Day 26 Results — July 06, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup story ended in stoppage time as Spain snatched a 1-0 win over Portugal, while Belgium ended the host nation's run with a ruthless 4-1 demolition of the USA in Seattle.
Round of 16 — Portugal vs Spain
Substitute Mikel Merino settled a tense, goalless Iberian derby with a stoppage-time finish, slotting home from a Ferran Torres pass to send Spain into the quarterfinals and end Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth and final World Cup appearance. Both substitutes had been on the pitch only a matter of minutes when the decisive move unfolded, capping a match that had been tight for 90 minutes.
Round of 16 — USA vs Belgium
Belgium ended the host nation's tournament with a dominant display built on U.S. defensive errors. Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the 8th minute and struck again in the 33rd, either side of a Malik Tillman free-kick equalizer for the Americans. Hans Vanaken punished another USA mistake early in the second half, and substitute Romelu Lukaku added a late fourth in stoppage time. Belgium outshot the USA heavily on expected goals (2.15 to 0.67) and will now face Spain in the quarterfinals.
What It Means — Quarterfinal Picture
With both Round of 16 matches on July 6 completed, the Round of 16 phase is now finished. Spain's win sets up a quarterfinal against Belgium on July 10 in Inglewood, Los Angeles — a rematch of two European sides in excellent form. The USA's elimination ends the host nation's run at the Round of 16 stage, while Portugal's exit closes the book on Ronaldo's international career at the World Cup finals.
The last two Round of 16 matches are being played today, July 7: Argentina vs Egypt and Switzerland vs Colombia, which will complete the quarterfinal lineup alongside already-confirmed pairings such as Morocco vs France and Norway vs England.
Today's Upcoming Matches
Two Round of 16 matches close out the knockout round today, July 7, 2026:
- Argentina vs Egypt — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta — kickoff approx. 5:00pm local (21:00 UTC)
- Switzerland vs Colombia — BC Place, Vancouver — kickoff approx. 9:00pm local (04:00 UTC July 8)
Frequently Asked Questions
Mikel Merino, who had just come on as a substitute, scored in the first minute of stoppage time (90+1') to give Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal.
Charles De Ketelaere scored twice (8', 33'), with Hans Vanaken (57') and substitute Romelu Lukaku (90+3') adding further goals. Malik Tillman's 31st-minute free kick was the USA's only reply.
Spain will face Belgium in the quarterfinals on July 10 in Inglewood, Los Angeles, after both teams won their Round of 16 matches on July 6.