The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 came to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday, July 4, with Argentina, Egypt, and Colombia claiming the final three places in the Round of 16.
Defending champions Argentina survived a major scare from Cabo Verde in a five-goal extra-time thriller, Egypt overcame Australia in a dramatic penalty shoot-out, while Colombia edged past Ghana thanks to an early strike from Jhon Arias.
The results completed the Round of 16 lineup, with Argentina set to face Egypt and Colombia taking on Switzerland.
ARGENTINA WINS THRILLER AGAINST CABO VERDE
Argentina booked their place in the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cabo Verde at the Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 4.
Lionel Messi gave the reigning champions the lead in the 29th minute with his record-extending 20th World Cup goal before Deroy Duarte equalized in the 59th minute.
Lisandro Martínez put Argentina back in front in the 92nd minute, but Sidny Lopes Cabral struck in the 103rd minute to level the contest once again.
Argentina finally prevailed in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero’s header from a Lionel Messi corner was turned into his own net by Cabo Verde defender Diney Borges, with the goal officially recorded as an own goal.
The victory sent Lionel Scaloni’s side into the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt.
EGYPT BEATS AUSTRALIA IN PENALTY SHOOT-OUT
Egypt booked their place in the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in their Round of 32 clash at the Dallas Stadium on Friday, July 3.
Egypt took the lead in the 13th minute through Emam Ashour before Australia drew level in the 55th, thanks to a Mohamed Hany own goal. Both sides created chances during extra time but could not find a winner, sending the tie to a penalty shoot-out.
Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia, Mohamed Salah, and Hossam Abdelmaguid all converted from the spot for Egypt, while Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed for Australia, with Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil scoring their side’s successful penalties.
The result marked Egypt’s first-ever World Cup knockout win and set up a Round of 16 showdown with defending champions Argentina.
COLOMBIA EDGE GHANA 1-0 TO BOOK ROUND OF 16 SPOT
Colombia secured their last-16 place with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana in their Round of 32 clash at the Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, July 4.
Jhon Arias scored the decisive goal in the 14th minute, finishing clinically after Colombia made a bright start.
Ghana pushed for an equalizer throughout the second half, but Colombia produced a disciplined defensive display and successfully protected their slender lead until the final whistle.
The victory sends the South Americans into the Round of 16, where they will take on Switzerland for a place in the quarterfinals.
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