Spain, Portugal and Switzerland all booked their places in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, with each nation taking a different path to the knockout stage. Spain cruised past Austria, Portugal produced a stunning late comeback against Croatia, while Switzerland ended a decades-long World Cup hoodoo with victory over Algeria.
Spain 3 – 0 Austria
La Roja cruise through as Simón makes World Cup history
Spain continued their outstanding World Cup campaign with a commanding 3 – 0 victory over Austria to comfortably secure their place in the Round of 16.
La Roja were in complete control throughout the contest, dominating possession and creating chances as they extended their remarkable unbeaten run to 34 matches, moving within one game of equalling the longest unbeaten streak in the nation’s history.
While Spain impressed going forward, history was also made at the other end of the pitch.
Goalkeeper Unai Simón became the goalkeeper with the longest consecutive run without conceding a goal in FIFA World Cup history, reaching 519 minutes without being beaten. The Spanish shot-stopper surpassed the previous record of 518 minutes, set by Italy’s Walter Zenga during the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
With confidence soaring and defensive solidity proving to be one of their greatest strengths, Spain head into the knockout rounds looking every bit like genuine title contenders.
Portugal 2 – 1 Croatia
Ronaldo’s historic strike inspires dramatic Portuguese comeback
Portugal booked their place in the Round of 16 after producing a thrilling late comeback to defeat Croatia 2 – 1 in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament so far.
Trailing in the second half, Portugal found inspiration through Captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout stage goal, levelling the match and breathing life into the Portugal outfit.
With the game entering its closing stages, manager Roberto Martínez made a courageous tactical decision by withdrawing Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha during the final 15 minutes in search of fresh energy.
The gamble proved to be a masterstroke.
Deep into stoppage time, substitute Gonçalo Ramos rose highest to head home the winning goal, completing a stunning turnaround and sending Portugal into the Round of 16 in dramatic fashion.
It was a victory built on belief, bold decision-making and the impact of the Portuguese bench.
Switzerland 2 – 0 Algeria
Swiss finally end 88 years of World Cup knockout heartbreak
Switzerland produced another disciplined display to defeat Algeria 2 – 0 and secure their place in the Round of 16.
The victory carried extra significance as the Swiss finally ended an 88-year wait for a knockout-stage victory at the FIFA World Cup, snapping a run of seven consecutive World Cup knockout eliminations that had stretched back generations.
A composed performance at both ends of the pitch ensured Switzerland never looked in serious danger, as they controlled proceedings and deservedly advanced to the next round.
With history finally behind them, Switzerland will now look to build on their confidence as they prepare for the challenges that await in the Round of 16.
Spain continued their relentless march with records tumbling, Portugal showed their fighting spirit in an unforgettable comeback, and Switzerland finally buried decades of World Cup disappointment as the knockout stage continues to take shape.
Round of 16 Confirmed Matchups
| 4 Jul | 10:30 PM | Canada | vs | Morocco | |
| 5 Jul | 2:30 AM | Paraguay | vs | France | |
| 6 Jul | 1:30 AM | Brazil | vs | Norway | |
| 6 Jul | 5:30 AM | Mexico | vs | England | |
| 7 Jul | 12:30 AM | Portugal | vs | Spain | |
| 7 Jul | 5:30 AM | Belgium | vs | USA |
