Both superstars have scored eight goals, but Mbappe currently occupies first place thanks to FIFA’s tiebreaker rules. The France captain has also registered three assists, giving him the edge over Messi, who has one assist entering the final four.

With Argentina and France still alive in the tournament, the battle between two of the game’s biggest stars is set to continue as each looks to finish as the World Cup’s leading scorer.

Updated 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot standings

How is the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot decided?

The Golden Boot is awarded to the player who scores the most goals during the FIFA World Cup. If two or more players finish level on goals, the first tiebreaker is assists. If players are still tied after assists, the award is decided by fewest minutes played, rewarding the player who reached the total more efficiently.

With the semifinals still to be played, Mbappe and Messi remain in prime position to claim the tournament’s top individual scoring honor, while Erling Haaland, already out in the quarterfinals, and England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are still within striking distance.

Explaining the move, Solbakken said it was based on the striker’s physical condition rather than a tactical adjustment. “It was not a tough decision because he was finished and maybe I should’ve taken him out 10 minutes before. He obviously had a tremendous World Cup,” Solbakken said, via journalist Franco Panizo on X.

In a heated contest as Miami’s temperatures climbed, the substitution marked Haaland’s final appearance of the tournament as Norway’s impressive World Cup run ended in the quarterfinals despite another competitive performance against one of the favorites. Haaland’s first World Cup finish was similar to that of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2006.

Solbakken cites fatigue and a “dead leg”

Solbakken also revealed that Haaland had been dealing with fatigue as well as a “dead leg,” making it difficult for the Manchester City striker to continue through extra time. This clears the air on what happened to Haaland and why he was subbed off.

Although Norway was eliminated, the head coach praised Haaland’s overall contribution during the tournament, highlighting the forward’s performances as a key reason the team reached the quarterfinals for the first time in years.

England survives to reach the semifinals

Norway opened the scoring through Andreas Schjelderup before Jude Bellingham equalized in first-half stoppage time to send the match level into the break. The contest featured multiple controversial VAR decisions, including a penalty initially awarded to England before being overturned and a Norway goal ruled out for a foul in the buildup.

Bellingham, who eclipsed Zinedine Zidane’s World Cup goal count, completed his brace in extra time, scoring the winner that sent England into the semifinals, where the Three Lions will face Argentina.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) requested special authorization from FIFA after the passing of Antonio Ubaldo Rattín, who died today at the age of 89. FIFA approved the request, allowing Argentina’s players and coaching staff to wear black armbands throughout the match.

The tribute honors one of Argentina’s historic captains, whose legacy with both Boca Juniors and the national team made him one of the most influential figures of his generation.

Who was Antonio Ubaldo Rattín?

Rattín was a legendary midfielder and served as captain of the Argentina national team during the 1962 and 1966 FIFA World Cups. Widely recognized for his leadership and commanding presence in midfield, Rattín became one of the most iconic players in Argentine soccer history.

His legacy grew even further after the infamous 1966 World Cup quarterfinal at Wembley, where a German referee Rudolf Kreitlein, who didn’t speak Spanish sent him off for alleged verbal insults.

Confused by the decision, Rattín refused to leave the pitch, crumpled an English corner flag and sat on the red carpet reserved for the Queen. The controversy became so significant that FIFA later introduced the universal yellow and red card system for the 1970 World Cup.

In a heated contest amid Miami’s soaring temperatures, the incident occurred after Djed Spence made a driving run down the left wing and entered the penalty area, where he appeared to be kicked from behind by Oscar Bobb. The referee initially pointed to the penalty spot, giving England a golden opportunity to take the lead.

Following a video review, referee Clément Turpin determined that there was no foul worthy of a penalty, overturning England’s appeals and allowing play to continue. The decision became one of the defining moments of a tense extra-time period.

Norway’s goal that was also ruled out

Norway briefly thought they had taken a 2–1 lead when Torbjørn Heggem scored off a loose rebound, but the play was overturned after a decision against Norway in the buildup. England argued there was a foul before the rebound, prompting referee Clément Turpin to check VAR and ultimately disallow the goal in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals.

How does VAR overturn a penalty decision?

Under FIFA’s VAR protocol, the video review system can intervene when there is a potential clear and obvious error involving a penalty decision. If the VAR believes the referee may have made an incorrect call, the official is invited to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor. After watching the replay, the referee makes the final decision, which may either confirm or overturn the original ruling.

With favorable weather and temperatures in Kansas City today, the venue has an official FIFA World Cup capacity of approximately 69,045 spectators after the organization adjusted the venue’s standard configuration to meet tournament regulations.

Another near‑capacity crowd is expected as Argentina continue their title defense against a Switzerland side enjoying one of their deepest World Cup runs in recent history. The uniforms for today’s match between La Albiceleste and Switzerland have been confirmed.

How did Argentina and Switzerland reach the quarterfinals?

With several implications depending on whether Argentina win, tie or lose against Switzerland today, La Albiceleste advanced after a perfect group-stage campaign, defeating Algeria, Austria, and Jordan to finish with maximum points. Lionel Scaloni’s men then produced a dramatic comeback against Egypt, overturning a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-2 victory and keep their World Cup title defense alive. The list of World Cup champions includes three different Argentine triumphs, will 2026 be the fourth?

Switzerland also impressed throughout the tournament, finishing unbeaten at the top of its group after drawing with Qatar and defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina and host nation Canada. The Swiss then eliminated Algeria 2-0 before edging Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout after neither side could break the deadlock in regulation or extra time. The quarterfinals are so far the furthest Switzerland have gone at a World Cup, will they make history today?

Argentina enter today’s clash with Switzerland knowing the result carries key implications after keeping their title defense alive with a thrilling 3–2 win over Egypt in the Round of 16. Lionel Scaloni’s side came back from a two‑goal deficit, with Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández sending La Albiceleste into the last eight.

Switzerland, led by Murat Yakin, who said his team can stop Lionel Messi and Argentina, earned their quarterfinal berth after defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties. Before kickoff, FIFA confirmed the uniform combinations both teams will wear for today’s showdown in Kansas City.

What uniform is Argentina wearing today?

Argentina, who hold a positive historic record against Switzerland, will wear their iconic white and sky-blue striped jersey, paired with white shorts featuring black details and white socks with navy blue accents for today’s quarterfinal. Joao Pinheiro, the referee for Argentina vs Switzerland today, will wear a yellow shirt.

The Argentine goalkeeper will be dressed in a light green kit with black details, including a matching jersey, shorts, and green socks. Argentina’s substitutes will wear brown training bibs on the sidelines, while their last match saw the Argentine crowd roar with nonstop chants.

What uniform is Switzerland wearing today?

Switzerland, led by head coach Murat Yakin, will take the field wearing their traditional red jersey with white details, complemented by red shorts and red socks. The Swiss goalkeeper will wear a black kit with dark gray accents, including matching shorts and black socks. Switzerland’s substitutes will use magenta training bibs during the match.

Spain booked their semifinal berth with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium. The win sets up a showdown with France on Tuesday, July 14, at 3:00 p.m. ET at Dallas Stadium, with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at stake.

France reached the final four by defeating Morocco in another composed performance. Didier Deschamps‘ side absorbed pressure before repeatedly striking on the counterattack, continuing the form that has made Les Bleus one of the tournament favorites.

How did Spain reach the semifinals?

Spain opened the scoring in the 29th minute through Fabián Ruiz, who converted the rebound after Dani Olmo’s shot was initially saved by Thibaut Courtois, who had to be substituted in the match.

Without Youri Tielemans, Belgium equalized before halftime when Charles De Ketelaere headed home from Timothy Castagne’s cross, but Spain found the winner late in the match. Substitute Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory and send Luis de la Fuente’s side into the semifinals.

What is at stake in France vs Spain?

The winner will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, while the other semifinal spot will be decided between Norway vs England and Argentina vs Switzerland.

The 2026 World Cup final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States. The match is scheduled to kick off at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Spain, one of the eight countries that have won the World Cup, have been one of the standout teams of the World Cup after finishing first in Group H before defeating Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and edging Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16. However, head coach Luis de la Fuente has opted for a different attacking setup against Belgium.

Although the Athletic Club winger has recovered from the muscle injury he suffered during Spain’s group-stage victory over Uruguay following a heavy challenge from Nicolás de la Cruz, he is still working his way back after missing several training sessions during his recovery.

Belgium, managed by Rudi García, arrive after overcoming Senegal and eliminating the United States 4-1 in the Round of 16. The winner of today’s quarterfinal will advance to face France in the semifinals.

Could Nico Williams play later in the match?

Williams has fully recovered from his injury and is available among Spain’s substitutes for today’s quarterfinal. His pace and dribbling ability could become valuable if Spain need an attacking spark in the second half against Belgium, making him one of De la Fuente’s main options off the bench. Another big name who isn’t starting is Pedri.

Spain will attempt to reach the semifinals despite Williams’ absence, while Belgium arrive with the confidence of a team that once reached as far as third place at the 2018 World Cup, the deepest run in their history.

The Red Devils advanced to the last eight with an emphatic 4-1 win over the USMNT, which ended the United States’ World Cup campaign, but the victory came at a significant cost. Onana left the match early after an awkward collision and was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches, raising immediate concerns about his availability for the remainder of the World Cup.

Although Onana briefly attempted to continue after receiving treatment, he was unable to play through the pain and was substituted three minutes later, with Hans Vanaken replacing him in Belgium’s midfield.

Medical examinations later confirmed Belgium’s worst fears, diagnosing the Aston Villa midfielder with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee and ruling him out for the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

How important was Onana to Belgium’s World Cup run?

Before his injury, Onana had featured in every match of Belgium’s campaign and become a key midfield presence, and with a World Cup head‑to‑head history that adds extra intrigue to the matchup, his absence looms large.

With several implications depending on whether Spain win, draw, or lose against Belgium, his absence forces Belgium to adjust against one of the tournament favorites.

Belgium are also facing this match without big names due to tactical decisions, as Romelu Lukaku is once again starting on the bench. Other moves by Garcia raised eyebrows as the coach benched players who started in the Round of 16, including Dodi Lukebakio, who isn’t starting today.

Addressing one of the biggest talking points surrounding Portugal, Jesus dismissed any suggestion that Ronaldo could become an issue for the squad. “Cristiano will never be a problem for the national team, nor for me. Cris is a symbol of Portuguese football. He wants to continue at Al Nassr and will end his career at Al Nassr. It’s easy to work with Cristiano,” Jesus said, according to Fabrizio Romano on X.

The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Jesus’ appointment by welcoming the 71-year-old coach, who reunites with Ronaldo after recently working alongside him at Al Nassr. Their existing relationship is expected to provide continuity as Portugal prepare for the next stage of the international cycle.

Jorge Jesus backs Cristiano Ronaldo’s role with Portugal

Jesus’ comments arrive after criticism surrounding Ronaldo’s role during Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign, when some questioned whether the 41‑year‑old should continue as a regular starter, as Youri Djorkaeff blamed Portugal’s squad for not giving Cristiano Ronaldo enough support.

Rather than fueling that debate, the new Portugal manager made it clear he views Ronaldo as one of the country’s greatest soccer figures and emphasized that managing the veteran forward isn’t a concern.

Ronaldo expected to remain at Al Nassr

Beyond discussing the national team, Jesus also indicated that Ronaldo, who recently addressed his future with Portugal, intends to remain with Al Nassr for the remainder of his playing career.

The comments reinforce the veteran forward’s commitment to the Saudi Pro League while ending speculation about a possible move elsewhere. With his club future seemingly settled, Ronaldo’s focus now shifts to helping Portugal under a new coaching staff as Jesus begins his tenure leading the national team.

Spain, one of the eight countries that have won the World Cup, have looked increasingly dominant after recovering from a scoreless draw against Cape Verde in their opening match. La Roja, coached by Luis de la Fuente, finished atop Group H before defeating Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and edging Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to Mikel Merino’s late winner.

Belgium, managed by Rudi García, have survived two dramatic knockout matches to reach the last eight. After completing the group stage as Group G winners, Domenico Tedesco’s team staged a remarkable comeback against Senegal before defeating the United States 4-1 in the Round of 16 to book a quarterfinal meeting with Spain.

Spain’s confirmed lineup

With FIFA appointed Michael Oliver as the referee for Spain vs Belgium, La Roja will keep the core of the squad that eliminated Portugal, with Mikel Oyarzabal leading the attack after an impressive tournament. Midfield stars Rodri and Fabián Ruiz will once again look to control possession, while Lamine Yamal will aim to make a bigger impact after a relatively quiet World Cup so far.

Confirmed Spain lineup: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Álex Baena; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal.

Spain’s bench will include big names: Pedri isn’t starting today in a shocking decision. Barcelona teammate Gavi isn’t starting either, joined on the bench by Nico Williams, also a substitute against Belgium. Another player hoping to make an impact is Ferran Torres, not a starter for Spain.

Belgium’s confirmed lineup

Belgium will miss Amadou Onana today but boast a midfield led by Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, and Hans Vanaken, while Charles De Ketelaere, Leandro Trossard, and Jérémy Doku are expected to spearhead the attack. Once again, Romelu Lukaku isn’t starting for Belgium, and in a last‑minute change, Youri Tielemans has also been ruled out for today’s match.

Belgium will rely on the experienced spine that has guided them through the knockout stage. Thibaut Courtois anchors the defense behind a midfield led by Kevin De Bruyne, while Charles De Ketelaere will spearhead the attack. Despite playing from the get-go in the Round of 16, Dodi Lukebakio isn’t starting today.

Confirmed Belgium lineup: Thibaut Courtois; Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy; Kevin De Bruyne, Hans Vanaken, Nicolas Raskin; Leandro Trossard, Jérémy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere.

Lamine Yamal‘s squad has emerged as one of the tournament favorites after finishing first in Group H and defeating Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 before edging Portugal 1-0 in a hard-fought Round of 16 clash. Mikel Oyarzabal has led La Roja’s attack with four goals, while Mikel Merino scored the decisive winner against Portugal.

Belgium also arrive full of confidence after an impressive knockout run. The Red Devils staged a dramatic comeback to eliminate Senegal before cruising to a 4-1 victory over the United States in the Round of 16, booking another quarterfinal appearance. Spain will wear their home uniform, while Belgium play with their away kit.

What happens if Spain beat Belgium?

If Spain defeat Belgium, La Roja will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals. Spain would face France on Tuesday, July 14, at 3:00 p.m. ET at Dallas Stadium. Belgium would be eliminated from the tournament.

What happens if Spain and Belgium tie?

A draw after 90 minutes will not decide the winner because knockout-stage matches at the World Cup cannot end level. If Spain and Belgium are tied after regulation time, the match will go into 30 minutes of extra time, divided into two 15-minute periods.

Let’s keep in mind that there is no golden goal at the World Cup. If the score remains equal after extra time, the winner will be determined by a penalty shootout. The winner of the shootout advances to the semifinals, while the losing team is eliminated.

What happens if Spain lose today?

If Spain, one of the eight countries that have won the World Cup, lose, their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign will end in the quarterfinals, eliminating one of the tournament favorites before the semifinals. A victory would send the Red Devils into their first World Cup semifinal since the 2018 tournament, where they would face France.

In a post on Instagram, Ziko thanked everyone who supported Egypt throughout the World Cup before delivering a message of optimism. “Maybe the journey ends here, but what we lived will never be forgotten… Our promise… this is not the end. It’s the beginning of a bigger dream. We’ll work harder, learn from every experience and, God willing, we’ll build on what stopped us today and come back to bring Egypt even greater achievements.”

Argentina erased a two-goal deficit to advance to the quarterfinals, with Yasser Ibrahim and Ziko scoring for Egypt before Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and Enzo Fernández completed the comeback. Despite the defeat, Egypt’s performance throughout the tournament marked one of the nation’s strongest World Cup campaigns and left supporters hopeful for the future.

Egypt’s World Cup ended amid refereeing controversy

The dramatic Round of 16 defeat was also overshadowed by controversy. Egypt’s delegation protested two key refereeing decisions, including the disallowed goal that would have restored a two-goal advantage and a penalty appeal involving Mohamed Salah late in the match.

Head coach Hossam Hassan suggested after the game that several decisions favored Argentina, while FIFA’s head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, later defended the calls and reiterated the integrity of the tournament’s match officials.

Ziko looks ahead after Egypt’s historic run

Although Egypt fell short of reaching the quarterfinals, it was still the furthest Egypt have ever gone at a World Cup. The Pharaohs advanced from the group stage before eliminating Australia to reach the Round of 16, producing one of the country’s deepest World Cup runs.

Ziko’s message reflected that sense of pride, thanking the players, coaching staff, federation officials, and supporters while insisting that the experience will serve as motivation for future international competitions.

The decision is tactical and also influenced by Tchouaméni’s recent injury recovery. The Real Madrid midfielder has been dealing with a lingering groin/adductor muscle issue suffered during training on July 3, shortly after France’s Round of 32 win over Sweden.

The injury also kept him out of France’s 1-0 Round of 16 victory over Paraguay, and although he returned to partial team training this week, the coaching staff has opted not to risk him from the opening whistle. Another star who isn’t starting today for France is Bradley Barcola, benched due to a tactical decision.

Instead, France will rely on Manu Koné alongside Adrien Rabiot in central midfield as they attempt to secure a place in the semifinals. Tchouameni remains available from the bench and could still play a role if Deschamps decides to introduce him later in the match. A massive crowd is expected to turn out for France vs. Morocco today.

With several implications depending on whether France win, tie, or lose against Morocco today, Koné keeps his place after an encouraging performance against Paraguay, giving France continuity in midfield while preserving one of its most important players as a possible second‑half option, and today’s result will decide the first semifinalist of the 2026 World Cup.

France adjust their midfield for Morocco

With the uniforms for France vs. Morocco already decided, and with Tchouaméni out of the starting lineup, France continue with a double‑pivot featuring Koné and Rabiot, providing defensive balance behind an attacking trio led by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué.

Morocco arrive full of confidence after defeating Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16 and will look to exploit any weakness in midfield. They will be missing a key player in Ismael Saibari though, as the striker isn’t playing today due to injury. France, meanwhile, hope their tactical adjustment will be enough to reach another FIFA World Cup semifinal.

The decision came after captain Martin Odegaard acknowledged that the original accommodations were not providing the ideal environment for the squad’s preparation. “There were some things that could have been better, and we fixed them. Just to optimize and prepare ourselves as best as possible for an important match,” Odegaard said after the move, according to The Mirror US.

Norway advanced to the quarterfinals following a stunning 2-1 victory over Brazil, with Erling Haaland scoring both goals. The Scandinavian side will now face England looking to reach the FIFA World Cup semifinals for the first time.

Why did Norway change hotels before facing England?

Norway relocated from The Dalmar in Fort Lauderdale after the squad experienced several issues during itheir stay, including noise from a nearby construction site, traffic congestion around the hotel, and logistical challenges that affected the team’s daily routine.

Team logistics manager Truls Dæhli explained that the players strongly supported the move despite the inconvenience. “It is brutal having to move, but we are satisfied with the new place, and everyone is happy now. Some people might fear that this will affect the players, but it was the players who wanted this more than anyone else.” Dæhli added that FIFA approved the relocation and that the entire move was completed in approximately two and a half hours.

Norway says the move was about preparation, not illness

Head coach Stale Solbakken backed the decision, emphasizing that the relocation was intended to improve the team’s preparation rather than respond to the illness reports that circulated in recent days.

“There were a few things that weren’t right there. FIFA agreed with that and was very willing to help us. You would like to have a gathering and meeting room. In total, there were too many little things. It’s not that you can’t live there, but we should be a team, be together and a unit.”

Solbakken also dismissed reports of a widespread illness within the squad, saying only one member of the support staff had been affected. Team physician Ola Sand echoed that assessment, confirming that all of Norway’s players are healthy heading into the quarterfinal against England.

France, led by Didier Deschamps, who provided a positive update on Aurelien Tchouameni, continued their title pursuit by defeating Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16. Kylian Mbappe converted the decisive penalty in a tightly contested match, sending Les Bleus into another World Cup quarterfinal.

There are just a few games left in the 2026 World Cup, and Morocco arrive full of confidence after an impressive 3-0 victory over Canada. Azzedine Ounahi starred with a brace as the Atlas Lions, coached by Mohamed Ouahbi, continued the momentum built during an outstanding tournament.

France’s confirmed lineup

In their only previous meeting, France came out on top, and Didier Deschamps will keep the core of the team that advanced past Paraguay, with Kylian Mbappe leading an attack that also features Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué.

Confirmed France lineup: Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Michael Olise; Désiré Doué, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé.

Morocco’s confirmed lineup

With a clear difference in squad market values, Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi will stick with the lineup that comfortably eliminated Canada, relying on Azzedine Ounahi’s creativity and the experience of Achraf Hakimi and Yassine Bouno. Ismael Saibari isn’t playing against France today due to injury.

Confirmed Morocco lineup: Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop,
Anass Salah Eddine, Noussair Mazraoui; Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss, Chemsdine Talbi; Brahim Diaz.

Following the controversy, Collina addressed the debate in a FIFA interview, defending the integrity of World Cup officials. “Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport. Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.”

Argentina completed a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 and reach the quarterfinals. Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko scored for Egypt, while Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and Enzo Fernández found the net for the defending champions.

Why did Egypt complain about the officiating?

Egypt’s protests centered on two controversial moments during the Round of 16 clash, with Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan suggesting that refereeing decisions favored Lionel Messi and Argentina.

The first came when VAR disallowed what would have been Mostafa Ziko’s second goal after determining that Marwan Attia had committed a foul on Lisandro Martínez earlier in the attacking possession phase.

The second involved a penalty appeal late in the match after Mohamed Salah went down following contact with Julián Álvarez inside the penalty area, with both the referee and VAR allowing play to continue.

Collina explains FIFA’s interpretation of the incidents

Collina also explained why FIFA believed both decisions were correctly handled under the VAR protocol. “After every goal is scored, the VAR checks the attacking possession phase (APP). If a foul is identified in the build-up and is deemed to have had an impact on the goal, the VAR will recommend an on-field review. There is no defined limit regarding either the distance from goal or the amount of time between the incident and the goal.”

Referring specifically to the disallowed Egyptian goal, Collina stated that Marwan Attia’s challenge on Lisandro Martínez constituted a foul regardless of where it occurred during the attacking sequence.

Regarding Egypt’s penalty appeal, he added that FIFA’s officials considered the contact between Mohamed Salah and Julián Álvarez to be “normal football contact,” meaning neither the referee nor the VAR identified an infringement that warranted a penalty.

Led by Kylian Mbappe, France arrive as one of the tournament favorites after a perfect run through the competition. Didier Deschamps’ team won all five previous matches, including a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16 thanks to a penalty converted by Mbappe. The officiating crew for France vs. Morocco today has strong Argentinian presence.

Morocco enter the match looking to continue another memorable World Cup campaign. The Atlas Lions defeated Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice, after previously advancing from a group that included Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.

France and Morocco previously met in the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal, when Les Bleus claimed a 2-0 win with goals from Theo Hernández and Randal Kolo Muani. Now, four years later, both teams meet again with a place among the tournament’s final four at stake. France will wear their away uniform, while Morocco play with their home kit.

What happens if France win vs Morocco?

If France defeat Morocco, they will advance directly to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals to face the winner of Spain vs. Belgium on Tuesday, July 14, at 3:00 PM (ET) at Dallas Stadium. A victory would extend France’s unbeaten knockout-stage run in this tournament and send Deschamps’ squad into the final four for the third consecutive World Cup.

Under this scenario, Morocco would be eliminated from the World Cup, bringing their campaign to an end without surpassing their best‑ever tournament run. Morocco would at least get a significant prize money for their participation.

What happens if France and Morocco tie?

A draw after 90 minutes will not decide the winner because knockout-stage matches at the World Cup cannot end level. If France and Morocco are tied after regulation time, the match will go into 30 minutes of extra time, divided into two 15-minute periods.

Let’s keep in mind that there is no golden goal at the World Cup. If the score remains equal after extra time, the winner will be determined by a penalty shootout. The nation that wins the shootout advances to the semifinals, while the losing team is eliminated from the tournament.

What happens if France lose vs Morocco today?

If France lose, their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign will come to an end, eliminating one of the tournament favorites before the semifinals. A Morocco victory would see the African side play Spain or Belgium on Tuesday, July 14, at 3 PM (ET) in Dallas. A win would send the Atlas Lions back into the final four after their historic run at Qatar 2022, the furthest Morocco has ever gone at a World Cup.

For Morocco, another semifinal appearance would represent a major milestone as the team continues their pursuit of becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup final.

“My debut World Cup… it hurts to wait four years to compete at the highest level our sport has to offer. I want to say sorry to our fans. It was not good enough when it mattered most and we let you down,” Balogun wrote on X after the final whistle, reflecting on the team’s elimination.

Balogun’s appearance against Belgium had already become one of the tournament’s biggest talking points after FIFA overturned his suspension ahead of the knockout match. Although the striker returned to the starting lineup, he was unable to influence the game as Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals with a convincing victory.

Balogun apologizes after the United States’ World Cup exit

Following the defeat, which led Belgium to USA and FIFA, Balogun thanked supporters while expressing confidence that American soccer will continue to grow despite the disappointing result. “Soccer in America will only become bigger. The belief, the talent, and the passion is continually growing and I know the best days are in front of us.”

He also added, “The future belongs to those who never stop believing. This moment will fuel us. We will be back. Why not us? For the nation. For the flag.” Belgium controlled much of the Round of 16 contest, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice before Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku completed the 4-1 victory.

Balogun’s participation remained a major talking point

The decision generated widespread discussion ahead of the Round of 16 after reports of a phone call from Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino regarding Balogun’s red card, while Mauricio Pochettino publicly celebrated the striker’s availability.

FIFA later fined Balogun after the case was reviewed, although the FIFA Disciplinary Committee explained why Balogun could play against Belgium despite the disciplinary proceedings.

In the end, the controversy surrounding Balogun’s participation was overshadowed by Belgium’s dominant performance, which ended the United States’ World Cup campaign.

Haaland enters the match with seven goals, while Kane has scored six, placing both among the leading scorers at the 2026 World Cup. Their finishing ability has played a central role in guiding their nations to the final eight.

With the quarterfinals bracket set and a semifinal berth at stake, the spotlight will once again fall on two of the world’s premier strikers as Norway seek the biggest victory in their World Cup history and England look to continue their pursuit of a second world title.

How do Erling Haaland and Harry Kane compare beyond the goals?

Although both forwards have dominated in front of goal, they influence matches in very different ways. Haaland operates as a classic No. 9, using his pace, strength, and movement inside the penalty area to finish chances created by Norway’s midfield.

Kane, on the other hand, frequently drops deeper to connect England’s midfield and attack. In addition to scoring, the captain contributes to the buildup by creating space for teammates and distributing possession.

How Norway and England reached the quarterfinals

Norway, coached by Ståle Solbakken, are enjoying the best FIFA World Cup campaign in the nation’s history. After finishing second in Group I with wins over Iraq and Senegal, Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in the Round of 32 before stunning Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16, with Haaland scoring twice after goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland saved an early penalty.

England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, topped their group after victories over Croatia and Panama and a draw with Ghana. The Three Lions then rallied to beat DR Congo 2-1 thanks to two late Kane goals before overcoming Mexico 3-2 despite playing nearly 40 minutes with 10 men following Jarell Quansah’s red card. Jude Bellingham scored twice in that victory, while Kane added the decisive penalty.

The two nations have met twice in FIFA World Cup history, splitting those encounters with one victory each. Their previous meetings came in consecutive tournaments, making this quarterfinal their first World Cup clash in more than three decades.

With a place in the last four on the line and only few games left in the 2026 World Cup, and with the chance to keep fighting for the world title, both teams arrive in strong form after navigating difficult paths through the knockout stage.

Spain vs. Belgium head-to-head

Spain, one of the eight countries that have won the World Cup, and Belgium have faced each other twice at the tournament, with the all-time record perfectly balanced. Their first meeting came in the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals in Mexico. The match finished 1-1 after extra time before Belgium advanced with a 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout.

Four years later, the teams met again during the 1990 FIFA World Cup group stage in Italy. Spain claimed a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Alberto Górriz and Míchel, leveling the World Cup series between the two nations.

How Spain and Belgium reached the quarterfinals

Spain, coached by Luis de la Fuente, have yet to concede a goal during the tournament. After opening with a scoreless draw against Cape Verde, La Roja defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0 to win Group G. Spain then eliminated Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 before edging Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to Mikel Merino’s dramatic late winner.

Belgium, managed by Rudi García, recovered from an inconsistent start to become one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams. After draw against Egypt and Iran, the Red Devils secured first place in their group with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand. Belgium then rallied from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32 before eliminating host nation United States with a convincing 4-1 victory in the Round of 16, powered by a brace from Charles De Ketelaere.

The two nations, whose market value difference is huge, have met only once in FIFA World Cup history. That meeting came in the semifinals of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where France defeated Morocco 2-0 to book their place in the final.

Morocco will now have an opportunity to avenge that defeat in one of the last games of the 2026 World Cup, while France look to maintain their perfect record against the Atlas Lions and move one step closer to another appearance in the final.

France hold edge in historic World Cup clash

The only meeting between France and Morocco came on December 14, 2022, in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar at Al Bayt Stadium. France secured a victory thanks to goals from Theo Hernández in the fifth minute and substitute Randal Kolo Muani in the 79th minute.

Although Morocco fell short, the Atlas Lions made history by becoming the first African and Arab nation ever to reach a FIFA World Cup semifinal. Overall, France hold the advantage in the rivalry, with one World Cup victory and an unbeaten record against Morocco in FIFA’s biggest competition.

How France and Morocco reached the quarterfinals

France, coached by Didier Deschamps, advanced through the tournament as one of their strongest teams. After an impressive group-stage campaign, Les Bleus defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to a penalty converted by Kylian Mbappe.

Morocco, led by Mohamed Ouahbi, continued their impressive World Cup form. The Atlas Lions then earned a convincing 3–0 win over Canada in the Round of 16, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice to send Morocco into the quarterfinals. The winner at Boston Stadium will secure a place in the semifinals and continue its pursuit of the 2026 FIFA World Cup title.

The break is part of FIFA’s official schedule and gives the eight remaining teams a mandatory recovery day after completing the Round of 16. With the knockout stage becoming increasingly demanding, the pause allows players to rest before the four games of the quarterfinals begin.

After weeks of daily action, the tournament has entered its final stretch. Only eight teams remain in contention for the World Cup title and only a few games are left in the tournament, and the schedule now features more recovery time between matches as the competition moves closer to the final.

Why the break is essential now

All eight quarterfinalists completed their Round of 16 matches on July 6 or July 7, and the additional day off helps players recover before the next round. The break is especially important in the expanded 48-team tournament, where finalists could play as many as eight matches while also traveling across multiple host cities in North America.

FIFA has also spaced out the remaining fixtures to maximize recovery time between rounds while maintaining the tournament’s schedule through the championship match on July 19.

When do the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals begin?

The tournament resumes on Thursday, July 9, with the start of the quarterfinals. One or two matches will be played each day before the semifinal stage (where yellow cards see a reset) begins the following week.

2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal schedule:

Following the quarterfinals, another scheduled rest day will take place on Monday, July 13, before the semifinals on July 14 and 15. The third-place playoff is scheduled for July 18, while the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will be played on Sunday, July 19.

Colombia finished unbeaten atop Group K with victories over Uzbekistan and DR Congo before drawing Portugal. The South American side then edged Ghana 1-0 in the Round of 32 to continue their World Cup campaign.

Switzerland also topped their group after drawing Qatar, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina, and overcoming host nation Canada. The Swiss reached the Round of 16 by beating Algeria 2-0 thanks to goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye.

What uniform is Colombia wearing today?

With Salvadoran referee Iván Barton confirmed to officiate the Colombia vs Switzerland match, Colombia will wear their traditional yellow jersey with red details, paired with white shorts featuring red accents and white socks with yellow trim for today’s Round of 16 clash.

The Colombian goalkeeper will be dressed in an all-green kit with darker green details on the jersey, shorts, and socks. Meanwhile, Colombia’s substitutes will wear purple training bibs on the sidelines.

What uniform is Switzerland wearing today?

Switzerland will take the field wearing their classic red jersey with white details, accompanied by red shorts and red socks with white trim. The Swiss goalkeeper will wear a black kit with dark gray details, including matching shorts and socks.
Switzerland’s substitutes will use olive green training bibs during the match.

The goal marked Messi’s seventh career strike in FIFA World Cup knockout matches, tying Pele for one of the most prolific scoring records in the tournament’s elimination rounds, according to @MisterChip on X. The Argentine captain reached the milestone despite missing a penalty earlier in the match before delivering when his team needed him most.

Argentina recovered from a two-goal deficit to book their place in the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the Colombia vs. Switzerland Round of 16 matchup as Lionel Scaloni’s side continues their pursuit of consecutive World Cup titles.

Messi joins Pele in knockout scoring history

The updated leaderboard now stands as:

• Kylian Mbappe — 11 goals
• Leônidas — 8 goals
• Ronaldo Nazário — 8 goals
• Lionel Messi — 7 goals
• Pele — 7 goals
• Just Fontaine — 7 goals
• Vavá — 7 goals
• Oldřich Nejedlý — 7 goals

The milestone came in the 83rd minute, when Messi scored from a flowing team move to level the score at 2–2 and give Argentina new life after trailing for much of the match.

Once Enzo Fernández completed the comeback with a dramatic winner in the 92nd minute, sealing the 3–2 victory, Messi celebrated the quarterfinal berth with his teammates after the final whistle, and Argentina’s captain ended up in tears following the dramatic win.

With the win, Argentina advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face Switzerland. The game is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. ET at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, United States.

The Pharaohs, under head coach Hossam Hassan took the lead in the 15th minute when center back Yasser Ibrahim headed home from close range, before doubling the advantage in the 67th minute through Mostafa Ziko, who scored shortly after having a goal disallowed by VAR.

Argentina’s first goal came from an attacking sequence in which Messi delivered a precise pass into Egypt’s box. Center back Cristian “Cuti” Romero connected cleanly, beating goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir with a sharp finish to make it 2–1 and add late pressure to the closing stages of the match.

In the 83rd minute of the Round of 16 match, Lionel Messi scored Argentina’s equalizer to make it 2–2. The goal came from a well‑worked team move, ending with Messi, who achieved a feat not seen since the 1930 World Cup, pushing the ball over the line inside the box to level the match and give Argentina a lifeline.

A stunning 92nd‑minute strike lifted Argentina

When the match seemed destined for extra time, Enzo Fernández stepped up in the 92nd minute, beating Egypt’s goalkeeper with a composed finish to seal the 3–2 result and send Argentina into the quarterfinals.

Speaking after the match, the Real Madrid goalkeeper said Belgium, who mocked the United States over Folarin Balogun situation, felt disrespected by outside commentary questioning whether the team was still capable of competing at the highest level. “The kind of disrespect we received in recent days — that’s no longer the same team,” Courtois said, noting that the group used that criticism as fuel.

Courtois added that Belgium’s performance was a reminder of their quality. “Today we proved that we’re still a good team and that you can never take anything for granted at a World Cup,” he said. Courtois also admitted he found some of the pre‑match talk amusing: “Honestly, when I read those things, I just laughed a little.”

Courtois says Senegal posed a greater challenge than the USA

Courtois also compared the United States to Belgium’s group-stage opponent Senegal, insisting he felt more confident before facing the Americans. “I understand that people wanted to give a lot of publicity to the United States, but honestly, I felt much more certain that we were going to beat the U.S. than I did against Senegal, because Senegal is a better team. And I think today that was also proven.” After the defeat, Mauricio Pochettino took blame over USA’s World Cup elimination.

Belgium backed up those comments on the field, recovering after Malik Tillman’s free‑kick equalizer to score three unanswered goals and secure a convincing Round of 16 victory. After the match, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia revealed postgame conversation with Folarin Balogun, while Charles De Ketelaere scored twice for Belgium, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also found the net to complete the 4-1 win.

Belgium set up quarterfinal clash with Spain

The victory sent Belgium into the quarterfinals, where they will face Spain on Friday, July 10. Spain reached the last eight after defeating Portugal 1–0 in the Round of 16.

The worst performance by a defending FIFA World Cup champion belongs to France at the 2002 World Cup. After lifting the trophy in 1998, Les Bleus finished last in Group A with just one point, becoming the only defending champions in tournament history to be eliminated without scoring a single goal.

France’s disappointing campaign remains the benchmark for World Cup title defenses gone wrong, but it is far from the only reigning champion to suffer an early exit.

The seven worst title defenses in FIFA World Cup history

1. France (2002): France’s title defense in South Korea and Japan remains the worst in FIFA World Cup history. Featuring stars such as Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Lilian Thuram.

Most remarkably, France failed to score a single goal, becoming the only defending FIFA World Cup champion ever eliminated in the group stage without finding the back of the net.

2. Italy (2010): Four years after winning the 2006 World Cup, Italy endured one of the tournament’s biggest disappointments in South Africa. The Azzurri failed to win a match, drawing against Paraguay and New Zealand before losing to Slovakia to finish last in their group.

3. Spain (2014): Spain entered Brazil 2014 after dominating international soccer by winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships. However, defeats to the Netherlands (5-1) and Chile eliminated the defending champions before the knockout stage despite a victory over Australia.

4. Brazil (1966): Brazil arrived at the 1966 World Cup seeking an unprecedented third consecutive title after triumphing in 1958 and 1962. Injuries to Pelé and defeats against Hungary and Portugal sent the reigning champions home during the group stage.

5. Italy (1950): Although the Second World War created a 12-year gap between the 1938 and 1950 tournaments, Italy entered the competition as defending champions. A victory over Paraguay was not enough, as losses to Sweden resulted in another group-stage exit.

6. Argentina (1982): After lifting their first World Cup trophy in 1978, Argentina returned four years later with Diego Maradona expected to lead another title challenge. Instead, the defending champions were eliminated after finishing bottom of their second-round group following defeats to Italy and Brazil.

7. Italy (1986): Italy entered the 1986 World Cup in Mexico hoping to defend the title won four years earlier. While the Azzurri advanced beyond the group stage, their campaign ended in the Round of 16 with a 2-0 defeat to France.

Why is defending the World Cup so difficult?

Only Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962) have successfully defended a FIFA World Cup title. Every other reigning champion has eventually fallen short in their attempt to repeat, illustrating just how difficult it is to remain at the top of international soccer.

When Egypt’s official lineup was released, it confirmed that the Manchester City forward would begin the match on the bench. Instead, Mostafa Ziko was selected to partner Mohamed Salah in attack as the Pharaohs look to continue their historic World Cup run, where Egypt already secured their best-ever finish but want to go even further.

With French referee François Letexier confirmed for the Argentina vs. Egypt match, Marmoush’s absence from the starting lineup comes after a challenging tournament in which he hasn’t been able to find his best form, while Egypt have leaned toward a more balanced tactical approach against one of the favorites to win the competition. Meanwhile, Lautaro Martinez isn’t starting for Argentina today.

Why is Omar Marmoush on the bench against Argentina?

Marmoush has endured a disappointing World Cup, playing more than 300 minutes across Egypt’s previous four matches without recording a goal or an assist. The 26-year-old also missed a key one-on-one opportunity against Australia in the previous round, adding to his difficult tournament.

Egypt adjust their tactics for the defending champions

Facing one of the tournament favorites has prompted Egypt to adopt a more conservative approach for the Round of 16. Rather than deploying their usual three-man attack, the coaching staff has reinforced the midfield with players capable of providing greater defensive cover and work rate against a highly FIFA‑ranked Argentina squad.

The adjustment is designed to limit Argentina’s attacking threats, led by Lionel Messi, while giving Egypt opportunities to strike on the counterattack. Whether the tactical decision pays off could determine if the Pharaohs can produce one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Pharaohs are currently ranked No. 24 in the latest FIFA World Ranking with 1,597.04 points. Led by Mohamed Salah, Egypt reached the knockout stage after finishing second in their group. With French referee François Letexier confirmed for the Argentina vs. Egypt match, both sides prepare for a high‑stakes Round of 16 showdown.

Egypt then secured their place in the Round of 16 by defeating Australia in a dramatic penalty shootout. The victory set up a first-ever FIFA World Cup meeting with Argentina at the senior level. This is already the furthest Egypt have ever gone at a World Cup, and now they’re looking to make an even deeper run.

How do Egypt and Argentina compare in the latest FIFA rankings?

Egypt enter the Round of 16 ranked 24th in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,597.04 points, while Argentina sit No. 2 in the world with 1,913.71 points. Although Argentina hold a significant advantage in the rankings, Egypt have impressed throughout the tournament by remaining unbeaten in regulation time.

What is at stake for Egypt against Argentina?

Egypt have already produced one of their best FIFA World Cup campaigns by advancing to the Round of 16, but the challenge becomes even greater against the reigning world champions.

A victory over Argentina would send Egypt to the quarterfinals and represent another historic milestone for the national team. With Mohamed Salah, who has made it clear he prefers Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, leading the squad, the Pharaohs will look to extend their remarkable tournament run in what will be the first World Cup meeting between the two countries.

The reigning world champions are currently ranked No. 2 in the latest FIFA World Ranking with 1,913.71 points. What happens today against Egypt could determine not only Argentina’s World Cup future but also this ranking.

Referee François Letexier will officiate Argentina vs. Egypt today hoping to keep things in control. Led by Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs reached this round thanks a penalty shootout win over Australia after finishing second in their group. This is already the furthest Egypt have ever gone at a World Cup, but will they write even more history today?

How do Argentina and Egypt compare in the latest FIFA rankings?

Argentina enter the Round of 16 as the higher‑ranked nation, sitting second in the FIFA World Ranking, while Egypt stand at No. 24 with 1,597.04 points. Although Argentina hold a significant advantage in the rankings, knockout matches often present different challenges.

What is at stake for Argentina against Egypt?

Argentina have already overcome one of the toughest tests of their title defense, and another victory would send Lionel Scaloni’s squad into the quarterfinals. The Round of 16 match will also mark the first-ever FIFA World Cup meeting between Argentina and Egypt at the senior level.

With Lionel Messi leading the Albiceleste and Mohamed Salah, who showed preference for Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, captaining the Pharaohs, the matchup features two of international soccer’s biggest stars competing for a place among the tournament’s final eight.

Philadelphia is currently under an Extreme Heat Warning, with kickoff scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET. Temperatures are forecast to exceed 95°F (35°C), while the heat index could climb between 105°F and 110°F (40°C to 43°C), creating challenging conditions for players and fans alike.

With Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev designated for today’s match, the game is still scheduled to be played as planned, although the dangerous weather has prompted concerns throughout the tournament. FIFA is monitoring conditions closely, and mandatory cooling breaks or potential delays remain possible if conditions require additional player safety measures.

Weather forecast for Paraguay vs France in Philadelphia

Conditions at kickoff are expected to feature intense sunshine combined with high humidity, making it one of the hottest matchdays of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Weather at kickoff (5:00 p.m. ET):

• Temperature: Above 95°F (35°C)
• Feels-like temperature: 105°F to 110°F (40°C to 43°C)
• Conditions: Mostly sunny with dangerous heat and high humidity
• Weather alert: Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect until 8:00 p.m. ET

Paraguay and France meet with a quarterfinal berth at stake

Paraguay’s FIFA ranking updated ahead of the game against France adds extra context to a Round of 16 matchup shaped by two very different routes. After producing one of the tournament’s biggest shocks by eliminating four‑time world champions Germany, La Albirroja arrive with momentum and confidence.

With several implications if France win, draw, or lose against Paraguay today, Les Bleus, meanwhile, defeated Sweden in the Round of 32 behind another outstanding attacking display led by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise.

With Morocco’s path to a potential final now updated, the Atlas Lions will now face the winner of the Round of 16 matchup between France and Paraguay. The quarterfinal is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with kickoff set for 4:00 p.m. ET.

Against Canada, who are now eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, midfielder Azzedine Ounahi delivered the decisive performance by scoring both goals. He opened the scoring in the 50th minute following a well-worked set-piece before adding a second in the 82nd minute after finishing off a flowing team move to seal Morocco’s place in the last eight. Morocco’s third goal was scored by Soufiane Rahimi in the 90+7’, sealing the final result.

How did Morocco reach the Round of 16?

Morocco reached the Round of 16 after eliminating the Netherlands in the previous knockout stage, surviving a dramatic 3–2 penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw in regular time capped by Issa Diop’s stunning 91st‑minute equalizer.

Morocco’s convincing Round of 16 victory has earned them another chance to compete among the final eight teams, continuing a memorable World Cup run that has captured global attention.

With either France or Paraguay awaiting in the quarterfinals, the Atlas Lions now prepare for what could become another landmark chapter in the country’s World Cup history, yet they may have to do it without Imsael Saibari, who was subbed off against Canada at the 22nd minute.

The stadium has an official capacity of 65,827 spectators, and a strong turnout is expected for a high-profile Round of 16 encounter between two teams with contrasting recent knockout histories but strong tournament momentum.

With Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev designated for today’s match, Paraguay arrive after pulling off a major upset against four-time champions Germany in the Round of 32. A Julio Enciso first-half goal and a strong penalty shootout performance from goalkeeper Orlando Gill helped La Albirroja secure their first knockout-stage win since South Africa 2010.

France, however, enter the match in strong form after dominant performances throughout the tournament. Les Bleus defeated Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32, with Kylian Mbappe already scoring six goals, Ousmane Dembélé adding four, and Michael Olise registering five assists.

Historical context between Paraguay and France at the World Cup

Paraguay and France have met twice before on the World Cup stage. Their first encounter came in Sweden 1958, when Just Fontaine scored a hat-trick in a 7-3 victory for France during Group 2 play.

Forty years later, the teams met again at France 1998 in the Round of 16, where Les Bleus advanced in extra time thanks to a golden goal from Laurent Blanc in the 114th minute after a standout performance from Paraguayan goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert.

The central referee for today’s Round of 16 match is English official Michael Oliver. Widely recognized for his work in top competitions, Oliver serves as a Premier League, FIFA, and UEFA elite referee, with additional experience in high‑profile matches abroad.

With the uniforms Canada and Morocco are wearing today confirmed, Canada reached this stage after a breakthrough campaign that saw them advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their World Cup history, while Morocco continue to build on their strong international form following a memorable run at the tournament.

Full match officiating team for Canada vs Morocco

FIFA has appointed an experienced international crew to support Oliver for today’s Round of 16 clash at Houston Stadium. The game between Canada and Morocco carries major implications depending on whether they win, draw, or lose today.

Full officiating team:

• Referee: Michael Oliver (England)
• Assistant Referee 1: Stuart Burt (England)
• Assistant Referee 2: James Mainwaring (England)
• Fourth Official: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
• Fifth Official: Hessel Steegstra (Netherlands)
• VAR: Jarred Gillett (England)
• Assistant VAR: Dennis Higler (Netherlands)
• Support VAR: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (Poland)

What to expect from the officiating style in this World Cup match

Michael Oliver is widely recognized for allowing play to flow while maintaining control through clear communication and consistent foul management. His style typically avoids unnecessary interruptions, but he remains firm when managing tactical fouls or escalating physical duels.

With both Canada and Morocco facing high stakes in a knockout-stage environment, the refereeing approach will likely focus on maintaining rhythm while ensuring discipline in key moments throughout the match.

Houston Stadium has an official FIFA World Cup capacity of 72,220 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums hosting matches during the tournament. A strong attendance is expected as both teams continue historic World Cup campaigns after advancing through the knockout stage.

In a high‑stakes match where a win, draw, or loss carries several implications between Canada and Morocco, the North American team reached this stage after defeating South Africa 1–0 in dramatic fashion, while Morocco advanced by eliminating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw after extra time.

How did Canada and Morocco reach the quarterfinal race?

Canada advanced after a resilient tournament that included a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, a dominant 6-0 victory over Qatar, and a narrow 2-1 loss to Switzerland before edging South Africa through Eustáquio’s dramatic late goal.

Morocco also impressed throughout the competition, finishing the group stage unbeaten with victories over Scotland and Haiti, plus a draw against Brazil. Their knockout-stage clash against the Netherlands required penalties, where the Atlas Lions prevailed 3-2 to book their place in today’s quarterfinal qualifier.

Canada have enjoyed one of the most memorable tournaments in the nation’s history. The co-hosts advanced from the group stage before edging South Africa 1-0 in the Round of 32 thanks to Stephen Eustaquio‘s dramatic stoppage-time winner, while Morocco eliminated the Netherlands in a tense penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.

With the group stage behind them, there are no standings or point calculations left. This is a single-elimination match, meaning only one nation will move on to the quarterfinals, while the other will see their World Cup campaign come to an end.

What happens if Canada win vs. Morocco?

A victory would send Canada to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in the history of the men’s national team. The Canadians would face the winner of France vs. Paraguay in the quarterfinals, with that match scheduled to be played in Boston on July 9.

Reaching the last eight would mark another historic milestone for the tournament co‑hosts, while a Canadian win would also eliminate Morocco from the competition.

What happens if Canada and Morocco are tied after 90 minutes?

Unlike the group stage, a draw cannot stand in the knockout rounds. If the score remains level after regulation, the match will move to 30 minutes of extra time, divided into two 15-minute periods.

Should the teams still be tied after 120 minutes, and with no golden‑goal rule in place at the World Cup, the winner will be decided in a penalty shootout. One way or another, today’s match must produce a winner.

What happens if Canada lose vs. Morocco?

A defeat would immediately end Canada’s historic World Cup run as co-hosts. Morocco would advance to the quarterfinals and continue their pursuit of another deep World Cup campaign after reaching the semifinals in Qatar 2022. The Atlas Lions would then prepare to face either France or Paraguay for a place in the semifinals.

Egypt will now face Argentina in the Round of 16. The game is scheduled for July 7, 2026, at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, with kickoff set for 12:00 p.m. ET.

The match against Australia was decided after a tightly contested encounter. Egypt opened the scoring in the 13th minute through Emam Ashour, who finished a well-placed cross from Karim Hafez with a precise header. Australia later equalized in the 55th minute via an own goal by Mohamed Hany, after a dangerous set-piece created pressure inside the Egyptian penalty area.

With the score level after 90 minutes, both sides were forced into extra time, where neither team managed to find a winner. The match ultimately went to penalties, where Egypt held their nerve to secure qualification.

Egypt’s path to the Round of 16

Egypt put together a steady and historic group-stage run to reach the Round of 16. They opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1–1 draw vs. Belgium, where Emam Ashour scored early from a Mohamed Salah assist before an unfortunate own goal leveled the match.

The Pharaohs then delivered a landmark moment with a 3–1 win against New Zealand, their first-ever World Cup victory, powered by Mostafa Ziko, Salah, and Mahmoud Trézéguet. A final 1–1 draw vs. Iran, sealed by Mahmoud Saber, confirmed their qualification.

Egypt aren’t a traditional powerhouse, but they’ve looked organized, disciplined, and increasingly confident. Their historic win and consistent form give them meaningful momentum heading into the Round of 16.

With the uniforms for Argentina vs Cape Verde confirmed, weather conditions in Miami will be hot and humid at kickoff, with temperatures near 87°F (30°C) and a feels-like reading in the mid‑90s due to humidity. However, last‑minute reports indicate that potential thunderstorms in Miami could delay the start of the match.

Argentina secured first place in Group J by defeating Algeria and Austria before closing the group stage with a 3-1 victory over Jordan using a rotated lineup. Cape Verde, meanwhile, made history by advancing from Group H after drawing all three of their matches, including a scoreless result against Saudi Arabia.

Weather forecast for Argentina vs. Cape Verde in Miami

FIFA officials will continue monitoring the weather every 15 minutes, particularly for any lightning activity that could temporarily interrupt play if necessary. Before this last‑minute update, conditions were expected to stabilize later in the evening, with partly sunny skies, light southeast winds, and temperatures around 85°F (29°C) during the second half as isolated thunderstorms became less likely.

Argentina and Cape Verde meet for the first time

This will be the first official meeting between Argentina and Cape Verde. The defending champions have won each of their last seven FIFA World Cup matches against African opponents since their opening defeat to Cameroon in 1990 and will try to extend that streak as they continue their title defense against one of the tournament’s surprise teams.

The venue is one of the most iconic stadiums in the United States, home to the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL, and has an official capacity of 76,416 spectators, making it one of the largest sites used during the tournament.

The official attendance will be confirmed by FIFA during the second half, although projections suggest a near-capacity crowd. Colombia and Ghana arrive in strong form after navigating a demanding group stage, and expectations are high for a competitive match in what has become one of the most physically challenging environments of the tournament

What are the weather conditions for Colombia vs Ghana?

Matchday conditions in Kansas City are expected to be extremely demanding due to a heat advisory in place for the area. Temperatures are forecast to reach around 35°C (95°F), but humidity levels will push the “feels-like” temperature into the 38°C to 43°C (100°F to 110°F) range, creating a physically taxing environment for both teams.

Kickoff conditions around 8:30 p.m. local time are expected to ease slightly after sunset, with temperatures still near 31°C (88°F) and a light breeze offering minimal relief.

The achievement represents another milestone for Egyptian soccer, which returned to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition. Led by a disciplined defensive approach and experienced internationals, the Pharaohs now have an opportunity to extend their historic run.

Before this edition, Egypt had never advanced beyond the opening stage of the competition. Their unbeaten group-stage campaign marked the nation’s first qualification for the knockout rounds in the modern World Cup format.

Egypt’s previous World Cup appearances came in 1934, 1990, and 2018. The 1934 tournament featured a straight knockout format, with Egypt becoming the first African and first Arab nation to compete at a FIFA World Cup before falling 4-2 to Hungary in the opening round.

Egypt’s World Cup history

Egypt’s World Cup journey spans nearly a century and includes several landmark moments for African soccer. After making history in 1934, the Pharaohs returned in 1990, earning their first-ever World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands before exiting in the group stage.

They qualified again in 2018, when Mohamed Salah scored twice despite Egypt losing all three group matches in Russia. The 2026 campaign has now become the most successful in Egyptian history. Remaining unbeaten throughout the group stage and reaching the Round of 16 has established a new benchmark for the national team, which continues to chase an even deeper run in North America.

Australia are currently ranked No. 28 in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,581.35 points. They enter the knockout phase looking to build on recent World Cup experience, having reached the Round of 16 in Qatar 2022 before being eliminated by Argentina.

With Australia’s chance to surpass the furthest they’ve gone at a World Cup, The Socceroos reached this stage after a mixed group campaign, opening with a 2-0 win over Turkey before falling by the same scoreline against the United States and finishing with a 0-0 draw against Paraguay. Egypt, meanwhile, went unbeaten in the group stage, drawing 1-1 with Belgium and Iran while securing a 3-1 win over New Zealand.

How Australia and Egypt compare heading into the Round of 32

Australia are currently ranked No. 28 in the FIFA World Ranking, while Egypt sit slightly higher at No. 26 with 1,584.71 points. The narrow gap highlights how evenly matched both teams are heading into one of the most competitive fixtures of the Round of 32.

With both teams separated by minimal ranking difference and strong defensive foundations on display in the group stage, the matchup promises to be a finely balanced contest where small details could determine qualification.

The Australian national team has advanced beyond the group stage on three occasions, first at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and again at the 2022 tournament in Qatar before repeating the feat in 2026.

Australia made their FIFA World Cup debut in 1974 after qualifying for the tournament in West Germany. Drawn into a difficult group, the Socceroos were eliminated after facing East Germany, host nation West Germany, and Chile.

Australia’s World Cup finishes throughout history

Their first appearance in the knockout stage came at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Australia advanced from a challenging group featuring Brazil, Croatia, and Japan before suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Italy after Francesco Totti converted a penalty in stoppage time.

The Socceroos matched that achievement at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. After recovering from an opening loss to France with victories over Tunisia and Denmark, Australia reached the Round of 16, where it fell 2-1 to eventual champion Argentina despite a determined performance.

In 2026, Australia made it out of the group stage again by beating Turkiye 2-0 and drawing against Paraguay 0-0 despite a 2-0 loss to the USA. Their World Cup run ended in the Round of 32 with a penalty shootout loss to Egypt, extending the Socceroos’ wait for a win in the knockout stage.

Australia’s World Cup finishes are:

• 1974: Group stage (14th place)
• 2006: Round of 16 (16th place)
• 2010: Group stage (21st place)
• 2014: Group stage (30th place)
• 2018: Group stage (30th place)
• 2022: Round of 16 (11th place)
• 2026: Round of 32.

Australia’s World Cup history

One of Australia’s most memorable World Cup victories came during the 2006 tournament, when Tim Cahill scored twice before John Aloisi added a stoppage-time goal in a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over Japan. The result helped propel the Socceroos to their first-ever appearance in the knockout stage.

Since joining the Asian Football Confederation in 2006, Australia have established themself as one of Asia’s strongest national teams but a first-ever quarterfinal appearance at the FIFA World Cup remains elusive.

The decision, confirmed after a VAR review, immediately ruled him out of the next match and left the USMNT facing a major attacking adjustment ahead of a critical knockout fixture.

FIFA regulations don’t allow appeals for red cards issued for “serious foul play,” which is the category applied in Balogun’s case after replays showed contact involving an apparent stomp on an opponent’s ankle.

The U.S. finished the match with 10 men but still secured victory, managing the final stretch without their forward. However, Balogun’s absence now forces head coach Mauricio Pochettino to consider alternatives for the Belgium showdown, with options including Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright, or a tactical shift involving Christian Pulisic, who lamented Folarin Balogun’s red card, in a central attacking role.

Can the USA handle Belgium without Folarin Balogun?

With everything it means for the USA that Folarin Balogun got a red card, the USMNT still have a realistic chance of reaching the quarterfinals without him, but the challenge against Belgium becomes significantly tougher.

Even though Balogun is the team’s top scorer at this World Cup with three goals, Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical approach and the squad’s physical profile point toward a tightly contested matchup.

That tournament in Germany marked Ronaldo’s World Cup debut at just 21 years old and represented the transition between Portugal’s “Golden Generation,” led by Luís Figo and Deco, and the emergence of the future five-time Ballon d’Or winner. It remains the deepest World Cup run of Ronaldo’s international career and Portugal’s best result since 1966.

Portugal advanced through the group stage with three victories before defeating the Netherlands in the infamous “Battle of Nuremberg” and overcoming England in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the semifinals. Their journey ended with a 1-0 defeat to France before falling 3-1 to Germany in the third-place match.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup record with Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo is representing Portugal at his sixth FIFA World Cup, extending his record as one of the tournament’s most enduring stars. He has now played in every edition from 2006 through 2026 and became the first men’s player to score in six different World Cups, even Ronaldo broke Lionel Messi’s record as oldest player with a World Cup brace.

His World Cup finishes are:

• 2006: Semifinals (Fourth place)
• 2010: Round of 16
• 2014: Group stage
• 2018: Round of 16
• 2022: Quarterfinals
• 2026: Tournament in progress

Although Portugal’s deepest run with Ronaldo came in 2006, when the team reached the semifinals, the current 2026 campaign gives the veteran captain another opportunity to chase the one major trophy missing from his remarkable career.

Portugal’s best World Cup finish without Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal’s greatest FIFA World Cup performance came long before Cristiano Ronaldo’s international debut. At the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England, the Portuguese national team finished in third place, led by legendary striker Eusébio.

Eusébio won the tournament’s Golden Boot with nine goals as Portugal defeated Brazil in the group stage and eliminated North Korea in a memorable quarterfinal comeback before losing to eventual champions England in the semifinals. They then defeated the Soviet Union 2-1 to secure third place.

The 1966 campaign remains Portugal’s highest finish in World Cup history, while the 2006 semifinal run with Cristiano Ronaldo stands as the country’s second-best performance on soccer’s biggest stage.

The match will be officiated by Norwegian referee Espen Eskas, one of UEFA’s most experienced officials. Eskas has been a FIFA international referee since 2017 and has overseen matches in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Nations League, and European Championship qualifiers.

Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, advanced from the group stage and now look to keep pushing toward the final in this knockout bracket, while Croatia reached the Round of 32 after recovering from an opening loss to England and securing crucial group‑stage wins over Panama and Ghana. Both Portugal and Croatia will use their away uniforms, while the referees will don a red shirt.

Full match officiating team for Portugal vs Croatia

FIFA has appointed an experienced international crew to assist Eskas for today’s knockout-stage encounter at Toronto Stadium.

Full officiating team:

• Referee: Espen Eskas (Norway)
• Assistant Referee 1: Jan Erik Engan (Norway)
• Assistant Referee 2: Isaak Elias Bashevkin (Norway)
• Fourth Official: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
• VAR: Christian Dingert (Germany)
• Assistant VAR: Pol van Boekel (Netherlands)

What to expect from the officiating crew

Eskas has built a reputation for allowing matches to flow while maintaining firm control when physical play escalates. His average of just over three yellow cards per match reflects a balanced officiating style that combines strong communication with timely disciplinary action.

With knockout soccer often producing tense moments and high-pressure decisions, his experience in major UEFA competitions and earlier matches at the 2026 World Cup makes him a trusted choice for a fixture featuring two of Europe’s most accomplished national teams.

The injury occurred following a heavy challenge after Pino entered as a second-half substitute. Although medical examinations ruled out a collarbone fracture, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed that Pino sustained an acromioclavicular sprain.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente acknowledged after the Uruguay match that the winger had been in significant pain, while the federation later stated that his recovery will determine when he can return to action.

Even without Nico Williams in the starting XI, Spain face Austria looking to secure a place in the Round of 16 after finishing atop Group H. Austria, meanwhile, advanced as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams and will attempt to produce another World Cup upset.

Can Spain manage without Yeremy Pino in the starting XI?

Spain qualified for the Round of 32 after finishing first in Group H with seven points, recording victories over Uruguay and Saudi Arabia while drawing with Cape Verde. Even though Yeremy Pino won’t be in the starting XI, he remains available on the bench and could come on at any moment if the team needs him. The same goes for Gavi, who isn’t starting today either.

Austria earned their place in the knockout stage after defeating Jordan, losing to Argentina, and drawing with Algeria. Spain will now attempt to continue their World Cup campaign without one of their attacking options as they look to reach the Round of 16.

Williams has been listed as a substitute though, as Spain look to secure a place in the Round of 16 after finishing first in Group H. Gavi isn’t starting either, whereas Yeremy Pino is another injured player on the bench. Austria, meanwhile, enter the knockout match hoping to pull off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets after qualifying as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Stefan Posch continues to play with a mask.

Although the initial medical report from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) described the injury as a moderate-grade adductor issue, Williams recently revealed that his recovery has progressed better than expected. “I was very strong with the words I posted on social media. I feel good. It’s been much less serious than I expected, so I’m eager to get back with the group.”

He also added: “Everything we’re’re doing here is going really well. I was devastated after getting injured because I didn’t know what had happened. Then, after the medical tests, I was praying for a miracle, and fortunately it came. It’s good news for everyone, and now I’m trying to get back on the field as soon as possible in the best condition,” Williams told Spanish public television.

What does his absence from the starting XI mean for Spain?

Spain will have to face Austria for a Round of 16 berth without one of their fastest and most creative wingers, but Luis de la Fuente‘s squad still arrives with confidence after an unbeaten group-stage campaign. Even though he won’t start, Williams could still come on at any moment.

Spain enter the Round of 32 after topping Group H with seven points, recording victories over Uruguay and Saudi Arabia after drawing with Cape Verde. Austria, meanwhile, qualified after defeating Jordan, losing to Argentina, and drawing with Algeria.

Spain will attempt to reach another World Cup Round of 16 despite Williams’ absence from the starting XI, while Austria seek to recreate their famous 2-1 victory over La Roja at the 1978 World Cup. With a win, Spain face Portugal or Croatia on July 6 at Dallas Stadium.

Without goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, Senegal appeared to be in complete control for much of the match after goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr gave the African side a two-goal advantage.

However, Belgium mounted a remarkable late comeback, with Romelu Lukaku scoring in the 86th minute before Youri Tielemans equalized three minutes later to send the knockout contest into extra time.

Just as the match seemed destined for a penalty shootout, the referee Said Martinez awarded Belgium a penalty in the 120th minute after a VAR review confirmed the decision.

Tielemans stepped up to convert from the spot, sealing a dramatic victory for Belgium and eliminating Senegal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Belgium will now face the winner of the clash between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16.

What is Senegal’s best World Cup performance?

Senegal’s most successful FIFA World Cup campaign came in 2002, when they reached the quarterfinals in their tournament debut in Korea‑Japan. Their historic run featured a famous opening victory over reigning champions Franceand an unbeaten group‑stage finish.

They advanced to the Round of 16, where Henri Camara’s golden goal secured a memorable win over Sweden. Senegal’s journey ultimately ended in the quarterfinals against Turkey, also decided by a golden‑goal defeat.

Since then, Senegal have remained competitive on the world stage, reaching the Round of 16 in 2022 before falling to England, and building toward their 2026 campaign with a strong group-stage showing that included a dominant 5-0 win over Iraq.

Before this tournament, Bosnia and Herzegovina — BIH on the scoreboards — had appeared at only one FIFA World Cup, making their debut in Brazil in 2014. That team was eliminated in the group stage despite earning a memorable 3-1 victory over Iran after earlier defeats to Argentina and Nigeria.

The 2026 squad, led by head coach Sergej Barbarez, has now rewritten the nation’s World Cup record by advancing to the Round of 32 after progressing from Group B, setting a new milestone for Bosnian soccer.

What is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s best-ever World Cup finish?

The nation previously reached only the group stage during their World Cup debut in 2014. Twelve years later, Bosnia returned to the tournament and advanced to the knockout rounds for the first time after finishing third in Group B.

Bosnia opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Canada thanks to a goal from Jovo Lukić, suffered a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland, and then secured qualification with a decisive 3-1 victory over Qatar. Goals from Kerim Alajbegović and Ermin Mahmić helped seal the historic result.

Bosnia’s World Cup journey through the years

Bosnia and Herzegovina have qualified for the FIFA World Cup twice as an independent nation. The 2014 squad featured players such as Edin Džeko, Miralem Pjanić, Vedad Ibišević, and Sead Kolašinac, with Ibišević scoring the country’s first-ever World Cup goal against Argentina.

The 2026 generation blends experienced leaders like Džeko and Kolašinac with emerging talents including goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, Ermedin Demirović and Kerim Alajbegović. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 2026 World Cup roster also includes players born abroad. Their progression to the Round of 32 represents the most successful World Cup campaign in the nation’s history.