The Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup has delivered thrilling encounters and notable upsets. Following a day filled with controversies, including discussions surrounding Folarin Balogun’s eligibility and a public spat between Kylian Mbappé and a Paraguayan senator, the focus returned to the pitch on Tuesday, July 7th. Two crucial matches were scheduled to finalize the quarter-final lineup.

• Argentina’s stunning comeback against Egypt. The opening match of the day saw Argentina stage a remarkable recovery to defeat Egypt 3-2. Lionel Messi’s squad showcased incredible resilience, overturning a 2-0 deficit with goals from Romero, Messi, and a decisive header by Enzo Fernandez. This victory propelled them into the quarter-finals. Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, expressed his frustration, claiming the match was “neither fair nor equitable,” citing a disallowed goal and a disputed foul. Messi, for his part, celebrated his team’s unwavering spirit, stating they “never give up.”
• Belgium’s dominant performance. The Red Devils secured a convincing 4-1 win over the United States in their Round of 16 fixture. Charles De Kaetelere netted a brace, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also found the back of the net. American forward Folarin Balogun, whose participation was permitted after an intervention by Donald Trump with FIFA, started but failed to make a significant impact. Post-match, Belgian players were seen playfully mocking the US president’s dance moves in their locker room, celebrating their advancement.
• Spain narrowly defeats Portugal. What was anticipated to be a captivating clash turned into a tense affair. Spain ultimately prevailed over Portugal with a solitary goal from Merino in stoppage time, securing a 1-0 victory. This result is widely believed to mark the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious international career at 41 years old, as he faced criticism for his diminishing influence on the team’s play.
• Switzerland and Colombia vie for the final spot. The last match of the day, scheduled for 22:00, features Switzerland taking on Colombia. This fixture remains open, though the South American side impressed during the group stage, particularly in their performance against Portugal. The winner will claim the last remaining berth in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.