The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its peak, with the 48 teams whittled down to 16 nations as the Round of 16 kicks off this week. Every losing game now has its own history, where one team’s dreams are over and the other is closer to lifting football’s biggest prize.Thursday’s action added another heavy-hitting clash as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal wrapped up a stunning 2-1 win over Croatia to set up a mouth-watering campaign against neighbors Spain.The Round of 32 has already produced its share of drama, and with just three sets left to complete the pre-quarterfinal line-up, the tap buttons are about to run out.
Portugal vs Spain topic 16
Portugal’s victory over Croatia came courtesy of Ronaldo who made history again.The 41-year-old became the highest goalscorer in a FIFA World Cup knock-on game after converting a second penalty before Portugal completed a 2-1 comeback to reach the last 16. Earlier in the evening, Spain successfully dispatched Austria 3-0, setting up one of the most famous games of the tournament.The meeting has added significance amid growing speculation that it could be Ronaldo’s final appearance at the FIFA World Cup. His sister, Katia Aveiro, recently described the tournament as the Portugal captain’s “last dance” with the national team, adding to the impact of the fierce Iberian conflict.Spain and Portugal have met 41 times, although most of those matches have been friendlies. Their most recent meeting came in the final of the 2025 UEFA Nations League, where Portugal won on penalties after Ronaldo scored an early goal.While Spain entered the tournament as slight favourites, Portugal have recent history on their side and have enough experience to mount another challenge.
The last picture is almost finished
The Round of 16 starts on Saturday, with several blockbusters already confirmed.Canada will face Morocco, while France will face Paraguay in another interesting match. Brazil are drawn by Norway, and England face Mexico as they continue their quest for a first World Cup title since 1966.Hosts United States will face Belgium in another top-flight match, while Switzerland will play either Colombia or Ghana depending on what remains in the Round of 32.The last two places in the last 16 will be decided after the fight against Argentina and the participants of the competition Cabo Verde and the meeting between Australia and Egypt. The winners of these matches will meet to advance to the quarterfinals.It has been confirmed 16 changes around (IST):
- 4 July: Canada vs Morocco at 10:30 PM
- 5 July: Paraguay vs FRANCE at 2:30 AM
- 6 July: Brazil vs Norway at 1:30 AM
- 6 July: Mexico vs England at 5:30 AM
- 7 July: Portugal vs Spain at 12:30 AM
- 7 July: USA vs Belgium at 5:30 AM
- 7 July: Argentina/Cabo Verde vs Australia/Egypt at 9:30 PM
- 8 July: Switzerland vs Colombia/Ghana at 1:30 AM
With the knock-on phase starting, the margin for error has disappeared. Each match will produce a winner and a loser, ensuring that by next week only eight nations will be in contention to be crowned FIFA World Cup champions.
