The 2026 World Cup has officially transitioned into the quarterfinal stage, with only eight teams remaining in the hunt for the title. The round of 16 concluded on Tuesday, July 7, marked by a dramatic victory for Argentina over Egypt and a tense penalty shootout win for Switzerland against Colombia.
England emerged as a major winner of the round, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. Despite playing nearly the entire second half with 10 men following a red card for Jarell Quansah, England’s tactical shift under Thomas Tuchel to a defensive shell proved effective. By overcoming the altitude, hostile crowd, and numerical disadvantage, England demonstrated significant resilience, with Harry Kane’s post-match exhaustion reflecting the team’s immense effort.
Erling Haaland continues to be a defining figure of the tournament. His two goals against Brazil brought his tally to seven in just four matches, solidifying Norway’s status as a formidable contender. With Norway set to face England next, Haaland’s familiarity with Premier League defenders could prove to be a decisive factor.
The round of 16 proved fatal for the tournament’s three host nations. Canada, despite a historic run that included its first-ever World Cup point and victory, saw its journey end in a 3-0 loss to Morocco. Mexico, which had not conceded a single goal in its opening four matches, saw its defensive streak dismantled by England. The United States also faced a difficult exit, turning in a disappointing performance against Belgium that ended their historic campaign.
Off the pitch, FIFA faced scrutiny regarding the handling of Folarin Balogun. A last-minute decision to convert his red-card ban into a suspended sentence allowed him to compete against Belgium. This move, coupled with pressure from the U.S. government, sparked allegations of corruption, leaving the rationale behind the change unclear.
Let's look back at the round of 16, highlighting some winners and losers:
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