The opening fixture of the day saw Lionel Messi’s Argentina secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt, setting the stage for the final Round of 16 clashes in the World Cup 2026.
What you need to know
The World Cup 2026 Round of 16 concludes today with two compelling encounters, following a Monday filled with off-field discussions. Controversies arose surrounding Folarin Balogun’s eligibility, with reported pressure from the White House for his reinstatement to the USA squad. Another notable incident involved Kylian Mbappé and a Paraguayan senator. On the pitch, the first match of the day saw Argentina triumph over Egypt with a 3-2 scoreline. Later tonight, Switzerland will face Colombia at 22:00 (local time), with both teams hoping to claim the final spot in the quarter-finals.
- Belgium Dominates Amidst Balogun Controversy. The Red Devils showcased their strength in a commanding 4-1 victory against the United States in their Round of 16 fixture. Charles De Kaetelere netted a brace, supported by goals from Hans Vanaken and a late strike by Romelu Lukaku in stoppage time. American forward Folarin Balogun, whose participation was permitted following an intervention by Donald Trump to FIFA, started for Team USA but struggled to make a significant impact on the game. Following their decisive win, the Belgian squad reportedly celebrated in the locker room by humorously mimicking a dance often performed by the American president, as seen in a video circulated on social media, marking their progression to the quarter-finals of this World Cup, partially hosted in the United States.
- Spain Secures Gritty Victory, Ronaldo’s Era Nears End. What was anticipated as a captivating Iberian derby between Spain and Portugal turned into a protracted battle. Spain ultimately prevailed with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to a decisive goal from Merino in stoppage time. This outcome casts a shadow over the international future of the 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who has faced criticism regarding his overall impact on the team’s performance.
- Argentina’s Stunning Comeback Against Egypt. In a truly remarkable display, Argentina orchestrated an incredible turnaround to defeat Egypt 3-2 and advance to the quarter-finals. Lionel Messi, once again pivotal, expressed his team’s unwavering spirit, stating they “never give up,” even after falling behind 2-0 with just ten minutes remaining. Messi described the team’s performance as “madness” and expressed joy that fans could continue to enjoy their journey. However, Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, voiced strong objections to what he perceived as unfair treatment during the match. He highlighted a disallowed goal that would have put his team 3-1 ahead and a contentious foul on Hamdy Fathy in the Argentine penalty area, lamenting that the outcome was “neither just nor fair.” Ultimately, it was Enzo Fernandez who secured Argentina’s victory with a precise header following a superb cross from Lisandro Martinez.
- Switzerland and Colombia Battle for Final Quarter-Final Spot. The final Round of 16 match pits Switzerland against Colombia, a contest widely considered open despite the South American side’s impressive group stage performance against Portugal. At the half-time whistle, the score remains deadlocked at 0-0, with both teams intensely focused on securing the coveted last ticket to the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.
