The final game of the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup saw Switzerland defeat Colombia on penalties after the game ended 0-0 after extra time. Of the eight ties in the round, that was the only one that did not see a goal, but the other seven matches were absolutely enthralling.
Many may have found the “Iberian derby” between Spain and Portugal less than captivating. In the end, Spain nicked it 1-0, with sub Mikel Merino, of Arsenal, getting the only goal of the game in stoppage time. It was a really nice goal too, neatly finished after a quick free-kick and some nice passing. Spain deserved the win, and while some neutrals may have lamented the lack of real cut and thrust in the match, there was still lots to admire in a technical and tactical clash.
How about the other six games? Absolute belters, every single one!
Last 16 Results Summary
- Paraguay 0-1 France
- Canada 0-3 Morocco
- Portugal 0-1 Spain
- USA 1-4 Belgium
- Brazil 1-2 Norway
- Mexico 2-3 England
- Argentina 3-2 Egypt
- Switzerland 0-0 Colombia (Switzerland won 4-3 on penalties)
France Survive Scare – and Thuggery
In truth, all eight matches provided great entertainment in different ways. The two games we have already mentioned were not classics, and neither was France’s narrow victory over Paraguay, at least in the conventional sense. However, Kylian Mbappé and co had to overcome some stereotypically South American tactics to book their spot in the quarters.
Spain may be the only side in world football that can go toe-to-toe with France and have any real expectation of getting a result. Paraguay knew that they could not match Didier Deschamps’ men if they tried to play the beautiful game, so they opted for brutality instead!
There have been some poor performances at this World Cup, but perhaps one of the most astounding was Paraguay coming through this clash without a booking. France, somehow, collected three. In the end, class prevailed, and the tournament favourites overcame some rugged “tackling”, lots of gamesmanship and plenty of abuse.
An Mbappe penalty after 70 minutes was enough to earn them a spot in the next round, the Real Madrid star converting despite Paraguay flagrantly scuffing up the penalty spot and attempting to distract him. One of football’s great appeals is that there are many different ways to play the game. Paraguay undoubtedly went too far, but there was something fascinating about watching them try to take France apart by any means necessary.
The other game that wasn’t a contender for the match of the tournament saw Canada dumped out by Morocco. The African side won 3-0, but Canada boss Jesse Marsch insisted his side had “totally controlled the match” and had been the better side. He was mocked for the sentiment, but we are inclined to agree and at times his side played some very slick football. They had twice as many shots as their opponents and created a greater xG. But it’s goals that count.
USA Humbled: World Rejoices
One of the more interesting games was USA versus Belgium. America had impressed at times to make it this far, especially in their opening 4-1 success over Paraguay and 2-0 last-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. In that latter game, Folarin Balogun was sent off, but after a hugely controversial intervention from Donald Trump, FIFA decided to suspend the player’s ban.
That meant he could play against Belgium, a team that had not impressed despite topping Group G. Belgium hit their stride against Mauricio Pochettino’s men, though, and recorded a handsome 4-1 win. That avoided any further controversy around Balogun’s involvement and saw Belgium’s players appear to mock the president by recreating his “dance” (we hesitate to call it that) after their fourth goal.
England Defy Altitude with Gritty Performance
Before the US became the third and final host to be eliminated in the last 16, England ended Mexico’s hopes. Ahead of the clash at the Estadio Azteca, all the talk concerned how England would handle the altitude. Mexico had performed well to win all three games without conceding in Group A and then beat Ecuador 2-0 in the last 16. With confidence, momentum, impressive home support and altitude in their favour, many fancied them against a stuttering England.
However, on the night Thomas Tuchel made all the right calls, and his men responded brilliantly, clinging on to record a 3-2 win. They led 2-0 thanks to a rapid Jude Bellingham brace, but Mexico hit back. VAR then intervened, and after 54 minutes the “away” side were reduced to 10 men, Jarell Quansah sent off. It was just about deserved, but he was a little unlucky and the same was true of another VAR call when Harry Kane conceded a penalty after 69 minutes.
In between those moments, Kane scored a penalty after Anthony Gordon, superb on the night, was brought down. England clung on and defended brilliantly and over the course of the game they just about deserved the win, with Jordan Pickford, Bellingham, Kane, Gordon and Rice all excellent.
Differing Fortunes for South American Giants
Brazil were favourites against Norway, but the underdogs had one huge and very obvious trump card: Erling Haaland. The Manchester City superstar scored two brilliant goals as his side registered a deserved win. Neymar’s late penalty was just a consolation with virtually the last kick of the game.
Brazil’s continental rivals, in contrast, did effect a brilliant comeback. They trailed Egypt 2-0 after 67 minutes, and while Lionel Messi’s men had the better of the game, the Pharaohs were exceptional on the break. The game was in the 79th minute when Cristian Romero gave Argentina a lifeline, and just four minutes later Messi lashed home an equaliser.
Mo Salah and co were up against it, but they almost scored a third. In the end, it was the defending champions who got the winner, Enzo Fernández heading home in a game that had it all – including several controversial refereeing decisions.