race for the Golden Boot is compelling viewing

After Kylian Mbappé matched Lionel Messi for seven goals at this tournament, it’s now over to the chasing pack in the race for the Golden Boot. Erling Haaland, Harry Kane (both on five goals), and Vinícius Júnior (four) should all feature for their respective sides on Sunday.

Haaland, never one to shy away from a goalscoring feat, has the opportunity to match Just Fontaine’s record of scoring in each of his first four World Cup appearances (six other Europeans have also achieved this). The Frenchman went on to score 13 goals at the 1958 finals - a standard that has never looked likely to be beaten…until this year.

For Kane, already England’s all-time top scorer, it’s a chance to extend his new record of 13 World Cup goals for his country.

🤖 The Opta Supercomputer recalculates it’s predicted World Cup winner

🏟️ Azteca “just another stadium” according to England’s Declan Rice

⚽️ A closer look at the all-time World Cup goalscoring records

Reigning champions eventually end Cape Verde’s fairytale

Heading into this match, there couldn’t have been a larger disparity between Argentina's and Cape Verde’s World Cup pedigree, history, expectations, and squad depth.

Nevertheless, the Blue Sharks handed the reigning world champions their toughest test of the tournament so far in an epic battle as Argentina needed an 111th-minute own goal from Diney Borges to progress into the last 16.

Back in Miami, where he plays his club football, Lionel Messi became the first player to reach 20 World Cup goals in what was his 30th finals appearance, opening the scoring with a delightful touch and finish to open the scoring. 

Deroy Duarte levelled after the break and Cape Verde rode out an Argentine attacking storm to take the game into extra time, where Lionel Scaloni’s men swiftly restored their lead through Lisandro Martínez’s powerful effort. 

Once again, the minnows found another equaliser as Sidny Cabral curled in one of the goals of the tournament into the top corner. But Argentina’s blushes were spared when Cristian Romero’s header deflected off Borges, with the South Americans just about clinging onto the victory in one of the greatest World Cup games in history - all thanks to the brave performance of the underdogs. Salah’s Egypt are up next for Argentina.

🇦🇷🗣️ Messi offers rare but fare tactical insights

Salah’s Panenka penalty helps Egypt to a faultless shootout triumph

Egypt’s 2026 World Cup reached fresh uncharted territory as they squirmed into the last-16 thanks to a flawless penalty shootout victory over Australia. 

Both teams came into this fixture without a knockout-stage win in the competition and had never taken part in penalties, but Egypt became only the second African nation to ever win a shootout, after Morocco’s two triumphs (2022 v Spain, 2026 v Netherlands). 

Emam Ashour headed Egypt in front, before an own goal from Mohamed Hany hauled Australia back into the contest, taking the match to extra time, where the sides still couldn’t be separated.

Penalties beckoned and Egypt delivered when it mattered most. Mahmoud Saber, Rami Rabia, Mohamed Salah and Hossam Abdelmaguid all dispatched their efforts, while Australia missed two spot-kicks, with 18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington striking the bar to all but seal Egypt’s victory. 

One of the most dominant pre-game narratives was the touch-and-go fitness of Salah, but the 34-year-old captained his country and played the full match before dinking an outrageous Panenka penalty over Mat Ryan in the shootout. Salah was never going to miss this occasion and was in tears of joy after leading his nation through to the last-16.

🇦🇺🇪🇬 On the whistle Australia-Egypt match report

Arias ensures Colombia’s progress as the tournament dark horses

Jhon Arias was Colombia’s hero, sending his nation through to the Round of 16 with an early strike to secure a 1-0 win over Ghana. 

The 28-year-old’s clinical, first-time volley, was the second-quickest goal in Colombia’s World Cup history (13:49), after Pablo Armero’s fifth-minute effort against Greece in 2014. 

Despite a turbulent club campaign, where he left Premier League side Wolves mid-season, Arias is still at the forefront of the international scene and has started all four matches at the tournament. He ensured that Colombia’s journey as one of the World Cup dark horses continued and their unbeaten record remains intact, setting up a last-16 showdown with Switzerland. 

Carlos Quieroz was unable to get revenge on one of his previous employers and Ghana’s underwhelming attack was highlighted by their miserable 0.26 xG and zero shots on target.

🇨🇴🇬🇭 On the whistle Colombia-Ghana match report

The Round of 16 gets underway today, with the competition seriously beginning to heat up.

It all begins with Canada, who tackle Morocco in Houston, with the co-hosts playing a second successive match outside their homeland.

The second game of the day sees a faultless France go up against Paraguay, who are fresh from their stunning penalty shootout victory over Germany.

Morocco pose Canada’s most intimidating threat yet

After losing their final Group B game against Switzerland, Canada squandered the prospect of home advantage in the knockouts. However, this didn’t matter in the Round of 32, with Jesse Marsch’s men claiming a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Africa in Los Angeles.

Canada crowned their first-ever World Cup knockout tie with an emotional victory, and if they’re going to take a step further in the competition, they will need to be at their best against a very impressive Morocco side.

The 2022 semi-finalists needed Issa Diop’s 91st-minute equaliser to force extra time with Netherlands in their Round of 32 clash. The scoreline was still tied after 120 minutes, with Morocco winning an error-strewn penalty shootout as Yassine Bounou decisively saved Crysencio Summerville’s spot-kick, before new Bayern Munich signing Ismael Saibari slotted home to send the Atlas Lions into the last 16. 

In matches against Brazil and Netherlands, Mohamed Ouahbi’s side have demonstrated that they’re more than capable of mixing it with the very best, leaving Canada with a very daunting task. 

🇨🇦🇲🇦 Canada-Morocco match preview

France on fire but Paraguay out to cause another upset

Can anyone stop this scintillating France team? Didier Deschamps’ men are purring at this World Cup, having bagged at least three goals in all four of their matches so far. It was a familiar story against Sweden in their latest outing, with a double from Kylian Mbappé and a strike from Bradley Barcola sealing a 3-0 victory for Les Bleus.

The 2018 winners added Sweden to the list of nations that France has dismantled at this tournament with chilling ease, alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. Nevertheless, Paraguay will be plotting the giant killing of another former winner after taking down Germany on penalties following their 1-1 draw in Boston.

Paraguay handed Germany their first-ever penalty shootout defeat at a World Cup, defying the odds to illustrate that they’re out to ruffle the feathers of the heavyweights. If France were next to fall, that would be an even greater achievement for Gustavo Alfaro’s side.

🇵🇾🇫🇷 Paraguay-France match preview

Mbappé and Olise enjoying generational highs at this tournament

To put it bluntly, the form of France’s captain at the 2026 World Cup has been frightening. In just four games, Mbappé has already managed six goals, and his double against Sweden exemplified the confidence he currently possesses. 

The 27-year-old is the second-highest scorer in this World Cup behind Messi. Mbappé is also outright second in the competition’s all-time goal charts with 18, two off (you guessed it) Messi. 

Another key factor behind Mbappé’s insane productivity has been the creativity and trickery of Michael Olise. The playmaker has now set up three of Mbappé’s goals, and Olise’s tally of five assists is the most by a player at a single World Cup since Thomas Hassler for Germany in 1994.

We could point to even more stats that underline the brilliance of this unstoppable attacking duo, as the pair continue to rip it up at this World Cup. We wish Paraguay’s defence the best of luck.

🇨🇦 The Opta Analyst take a look at Canada’s meteoric rise

🇪🇬👑  Mo Salah is coming to the fore for Egypt

🤔 Confusing reports over the Mexico-England KO time

Oyarzabal stars as Spain brush Austria aside

Spain underlined their tournament-winning credentials with a comprehensive and ruthlessly efficient 3-0 victory over Austria to move through to the next knockout round for the first time since their World Cup triumph in 2010.

Much of the spotlight is rightfully on Yamine Lamal, who was dazzling at the SoFi Stadium, but Mikel Oyarzabal starred, with his two clinical first-time finishes - both from Marc Cucurella crosses - helping the reigning European champions to a well-deserved win. The Real Sociedad striker now has 17 goals in his last 16 starts for the national team, and his brace saw him become the first Spaniard to score more than once in a World Cup knockout fixture since Emilion Butragueno bagged four against Denmark in 1986.

The way Spain strolled off the pitch swiftly after the full-time whistle illustrated that the commanding nature of the victory is business as usual. It was a complete performance from Luis de la Fuente’s side, who remain one of the favourites to lift the famous old trophy on July 19. Spain have yet to concede at this World Cup and their rock solid defence has given up chances worth just 0.9 xG.

🇪🇸🗣️ “The big teams turn up when their presence is needed” - De la Fuente 

Switzerland record first knockout victory in 88 years

Switzerland have clicked into gear and progressed from a World Cup knockout tie for the first time since 1938, surging into the Round of 16 courtesy of a 2-0 win over Algeria in Vancouver.

Johan Manzambi’s breakout tournament continued as the 20-year-old marched past Algeria defender Aissa Mandi, before teeing up Breel Embolo to break the deadlock as early as the 10th minute, registering his fifth goal contribution in North America.

Just 48 seconds after the restart, Switzerland doubled their advantage thanks to Dan Ndoye’s composed finish, booking their place in the next round, where a tie against either Colombia or Ghana awaits them.

Alarm bells were ringing for Switzerland after they conceded a 94th-minute equaliser to Qatar in their opening group match. Since then, Murat Yakin’s men have been faultless, recording three successive victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, and now Algeria. It’s the first time they’ve managed three consecutive wins at a World Cup, with the Swiss now backed by some historic momentum.

🇨🇭 On the whistle match report from Switzerland’s win

Ronaldo has his moment as Portugal set up clash with Spain

Portugal haven’t been convincing at this World Cup, but they dug deep to come from behind and record a remarkably action-packed 2-1 victory over Croatia in Toronto. A result that means they face Spain in the Round of 16. 

Despite their star-studded squad, Portugal finished second in Group K and only managed one win from three matches, and their underwhelming tournament looked to have taken a turn for the worse when 37-year-old Ivan Perišić put Croatia into a 53rd-minute lead. 

But that scoreline didn’t last long, as Ronaldo – four years Perišić’s senior – on his ninth World Cup knockout appearance, coolly netted a penalty to level the game and score his first goal beyond the competition’s group stages, having had an earlier, brilliantly-taken equaliser ruled out for offside. 

The drama didn’t stop there as substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed in a trademark late winner before Joško Gvardiol’s equaliser in the 103rd minute was ruled out for offside. That knocked midfield veteran Luka Modrić out of the World Cup on what is likely to be the last game of an illustrious career.

🇵🇹 Ronaldo dedicates ‘special’ win to Diogo Jota

The final three places in the Round of 16 will be decided today.

The action starts with Australia against Egypt in Dallas, before the reigning world champions Argentina face Cape Verde, the competition’s fairytale story in Miami. 

For the final match of the day, we head over to Kansas City where Colombia take on Ghana. 

Egypt eyeing more history but wait on Salah’s fitness

Egypt have already made history by reaching the competition’s knockout rounds for the first time after finishing second in Group G, courtesy of a win and two draws.

Their maiden victory in what is their fourth appearance at the finals finally arrived in this year’s group stage, against New Zealand, and Hossam Hassan’s side will aim for a second win against Oceanic opponents to further their uncharted journey in North America. 

Australia squeezed through their group by also finishing second, but haven’t found the net in the two games played since beating Türkiye 2-0 in their opening match. 

Some added encouragement for the Socceroos is the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s fitness and whether he will start after he was withdrawn in the 57th minute of Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran due to a hamstring issue. The Pharaohs will need their attacking heartbeat to break down Australia’s stubborn defence, which has conceded just twice at the tournament. 

🇦🇺🇪🇬 Australia-Egypt match preview

Can Cape Verde stop a Messi-inspired Argentina?

Argentina against Cape Verde pits the competition holders and three-time winners against a country playing in their first ever World Cup. 

If Cape Verde’s task wasn’t intimidating enough, Argentina boast the joint-top scorer in this tournament and all-time World Cup history within their ranks. Despite having recently turned 39, the irresistible Lionel Messi remains addicted to breaking records, with six strikes at the 2026 tournament, contributing to his overall tally of 19 goals. 

Whatever happens in this game, the Cape Verdeans will already be considered national heroes as Bubista’s men became the first debutants to advance from a World Cup group stage since Slovakia in 2010, and the first African team to do so since Ghana in 2006. 

Do you think the history stops there for Cape Verde? They’re also the first debutants to go unbeaten in their three group outings since Senegal in 2002. As Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni puts it: “Spain couldn’t beat them, Uruguay couldn’t either. I can guarantee you they’re a team that’s going to make it difficult for us.” The Blue Sharks will relish their underdog status as they look to cause the biggest upset in World Cup history.

🇦🇷🇨🇻 Argentina-Cape Verde match preview

Colombia and Ghana both out to match their best World Cup finishes

After failing to qualify in 2022, Colombia have made an emphatic return to the global stage, finishing first ahead of Portugal in Group K, while Ghana qualified for the Last 32 as one of the best third-ranked sides, having been leapfrogged by Croatia on the final matchday. 

Colombia and Ghana have built reputations at this tournament for their defensive sturdiness, with both countries having posted two clean sheets each in their three games. 

The quarter-finals for Colombia in 2014 and Ghana in 2010 remain the deepest that each have gone at the World Cup, and whoever advances will face a very winnable tie against Switzerland in the Last 16, offering both countries a chance to at least match their best ever run at the tournament.

🇨🇴🇬🇭 Colombia-Ghana match preview

🇦🇷 Argentina’s favourable route to the World Cup final explained

🇪🇸 Lamine Yamal and the sheer weight of expectation

👀 England seek ‘karma’ for Maradona’s Hand of God at the Azteca

Kane outdoes Pelé as skipper bails England out

England rarely do things the easy way, do they? And the Three Lions survived an almighty scare before eventually making their quality count against DR Congo in the Round of 32.

Brian Cipenga’s early strike for the Leopards had England reeling in Atlanta, and it wasn’t until after half-time that Thomas Tuchel’s men started to assert their superiority, with the introduction of Anthony Gordon on the hour mark making a decisive difference.

DR Congo’s stubborn rearguard action – backed up by some brilliant saves from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau – was finally worn down after 75 minutes, Harry Kane heading in the equaliser from Gordon’s floated cross. 

And England’s captain and figurehead was at it again with four minutes to go, receiving the ball from Gordon before shimmying away from his man and smashing a ferocious winner into the roof of the net. Kane now has 13 World Cup goals – taking him past Pelé – and five at this tournament alone.

England will face probably their toughest test so far in the Round of 16 when they take on co-hosts Mexico at the inhospitable Azteca on Sunday night.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🗣️ Kane says England relied on ‘hero moments’

Captain Tielemans’ double late show rescues Belgium

“It’s the most unlikely comeback I’ve ever seen,” said Premier League legend turned UK TV pundit Ian Wright of Belgium’s scarcely believable turnaround against Senegal.

Youri Tielemans’ decisive penalty, five minutes into stoppage time at the end of extra time, was the latest goal in World Cup history – though that wasn’t the only record the Belgians broke in Seattle.

Earlier, Rudi Garcia’s Red Devils had recovered from two goals down later than any team in 90 minutes at the World Cup, having trailed 2-0 with four minutes to go before the heroics of substitute Romelu Lukaku – who just always shows up for his country – and skipper Tielemans, scorer of the 89th-minute equaliser.

While Senegal are left scratching their heads as to how they could have let such an advantage slip in a game they had dominated up until that point, Belgium return to Seattle for a last-16 showdown with co-hosts the USA.

🇧🇪🗣️ Garcia revels in Belgium's 'remontada'

USMNT hold their nerve to make it three out of three

All three host nations are into the last 16 after Mauricio Pochettino’s USA completed the set in somewhat nervy fashion, seeing off Bosnia and Herzegovina despite having Folarin Balogun sent off.

Having broken the deadlock on the stroke of half-time in San Francisco with his third goal of the tournament, Balogun – following a VAR check – received a straight red midway through the second half for serious foul play.

But Malik Tillman’s late free-kick extinguished any threat of a Bosnian fightback as the States secured their first World Cup knockout win since 2002.

🇺🇸🇧🇦 On the whistle USA-Bosnia match report

The next trio of last-32 ties begins with pre-tournament favourites Spain taking on Austria in Los Angeles, before another all-European encounter sees two veteran skippers go head-to-head as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal meet Luka Modrić’s Croatia in Toronto.

It’s then over to the far west of Canada for Switzerland vs Algeria in Vancouver.

Portuguese confidence meets Croatian resilience with old heads at the heart 

“We’re very confident that we’ll beat Croatia,” Portugal’s João Félix boldly proclaimed ahead of this clash.

But Portugal failed to break down DR Congo or Colombia, drawing with both in the group stage, and Croatia showed great resilience to respond to their opening 4-2 loss to England with victories over Panama and Ghana.

Whatever the result at the Toronto Stadium, though, this will surely be the final World Cup farewell for one of the true modern greats. Ronaldo, 41, and Modrić, 40, have amassed some 47 appearances in the competition between them – though the former has yet to score a knockout goal…

🇵🇹🇭🇷 Portugal-Croatia match preview

Spain eyeing Austria revenge as they look to clear next hurdle

After labouring to a shock 0-0 draw with surprise package Cape Verde in their tournament opener, Spain recorded back-to-back wins to top their group and now have some idea of what their potential path to a second World Cup final looks like.

Hoping to scupper their quest for glory are Austria, making their first knockout appearance since the World Cup was held in Spain way back in 1982 – having booked their last-32 spot through Saša Kalajdžić’s last-gasp equaliser against Algeria.

Spain arrive in LA as one of just two teams (alongside Mexico) yet to concede at these finals; Austria won the only previous major tournament meeting between the sides 2-1 in the first group stage of the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.

🇪🇸🇦🇹 Spain-Austria match preview

Entertainment expected as Switzerland encounter familiar face in Algeria dugout

This could be a high-scoring one: Switzerland and Algeria’s combined six group games featured some 22 goals all in all.

Both countries found the net twice or more in two of their three group matches – and both managed three or more goals in a single outing (Switzerland beating Bosnia 4-1, Algeria drawing 3-3 with Austria) – with neither keeping a clean sheet along the way.

The tie also sees Switzerland run into their long-time former manager Vladimir Petković – who led them to the last 16 of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Can they stop him from masterminding Algeria’s maiden World Cup knockout win?

😴 Tuchel says England’s kids should stay up late for Mexico game

🧤 Manuel Neuer heads back in to international retirement

🇵🇹 Portugal’s World class midfield trio is biggest puzzle to fix

Mbappé at the double as France march on

Didier Deschamps returned to the World Cup dugout in time to witness his final and perhaps most complete French side comfortably dispatch Sweden in the Round of 32.

Les Bleus scored three goals for the fourth time in a row at these finals, and all three were a joy to watch as Kylian Mbappé notched up his fifth and sixth of the tournament and Bradley Barcola added his second.

Mbappé is now tied with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot and sits just one down on the new all-time World Cup record that the Argentine set last week (18 to Messi’s 19). And Micheal Olise tops the assists chart after setting up the first and second French goals, taking his tally to five. Paraguay are next up for Deschamps and co.

🇫🇷 🇸🇪 On the whistle match report

The inevitable Haaland sends Norway to the last 16

Playing their first knockout tournament football since 1998, Norway powered past Ivory Coast to set up a date with Brazil in the Round of 16 - a team they have never lost to in their history (two wins, two draws).

After substitute Amad Diallo had impressively cancelled out Antonio Nusa’s equally dynamic first half effort on 74 minutes, the remainder of the game was all about providing Erling Haaland with the chance he would need to see Norway through. And following superb interplay from Oscar Bobb and Patrick Berg, Haaland did the honours with four minutes to spare.

It was a landmark goal for multiple reasons as Haaland became the fastest men’s player to reach 60 international goals (doing so in 53 appearances) and just the third to score in each of his first three World Cup games. It takes him to five for the tournament and means his run of scoring in consecutive competitive games moves to 13 (in which he has now scored 25 times).

Incidentally, in setting up Nusa’s opener, Martin Ødegaard also became the third player in World Cup history to provide an assist in his first three appearances at the finals.

📈 Haaland’s record breaking night

Mexico celebrate a famous win over Ecuador

We were made to wait for the final game of the day as thunderstorms around Mexico City delayed kick off between the co-hosts and Sebastián Beccacece’s Ecuador.

The hold up only served to intensify the atmosphere inside the Estadio Azteca, Mexico’s Cathedral of football. The home side came roaring out of the blocks, scoring twice in the first half through Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez - the same players that got the goals in the opening game of the World Cup nearly three weeks ago.

El Tri held on to maintain their proud record at the famous old stadium, where they’ve lost just twice in 88 competitive games, claiming their fourth straight clean sheet at these finals in the process, and ending a run of eight World Cup knockout games without a win - their last came way back in 1986, also at the Azteca!

There’s another set of three fixtures in the Round of 32 coming up today.

England feature first, with the Three Lions taking on the Leopards of DR Congo in the wilds of Atlanta, Georgia. The winner faces the unenviable task of going to Mexico City to face the hosts in the last 16.

Elsewhere, an improving Belgian side face Senegal in Seattle, and the USMNT look to get back to winning ways against European outsiders Bosnia and Herzegovina. The two sides that get through those ties then meet in the next round.

USA mapping route to Round of 16 via Bosnia obstacle

With fellow co-hosts Canada and Mexico safely through to the Round of 16, the pressure is on the USA to complete the set at a tournament where 20 of the remaining 25 matches will take place in the States.

Standing in their way in San Francisco are an up-and-down Bosnia and Herzegovina side making their maiden appearance in the knockouts of a major tournament.

And Edin Džeko and co. might just have fire in their bellies after American reporter Abigail Verez went viral for claiming, live on air, she couldn’t find the Balkan nation on a map (for which she subsequently apologised).

🇺🇸 🇧🇦 USA-Bosnia match preview

England face DR Congo test amid right-back woes

Having frustrated more than impressed during the group stage, England will want to get their stuttering World Cup fully up and running in a first-ever meeting with DR Congo in Atlanta.

And the knockout stage could be where Thomas Tuchel really vindicates his appointment, given his formidable track record in such football. Tuchel led PSG to the 2019/20 Champions League final then went one better by winning it with Chelsea the following season – he’s done it at the highest level of the club game; can he transfer his considerable acumen to the international scene?

If he’s to do so, he’ll first have to guide his England side past DR Congo’s stubborn low block. The Leopards’ average possession of 39.6% is the fourth-lowest among teams still in the tournament – and we saw how England struggled, and ultimately failed, to break down one of the three sides still standing who’ve seen less of the ball, drawing 0-0 with Ghana.

The Three Lions also have issues with their own backline. With Reece James and his right-back stand-in Jarrell Quansah both injured, Tuchel has a decision to make there. Djed Spence lined up at left-back against Ghana but is England’s only fit out-and-out right-back.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🇨🇩 England-DR Congo match preview

England’s predicted lineup. Build your own in FotMob’s Lineup Builder.

Can ‘immense’ Belgium push on against determined Senegal?

Belgium went some way to silencing the doubters by thrashing New Zealand 5-1 to top their group. “They've been heavily criticised and I think that's ugly,” head coach Rudi Garcia said of his team after that game. “They've shown on the field that they are immense players and all Belgians should be proud to have players like them.”

Belgium now face Senegal in Seattle, where the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations winners / finalists (depending on where you feel about CAF stripping them of the title) will be aiming to progress beyond the first knockout round for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals of their debut World Cup in 2002.

Senegal, who have never played Belgium before, were the only third-placed team to reach the Round of 32 with three points – but they come into this clash having troubled France at times and only narrowly lost to Norway, scoring three goals across those two group games.

🤕 Four possible solutions to England’s right back injury crisis

📈 Mbappé becomes all-time top scorer in World Cup knockouts

❌ Marcelo Bielsa announces his departure from Uruguay role

Paraguay give Germany a dose of their own medicine

Jose Canalé was the hero as Paraguay did what no side has ever done before: beat Germany in a World Cup penalty shootout.

Before dispatching the decisive spot-kick in Boston – after Paraguay had spurned two chances to win, allowing Germany to force sudden death – the centre-half was a rock at the back throughout normal and extra time, winning seven out of seven ground duels and finishing with a match-high 23 defensive contributions.

For Paraguay, it’s only a second-ever World Cup knockout victory – while Germany are still searching for their first since lifting the trophy back in 2014.

🇩🇪 Read more: Germany’s nightmare run at World Cup finals since 2014

Brazil do what good teams do 

Brazil proved the old adage that good teams find a way to win by fighting back from 1-0 down to beat Japan 2-1 in the Round of 32, Gabriel Martinelli completing the comeback deep into injury time in Houston.

Japan had been on course for an historic first-ever World Cup knockout victory after Kaishu Sano’s first international goal sent them at half-time with the lead, but the Samurai Blue ultimately paid the price for trying to hold onto their narrow advantage – they attempted just one shot in the second half.

Casemiro’s trademark header drew the five-time world champions level shortly before the hour mark and Martinelli finished the job in dramatic fashion.

In setting up Martinelli’s last-gasp winner, Bruno Guimarães moved to a tournament high four assists – one ahead of France’s Michael Olise and Sweden’s Alexander Isak.

🇧🇷🇯🇵 On the whistle: Match report from Brazil’s win

Morocco move one step closer to even more history

Morocco held their nerve to triumph over the Netherlands after a shootout in which five penalties were missed.

The Atlas Lions – hoping to build on their historic semi-final run of 2022 by becoming the first-ever African World Cup finalists – had looked to be heading out, only for Issa Diop’s 91^st -minute header to take the tie to extra time.

On balance, Morocco were great value for their win, outshooting the Dutch 11-6 and accumulating 1.38 expected goals (xG) to their opponents’ six, but they certainly didn’t do it the easy way in Monterrey.

A third straight penalty shootout exit from the World Cup for Ronald Koeman’s side would be a painful way for the coach to bring down the curtain on his second spell in charge of the Netherlands.

🇳🇱🗣️ Koeman has not offered his resignation ‘yet’

The next batch of last-32 ties begins with the Ivory Coast making their World Cup knockout debut against Norway in Dallas.

Then, it’s over to New Jersey as one of the most impressive teams of the tournament so far, two-time winners France, face Sweden.

And the action concludes with co-hosts Mexico taking on Ecuador in Mexico City in what will be the early hours of Wednesday morning for those watching outside of the Americas.

Will Norway’s all-round rotation pay off?

Group-stage casualties at their first three World Cups, Ivory Coast made it fourth time lucky in making it out of the group – beating Ecuador and Curaçao and impressing despite defeat to Germany.

They’ll be up against what should be a very fresh Norway side after head coach Ståle Solbakken made 10 changes for their final group game, a 4-1 defeat to France, safe in the knowledge the Vikings were already through.

While Ivory Coast have never made it this far at a World Cup, Norway have yet to win a knockout match at the tournament – and one player who’ll be determined that their journey doesn’t end here is Erling Haaland.

Despite being rested against France, the formidable frontman is right in contention for the Golden Boot at his first major tournament with four goals already – the joint second-most behind Lionel Messi (six).

🇨🇮🗣️ Ex-player Gervinho says Ivory Coast must be wary of themselves, not Haaland

Free-scoring France eye more goals against sieve-like Sweden

Arguably the team of the tournament so far, France powered their way into the last 32 with three group wins out of three, racking up 10 goals in the process – with Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé bagging four apiece.

And those two, plus the rest of Les Bleus’ star-studded attack, must be licking their lips at the prospect of meeting Sweden – who advanced as a best third-placed finisher despite conceding seven goals.

Having missed the 4-1 win over Norway following the passing of his mother, Didier Deschamps is set to be back in the dugout as he continues his quest to end his long stint at the helm with a second World Cup success.

Sweden can call on two top-quality strikers of their own in Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, but the fact they shipped five goals in their last encounter with a fellow UEFA nation – going down 5-1 to the Netherlands in their second group game – hardly augurs well.

🇫🇷🇸🇪 France-Sweden match preview

The race for the Golden Boot

Mexico and Ecuador hit the heights

Having seen Canada progress, Mexico will hope to make it two host nations out of two into the last 16.

But El Tri could well be in for their sternest examination of the finals so far against a stubborn Ecuador side who saw off Germany in their final group match.

And there could be one great leveller at the iconic Azteca… Much has rightly been made of the altitude factor at this cathedral of football – where Mexico have only ever lost twice in 87 games, and conceded just twice in nine World Cup matches – but if there’s any team at these finals who ought to be able to cope with that, it’s Ecuador – whose national stadium sits almost 2,000 metres further above sea level!

🇲🇽🇪🇨 Mexico-Ecuador match preview

🤨 The Ancelotti factor crucial to Brazil success

🤏 Japan boss Moriyasu claims gap to European sides is narrowing

🇩🇪 Nagelsmann focused on future despite Germany exit

In their first World Cup knockout tie, Canada became the first side to book their place in the last 16 courtesy of a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa in Los Angeles.

The knockout stage opener was seemingly set for extra time, until Stephen Eustáquio thumped a stoppage-time half-volley into the bottom corner to send the co-hosts (playing away from home) into frenzied celebration. 

Timed at 91:03 by Opta, Eustáquio’s goal was the first last minute (or later) winner in a World Cup knockout match since the 2018 finals in Russia, when Nacer Chadli struck for Belgium against Japan.

🇿🇦🇨🇦 On the whistle match report

Alphonso Davies returns for late cameo

The left-back’s lack of involvement at this World Cup has become a really frustrating and confusing storyline for Canada fans to grapple with. 

In their Group B decider for top spot, Jesse Marsch said that Davies was a “decoy” and he didn’t make it onto the field as Canada lost 2-1 to finish as group runners up.

However, after recovering from a hamstring injury, Canada’s most famous player strolled onto the pitch in the 75th minute, donned the captain’s armband, and instantly lifted the team’s attacking quality in what was his first appearance for his country since March 2025.

The Bayern Munich star could now play a huge role in Canada’s last-16 clash.

Moïse Bombito demonstrated his importance to Canada’s cause

The Nice centre-back is one of Canada’s most renowned players, and fans have also been nervously tracking his match fitness since he suffered a left tibia fracture in October 2025. 

Bombito hadn’t started a game for Canada for over a year and had to come off injured against Uzbekistan in a friendly just before the tournament, but commendably brushed off any worries regarding his sharpness, playing the full match, and helping his side to a clean sheet on his return. 

It could have been even sweeter had the 26-year-old’s towering header from Eustáquio’s corner not been cleared off the line in the first half. 

The fact that Jesse Marsch threw Bombito into the starting line-up for the biggest game in Canadian football history illustrates the sky-high regard that the defender is held in.

Marsch revels in Canada’s groundbreaking victory

The Canada head coach gathered his entire squad and coaching staff into a post-match team huddle to deliver a rousing speech, which was picked up by the television broadcast. 

“You guys are showing your character, you guys are Canadian heroes now,” Marsch said. “You’re Canadian heroes for the future children of this country. This sport has a big future because of you guys. You should be so proud of who you are, because of this game.”

With Canada set to meet either Netherlands or Morocco in the next round, Marsch underlined that he will prepare his players to “throw everything at a giant.”

It reaffirmed the togetherness and positive culture of this current squad, who will start as heavy underdogs in their last-16 tie, regardless of the opponent.

🇨🇦🗣️ Jesse Marsche’s post-match battle cry

For more graphics like this, check out @fotmobapp on Instagram

We were teased with just one game to kickstart the Round of 32 yesterday.

Today, three eye-catching encounters take place as the intensity of the knockouts begins in earnest.

The first match sees Brazil take on Japan in Houston, before 2014 winners Germany play Paraguay in Boston.

To round off an intoxicating day of action, we head over to Monterrey in Mexico as Netherlands go up against Morocco, with the winners of this tie facing Canada in the last 16. 

Can Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha continue to deliver or will Japan cause an upset?

After a troubling 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening group game, where Brazil were overran for large parts of the match and were perhaps fortunate to escape with a point, the attacking duo of Vinícius Junior and Matheus Cunha have emphatically assumed creative responsibility and look to be the pair who can spearhead Brazil to potential World Cup glory. 

In fairness to Vinícius, his emphatic effort had levelled the score against Morocco, while Cunha was on the bench, with Carlo Ancelotti choosing to start Igor Thiago as the central striker. In the following two games, Ancelotti didn't make the same mistake and saw the vision, starting Vinícius and Cunha together. Both forwards have registered three goals each in back-to-back 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland, allowing Brazil to finish top of Group C.

Group F runners-up Japan are no pushovers, however, and their unbeaten record at this year’s tournament, including a 2-2 draw with Netherlands, where they twice fought back from behind, illustrates that they can trouble a Brazil side that is far from perfect.

🇯🇵 Japan preparing for ‘biggest ever’ World Cup test

Germany aim to bounce back from Ecuador loss against Paraguay

Julian Nagelsmann’s side stormed through their opening two outings, thrashing Curaçao 7-1, before recording a last-gasp 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast to stay in control of their group. 

Targeting maximum points, Germany suffered a reality-check and a confidence-denting 2-1 loss to Ecuador in their final group fixture. The 2014 winners have now equalled their longest run of World Cup games without a clean sheet (nine). Although a plethora of attacking talent, which includes the likes of Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Leroy Sané and Kai Havertz, ensures that Germany remain the clear favourites to progress. 

After a dismal 4-1 loss to the United States, Paraguay looked destined for a swift elimination from the World Cup, but against the odds, they grabbed four points from their final two games against Türkiye and Australia to qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the best-ranked third-place sides.

A last-16 showdown with either France or Sweden awaits the winner of this one. 

🇩🇪🇵🇾 Match preview

Netherlands against Morocco is mouthwateringly poised

The last game of the day is perhaps the hardest to call as these two evenly-matched sides do battle to secure a last 16 berth. Netherlands’ frustrating 2-2 draw against Japan raised questions about their tournament-winning credentials and Ronald Koeman’s supposedly pragmatic style. 

However, both these doubts were silenced in their next outing as the Dutch smashed Sweden 5-1, with Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both bagging braces, while Crysencio Summerville netted the other. Another win against Tunisia followed as Netherlands claimed top spot in Group E.

Morocco missed out on winning their group on goal difference, with Brazil’s star-studded attack helping the five-time World Champions pull away from the 2022 semi-finalists. Nevertheless, Morocco still beat Scotland and Haiti (1-0 and 4-2, respectively) and, with better finishing, they probably should have done so by a more convincing scoreline in each.

🇳🇱🗣️ Koeman demands improvement from Netherlands in the knockout stages

🇨🇦 Jesse Marsch ‘had a vision’

🎯 The race for the golden boot is better than ever

🤖 The Opta Supercomputer predicts the World Cup winner

Harry Kane makes history as England seal first place

England bounced back from their drab goalless draw against Ghana by turning on the style in the second half against Panama to win 2-0 and finish top of Group L.

The deadly Harry Kane netted the second in the 67th minute with a composed header after latching onto Jude Bellingham’s floated cross to become England’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup, surpassing former striker turned punditry legend Gary Lineker (11 goals). 

Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled for attacking invention in the first half until Bellingham’s instinctive close-range volley from Bukayo Saka’s corner opened the scoring just after the hour. It means that the Real Madrid midfielder is now the youngest England player on record to score and assist in a World Cup match (22 years 363 days).

The Three Lions will play DR Congo in their Round of 32 outing on July 1, having avoided Portugal and Colombia by topping the group.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Tuchel promises England will “step it up” in the knockouts

In the other fixture, Croatia earned a narrow 2-1 victory over Ghana thanks to Nikola Vlašić’s late winner to stay unbeaten at this year’s World Cup. Nevertheless, both countries advanced thanks to second and third-place finishes.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal have to settle for second

Portugal have paid the price for dropping points again after a 0-0 draw with Colombia saw them finish as runners-up in Group K, while the South Americans battled impressively to secure top spot. 

Fresh from a clinical double against Uzbekistan in his previous outing, Ronaldo was once again trusted to lead the line for Portugal, but he couldn’t inspire his side to find a breakthrough.

In a game with plenty of chances, it was a captivating fight for first place, and Colombia thought they had won it in second-half stoppage time, when Davinson Sánchez headed in Juan Fernando Quintero’s searching delivery, only to be denied by one of those dreaded marginal VAR calls, with replays showing his toe was probably in an offside position. 

Meanwhile, DR Congo registered a hard-fought 3-1 comeback victory over the Uzbeks, thanks to a double from Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa to set up that Round of 32 clash with England and their first-ever World Cup knockout appearance. Colombia are handed a tie against Ghana and Portugal will face Croatia. 

Algeria and Austria both through thanks to extraordinary draw, record-breaking Messi remains unstoppable

Riyad Mahrez’s brace, with the second arriving in the 93rd minute, had propelled Algeria into an incredible 3-2 lead, before Saša Kalajdžić’s last-gasp equaliser rescued a 3-3 draw for Austria and sent both sides into the World Cup knockouts at the expense of Iran.

Austria looked set to exit the competition, with Iran poised to progress as one of the best third-paced teams, until Kalajdžić stepped up as his country's hero, planting a 96th-minute header into the bottom corner to prompt euphoric celebrations.

Austria’s substitutes and coaching staff sprinted down the touchline to embrace the towering striker as Ralf Rangnick’s men sealed a Round of 32 date with Spain via a second-place finish in their first World Cup campaign since 1998, while Algeria will face Switzerland. 

🇩🇿🇦🇹 Relive the Algeria-Austria madness

Despite starting on the bench and not entering the fray until the hour mark, Lionel Messi was at it again, scoring in his seventh consecutive World Cup appearance to help Argentina beat Jordan 3-1. 

Having overtaken Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in the competition with his brace against Austria last time out, the 39-year-old added a 19th World Cup goal courtesy of an expertly taken low free kick. Now on six goals at this tournament, Messi will look to add more to his tally against Cape Verde in Argentina's next outing.

Canada and South Africa both flipped the script by advancing into the tournament’s knockouts stages for the first time in their respective histories. 

Alongside their progression into uncharted territory, today’s meeting between the two is historic for another reason: It’s the first ever Round of 32 match in the World Cup, given the expanded nature of this year’s 48-team extravaganza. 

These two have never played each other in a competitive fixture, and the winner will go on to face either Netherlands or Morocco in the next round.

Canada target an unprecedented World Cup run

The 2-1 defeat to Switzerland may have taken the wind slightly out of Canada's sails, and meant they will be without home advantage for their remaining time as one of the tournament’s three host nations, but there is plenty of cause for optimism for Jesse Marsch’s side.

It’s already been a record-breaking tournament for the co-hosts as Canada’s group stage campaign also saw their first victory in this competition as they thrashed nine-man Qatar 6-0 on matchday two. 

Given the goal-scoring exploits of Jonathan David and Cyle Larin, as well as how Nathan Saliba stepped in effortlessly for the injured Ismaël Koné in the loss to the Swiss, they possess more than enough resources to overcome South Africa. 

🇨🇦🗣️ Canada will “go for it” - Jesse Marsch

Canada captain Alphonso Davies finally fit for Canada

Canada have advanced to the knockout rounds despite the absence of their best and most influential player, Alphonso Davies.

The left back suffered a hamstring injury during the second leg of Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 6, and has cut a frustrated figure, forced to watch all three group matches from the sidelines.

But now, it’s been confirmed that the 25-year-old will finally take to the field at this World Cup. Davies started every game and even managed a goal at the previous tournament in Qatar, but it was a miserable World Cup for Canada, who crashed out at the group stage following three successive defeats. 

Davies’ involvement will undoubtedly lift the expectations and spirits of everyone associated with the men in red and white.

🔙 Time for Davies to shine

South Africa aiming to prove any remaining doubters wrong

Against the odds, South Africa defiantly fought their way out of Group A to reach the knockouts. Following their 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico in the opening World Cup game, where Bafana Bafana had two players sent off, a group-stage exit looked a foregone conclusion.

In South Africa’s next outing against Czechia, Teboho Mokoena’s 83rd-minute penalty rescued a 1-1 draw and breathed new life into Hugo Broos’ men, before they then earned an unlikely 1-0 win over South Korea thanks to a strike from Thapelo Maseko, advancing from the group as runners-up.

On the full-time whistle, Broos sank to his knees in celebration, and post-match, he said his team “gave an answer to all those big mouths” who didn’t believe that South Africa could do it.

Basking in redemption and revelling in criticism, Broos and his side aren’t done yet. 

🇿🇦🗣️ Those Hugo Broos quotes in full

📈 Full details on all the Round of 32 match ups

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Steve Clarke leaves Scotland job minutes after World Cup exit

🇮🇷 Iran call on FIFA to stand up to the US

Dembélé scores three against Norway B

The highly anticipated Group I clash between Norway and France was decided in the first 32 minutes, or as early as when Norway coach Ståle Solbakken announced a line-up that saw 10 changes from the win over Senegal.

2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé scored three trademark goals to record the first first-half hattrick scored at a World Cup since 1994, and the second earliest ever recorded at the finals.

In between, Rangers’ Thelo Aasgaard did get one back for Norway’s second string side but once Jørgan Strand Larsen missed a second half penalty - Mike Maignan becoming the first keeper to save a penalty at these finals - the game became more of a training exercise.

Désiré Doué put the finishing touches on the scoreline (4-1) and the French move into the Round of the 32 for a confirmed encounter with Sweden, hopefully with coach Didier Deschamps back at the helm after his tragic return home for his mother’s funeral.

Norway will face Ivory Coast, a fate they seemingly decided they were happy with before kick off.

🇳🇴🇫🇷 Match report

Meanwhile, Senegal needed to beat Iraq, and rack up the goals to ensure their third place in the group, and a top eight finish in the wider best third-placed table. They did both - putting five past the 10 men of Iraq.

Unbeaten Cape Verde reach the knockouts as Uruguay implode

Minnows Cape Verde were the undoubted beneficiaries of Uruguay’s descent into chaos in their 1-0 defeat to Spain. Depending on which reports you believe, there was something of a mutiny in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad in the build-up to their showdown with the European champions, and that was in evidence with a lack of cohesion going forward and a number of rough tackles flying in as the game slipped away from them.

In a match short on chances, Uruguay legend Fernando Muslera made a third goalkeeping error that led to a goal in as many games, and he consequently exited the tournament early , subbed off at halftime. His teammates followed suit 45 minutes later, leaving North America without a win, and without a manager as Bielsa’s contract comes to an end.

But while Uruguay despaired, Cape Verde could celebrate after a third successive draw (against Saudi Arabia) saw them qualify for the Round of 32 as group runners up. The Blue Sharks become the first tournament debutant to reach the latter stages since Slovakia at the 2010 finals.

Cult hero Vozinha becomes the first keeper aged 40 or over to keep multiple World Cup clean sheets since England’s Peter Shilton.

🦈🎉 Cape Verde’s historic night

Belgium find form while Iran suffer late VAR heartbreak

After successive draws and a frustrating 23 shots without a goal in their last game against Iran, Belgium put New Zealand to the sword in Vancouver.

The Red Devils came out to play and having started the day in third, they racked up another 35 efforts on goal, scored five, and ran out as group winners. Leandro Trossard and Kevin De Bruyne accounted for 14 of those shots alone as Belgium’s big names saw them safely past Oceania’s only representatives at the tournament.

🇧🇪🎉 Belgium back on form

In the other game in the group, Iran thought they had found a winner in what was FIFA’s designated Pride Match. Having levelled the scores at 1-1 through Ramin Rezeian, following Egypt’s opener, Shoja Khalilzadeh looked to have sealed the comeback with a close range finish in the 93rd minute.

VAR had other ideas, judging part of the defender’s boot to be offside. That leaves Iran waiting to see if their difficult campaign continues as one of the best third placed sides.

We’ve reached the final day of the Group Stage, and as such, we’re narrowing down on the final names that will enter the Round of 32.

Group L is in action first, with England still needing something against Panama, and Croatia battling Ghana for an automatic qualification spot.

Colombia meet Portugal in the Group K decider, with DR Congo up against the ‘pointless’ Uzbekistan.

And we round off with Argentina completing their group stage obligations against Jordan, and Algeria playing Austria.

England looking for improved showing against Panama

Which England will show up for the final group game? Thomas Tuchel's swashbuckling cavaliers that scored four and stretched Croatia all over the pitch? Or virtually the same set of players that struggled to turn a stubborn Ghana defence, resulting in Wednesday's nil-nil draw?

The answer probably lies in Panama's approach to this game. Do the already eliminated Canal Men go all out to avoid a third straight defeat or do they try and exit the World Cup by showing a bit of what got them here in the first place?

A better result than the 6-1 hammering England dished out to them at the 2018 finals would be a considerable mark of their progress.

A win secures top spot for the Three Lions and a likely meeting with Senegal.

For Ghana, who meet Croatia in the other game, remaining unbeaten in the Group Stage would see them through as runners up. Croatia's wily set of tournament pros are unlikely to go down without a fight, but regardless of the result, both are highly likely to progress due to their already-healthy points tally.

🇵🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Panama vs. England match preview

Can Lionel Messi continue the streak?

Argentina’s World Cup title defence has been led by their captain. The mercurial Messi has scored all five of their goals in back-to-back wins over Algeria and Austria, and will look to strengthen his grip on the Golden Boot and the all-time World Cup goalscoring record if he is, as reported, selected to play some part in this dead rubber against Jordan.

Boss Lionel Scaloni has indicated that Messi will not start but says he will still feature against the tournament debutants, who are unable to better their current fourth position.

🇯🇴🇦🇷 Jordan vs. Argentina match preview

The other game in Group J sees Algeria and Austria, both level on three points, decide who finishes as group runners up.

Colombia face Portugal in mouthwatering tie

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal face group leaders Colombia, with the South Americans already qualified for the Round of 32 having picked up six points against DR Congo and Uzbekistan.

Hopefully we’ll see a match up between two World Cup legends and former Real Madrid teammates - Ronaldo, who, like Messi, is featuring at a sixth finals, and James Rodríguez. The 2014 Golden Boot winner has started in both of Colombia’s wins but has yet to add to his tally of six tournament goals.

Portugal sit on four points and can only be knocked out of the two automatic qualification spots if DR Congo put a hefty amount of goals past Uzbekistan. Which is not impossible, but highly unlikely.

🇨🇴🗣️ Nestor Lorenzo says Colombia must stop ‘juggernaut’ Ronaldo

🎩 The plotted history of World Cup hat tricks, according to Opta Analyst

🇫🇷 France win dedicated to absent Didier Deschamps

✍️ Mauricio Pochettino offered new USMNT contract mid-tournament

Ecuador join Germany and Ivory Coast in the last 32 after comeback victory

La Tri recorded a memorable 2-1 comeback victory against Germany in New Jersey to keep their World Cup dream alive, advancing to the knockouts as one of the best third-place teams.

Germany, who had already locked off top spot, swiftly went in front thanks to Leroy Sane’s composed finish, before Ecuador’s Nilson Angulo equalised with a powerful effort from outside the box. Needing three points, Sebastian Beccacece’s men pushed forward and eventually found a winner in the 77th minute through Gonzalo Plata’s close-range prod into the roof of the net. 

Despite only registering 39% possession, Ecuador accumulated a far higher xG (1.51 to Germany’s 0.65%) and played like a side in on a mission. The South Americans, who came second in the CONMEBOL qualification table, won their first World Cup game since 2006 to rescue their campaign after securing just one point from their opening two fixtures without scoring. 

🇪🇨🗣️ “This is for the people” - Sebastián Beccacece

In the other Group E game, Ivory Coast beat Curaçao 2-0 in Philadelphia, with former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pépé notching both goals, allowing his country to reach the World Cup knockouts for the first time. This result sealed second place for the West African nation, while Curaçao’s maiden World Cup ended with a group-stage exit.

Netherlands, Japan and Sweden all progress into the knockouts

The Netherlands sealed top spot in Group F with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Tunisia to set up a mouthwatering Round of 32 tie with Morocco. 

The Oranje made a lightning start in Kansas City as Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri’s own goal and Brian Brobbey’s third strike in two matches, through a thunderous close-range effort, catapulted the Netherlands into a 2-0 lead after just seven minutes. Hazem Mastouri halved the deficit in the second half, before Jan Paul van Hecke’s header confirmed the three points and first place. 

Meanwhile, a 1-1 draw in Dallas between Japan and Sweden meant both countries advanced into the knockouts via second and third-place finishes. Daizen Maeda’s opener was cancelled out by Anthony Elanga’s strike, with coach Graham Potter later confirming that a frustrated Elanga didn’t realise that his leveller was enough to see the Swedes go through.

🇯🇵🇸🇪 Japan vs. Sweden match report

The USMNT and Australia advance, while Paraguay must wait

The co-hosts’ 100% record in Group D was ended by already eliminated Türkiye, who won 3-2 in Los Angeles. 

With the scores tied in stoppage time, Kaan Ayhan netted a last-gasp winner to secure his nation's first World Cup win since 2002 and give Türkiye something to celebrate after a miserable first two games of the tournament. Mauricio Pochettino’s side had already sorted their passage into the last 32, where their opponents have been confirmed as Bosnia and Herzegovina.

🇺🇸🗣️ Full quotes from Pochettino’s tense post-match press conference

In the simultaneous Group D kick off, Australia secured their spot in the knockouts following an uneventful 0-0 draw against Paraguay, the fourth goalless draw of the tournament. The South Americans seemed happy enough to finish third and must now wait to learn their fate as the rest of the groups play to a finish.

Groups G, H, and I are next to be concluded, and all three are tantalisingly poised, with all 12 teams' final positions awaiting confirmation. 

In the early kick offs, the already qualified France and Norway face one another in Group I, leaving Senegal and Iraq to decide who finishes third.

We then move over to Group H as first-place Spain play Uruguay and the unbeaten Cape Verde meet Saudi Arabia. 

To round off the drama, Group G leaders Egypt go up against Iran and New Zealand clash with a vulnerable looking Belgium. 

France and Norway duel for top spot, Senegal and Iraq eye first wins

With both sides having taken maximum points from their opening two games, all eyes will be on France’s match against Norway in Boston (not least at FotMob HQ) as it’s a decider for first place in the group. 

This clash will also see Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland battle for the spotlight. This pair of prolific forwards have each netted four goals at this year’s tournament and are both one strike away from top-scorer Lionel Messi. 

Meanwhile, Senegal and Iraq, who have lost both of their fixtures, will kick off simultaneously in Toronto, with the two of them seeking a hefty victory to propel them into the knockouts as one of the best third-placed sides. That could become a very open game.

🇳🇴🇫🇷 Norway vs. France match preview 

Spain aim to cement first place and Cape Verde target history

The possibilities are endless in Group H, where Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia are all waiting to figure out their World Cup destiny. 

Reigning European champions Spain are currently top, with four points, and they’ll be looking to solidify their grip on first place in Guadalajara with a victory over Uruguay, who have massively underwhelmed under the unpopular Marcelo Bielsa. 

Competition debutants Cape Verde are busy writing new history for their nation, and are the first new team to go unbeaten in their first two games at a World Cup since Senegal in 2002, thanks to commendable draws against Spain and Uruguay. The Blue Sharks have a real chance of reaching the last 32 and will fancy their chances in Houston against bottom-place Saudi Arabia, who were thumped 4-0 by Spain in their previous outing. 

🦈 Cape Verde manager Bubista praises his team

Egypt are on a roll and Belgium are on the brink

Egypt entered uncharted territory following their most recent fixture by beating New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver to register a first ever World Cup win, giving them a two-point buffer at the top of the group. Hossam Hassan’s men are on the verge of another groundbreaking achievement: to advance into the knockouts for the first time, and they look set to seal this against Iran, who are second, courtesy of two hard-fought draws.

There’s no hiding from the facts for Belgium, and after failing to outscore Egypt or Iran, they must now beat fourth-place New Zealand if they are serious about progressing into the last 32. 

Given that just three points separate all four teams, no one’s position is secure, leaving the group hanging in the balance ahead of a pivotal matchday.

🇪🇸 Put some respect on the name Mikel Oyarzabal

🤖 Opta’s Supercomputer predicts the best third place table

🇲🇽 Mexico’s 100% start has won over the sceptics