The 2026 World Cup has officially transitioned into the quarterfinal stage, with only eight teams left vying for the title. The round of 16 concluded on Tuesday, July 7, highlighted by Argentina’s thrilling victory over Egypt and a less dramatic penalty shootout win for Switzerland against Colombia. These final matches provided some of the tournament’s most defining moments, including Argentina’s spirited comeback and England’s intense battle at the Estadio Azteca.
England emerged as a clear winner after their 3-2 victory over Mexico. Despite playing nearly the entire second half with 10 men following Jarell Quansah’s red card, Thomas Tuchel’s side showed remarkable resilience. By adopting a defensive shell, England successfully neutralized Mexico’s offense, forcing them into ineffective crosses. The win, earned against significant odds including altitude and a hostile crowd, was epitomized by Harry Kane’s hoarse voice after the final whistle, signaling the team’s immense effort.
Erling Haaland continues to redefine expectations for Norway. With a brace against Brazil, the striker has now amassed seven goals in only four tournament appearances. Though Norway may not possess the overall depth of the world’s elite squads, Haaland’s scoring prowess has made them a formidable force. His next challenge will be against England, a team featuring several Premier League defenders he frequently faces in domestic competition.
The round of 16 proved to be the end of the road for the tournament’s three host nations. Canada’s journey was particularly notable, as they secured their first-ever World Cup point, win, and knockout appearance before falling 3-0 to Morocco. Mexico, having entered the knockout round without conceding a single goal, saw their impressive defensive streak collapse against England. Similarly, the United States suffered a disappointing exit after an underwhelming performance against Belgium in what was considered one of the most significant matches in their history.
FIFA also faced scrutiny regarding the handling of Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension. The governing body’s last-minute decision to convert the ban into a suspended sentence, allowing Balogun to compete against Belgium, lacked clear justification. Following a pressure campaign by the U.S. government, the move drew widespread allegations of corruption.
Let's look back at the round of 16, highlighting some winners and losers:
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