TORONTO/LOS ANGELES/VANCOUVER, JUL 3 (IANS): The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage witnessed high drama and decisive victories as Portugal, Spain and Switzerland secured their places in the Round of 16.
Portugal edged Croatia in a nail-biting finish, Spain outclassed Austria with a commanding performance and Switzerland delivered a clinical display against Algeria.
Portugal edge Croatia in stoppage-time thriller
Toronto witnessed one of the most dramatic clashes of the tournament as Portugal came from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1.
From the opening whistle, Portugal controlled possession and created chances.
Bruno Fernandes forced Dominik Livakovic into an early save, while Joao Cancelo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Renato Veiga all tested Croatia’s defense.
Against the run of play, Ivan Perisic of Croatia opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, capitalizing on Ruben Dias’ failed clearance.
Portugal responded with relentless pressure. After Rafael Leão struck the crossbar and Ronaldo had a goal disallowed for offside, the breakthrough came in the 68th minute.
A foul on Renato Veiga led to a penalty, which Ronaldo converted his first-ever goal in World Cup knockout stages.
At 41, he became the oldest player to score at this stage, surpassing Pepe.
In stoppage time, Rafael Leão delivered a pinpoint cross for Goncalo Ramos, who rose highest to head home the winner in the 90+4th minute.
Croatia thought they had equalised moments later through Josko Gvardiol, but Mario Pasalic was ruled offside in the build-up.
Portugal’s resilience ensured a famous victory, setting up a tantalising Round of 16 clash against Spain in Dallas on July 7.
Spain advance past Austria with convincing win
In Los Angeles, Spain showcased their attacking flair and defensive solidity to defeat Austria 3-0, marking their first knockout-stage victory since winning the World Cup in 2010.
After early pressure and a disallowed goal from Marc Cucurella, Mikel Oyarzabal broke the deadlock in the 36th minute with a precise finish from Cucurella’s low cross.
Spain doubled their lead in the second half when Pedro Porro headed in Alex Baena’s cross, marking his maiden goal for the national team.
The forward added his second late in the game, again assisted by Cucurella, to complete Spain’s dominance.
Goalkeeper Unai Simon kept his fifth consecutive World Cup clean sheet, surpassing Walter Zenga’s 1990 record with 519 minutes without conceding.
Spain’s victory confirmed their place in the Round of 16, where they will face Portugal in a highly anticipated Iberian showdown.
Switzerland make light work of Algeria
At Vancouver’s BC Place, Switzerland extended their winning streak with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Algeria, advancing to the Round of 16 for the fourth consecutive World Cup.
Breel Embolo scored in the 10th minute after Johan Manzambi’s determined run and cut-back. Just seconds into the second half, Dan Ndoye capitalised on a poor clearance to fire home from the edge of the box, effectively ending Algeria’s hopes.
With three straight wins — against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, and now Algeria — Switzerland are enjoying their best-ever run at a World Cup.
They will remain in Vancouver to face either Colombia or Ghana on July 7, aiming to continue their unbeaten streak on Canada’s west coast.
The Round of 16 is shaping up to be a thrilling stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Portugal’s dramatic comeback, Spain’s commanding display, and Switzerland’s clinical efficiency highlight the diversity of styles and strengths among Europe’s contenders.
With Portugal set to clash with Spain and Switzerland awaiting their opponent, fans can expect more drama, history-making performances, and unforgettable football moments in the days ahead.
Match Schedules
Morocco Vs Canada
– 10: 30 pm (July 4)
France Vs Paraguay
– 2: 30 am (July 5)