R16: Portugal 0-1 Spain

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

R16: Portugal 0-1 Spain

Arlington: Substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner to put Spain in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Portugal and end Cristiano Ronaldo's FIFA World Cup career on Monday.

The European champions will face Belgium - who defeated the United States 4-1 later on Monday - in the quarter-finals.

In front of an expectant crowd of 70,649 at the air-conditioned Dallas Stadium, a match that on paper promised so much failed to really deliver.

Extra time looked certain, before fellow substitute Ferran Torres slipped in Merino to settle the contest in the first minute of injury time.

It meant a sour final FIFA World Cup match for the 41-year-old Ronaldo, having confirmed on the eve of the encounter that this would be his last dance on football's biggest stage.

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https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/r16-portugal-v-spain

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Preview - R16: Switzerland v Colombia

Mon, 06 Jul, 2026

Preview - R16: Switzerland v Colombia

Vancouver: Switzerland and Colombia will face off in the concluding FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 tie on Tuesday with both teams equally confident of their chances.

Both enjoyed relatively serene passages in the previous round, with Switzerland defeating Algeria 2-0 and Colombia easing past Ghana 1-0.

Preview - R16: Argentina v Egypt

Mon, 06 Jul, 2026

Preview - R16: Argentina v Egypt

Atlanta: Egypt will look to extend their historic FIFA World Cup 2026 run when they face reigning champions Argentina in their Round of 16 clash on Tuesday.

The meeting brings together two of the most decorated nations in their respective continents, with 16-time Copa America winners Argentina standing between seven-time CAF Africa Cup of Nations champions Egypt and a place in the quarter-finals.

Kane, Bellingham applaud England's resolve

Mon, 06 Jul, 2026

Kane, Bellingham applaud England's resolve

Ciudad de Mexico: Captain Harry Kane said he was proud that England had found a way to win a nerve-jangling FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 match against Mexico on Sunday.

The Three Lions were on the back foot for a third of the match after defender Jarell Quansah was sent off for a high challenge. 

Norway's win over Brazil beyond Haaland's dreams

Mon, 06 Jul, 2026

Norway's win over Brazil beyond Haaland's dreams

East Rutherford: Norway striker Erling Haaland said the 2-1 win over Brazil in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday was something he'd "never dreamed of".

Haaland scored both goals as Norway reached the quarter-finals for the first time, taking his haul for the tournament to seven – level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.

Ancelotti promises Brazil will bounce back

Mon, 06 Jul, 2026

Ancelotti promises Brazil will bounce back

East Rutherford: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said Sunday's painful FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 exit at the hands of Norway should be used as "fuel" for the future as he insisted their disappointing tournament is "the start of a new cycle".

Erling Haaland scored two late goals for Norway in a match which hinged on an early penalty by Brazil's Bruno Guimaraes which was saved. Neymar's successful spot-kick in injury time was scant consolation.