2026 World Cup: Portugal, Spain, Switzerland March Into Last 16, Algeria Out

Portugal, Spain and Switzerland all secured places in the FIFA World Cup last 16 after contrasting victories in the knockout stage.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos, and Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal were among the standout performers in the World Cup round of 32 games played on Thursday night and earlier today.

Portugal left it late to beat Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic game. Ivan Perisic gave Croatia the lead early in the second half before Ronaldo finally scored his first goal in a World Cup knockout match. He converted a penalty after a VAR review spotted a foul on Renato Veiga.

When extra time looked inevitable, substitute Goncalo Ramos climbed highest to head home Rafael Leao’s cross in the 94th minute and send Portugal through.

Croatia believed they had forced extra time when Josko Gvardiol scored deep into stoppage time, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside.

Portugal will now face European champions Spain in Dallas on 6 July.

Meanwhile, Spain produced one of the most convincing performances of the round, brushing aside Austria 3-0 to record their first men’s World Cup knockout win in 16 years.

Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring after 36 minutes before Pedro Porro doubled the lead midway through the second half.

Oyarzabal wrapped up the win with his fourth goal of the tournament after being picked out by Marc Cucurella.

Spain dominated throughout and remain one of only two teams, alongside Mexico, yet to concede a goal after four matches at the 2026 World Cup.

Switzerland also made history with a comfortable 2-0 win over Algeria, claiming their first World Cup knockout win since 1938.

Breel Embolo finished off an excellent move to put the Swiss ahead inside 10 minutes before Dan Ndoye doubled the advantage just 46 seconds into the second half.

Algeria created few clear chances as Gregor Kobel enjoyed a relatively quiet afternoon in goal.

Murat Yakin’s side have now reached the last 16 for a fourth consecutive World Cup and will meet the winners of Colombia against Ghana in Vancouver on 7 July.