Spain, Portugal, Switzerland seal Round of 16 spots at World Cup 2026

Three more teams secured their places in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 on Thursday, July 2.

While Spain and Switzerland cruised to comfortable victories, Portugal needed a dramatic stoppage-time winner to overcome Croatia.

The results also set up a blockbuster Iberian showdown between Spain and Portugal in the Round of 16, while Switzerland will face either Colombia or Ghana.

SPAIN BEATS AUSTRIA 3-0

Spain earned a commanding 3-0 win over Austria at the Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday.

Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage in the 66th. Oyarzabal completed his brace with a late strike in the 89th to seal an emphatic win for La Roja.

Spain will face Portugal in the Round of 16.

PORTUGAL BEAT CROATIA 2-1 IN THRILLER

Portugal produced a stunning late comeback to defeat Croatia 2-1 and book their place in the Round of 16 at the Toronto Stadium.

Croatia took the lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perišić before Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 68th. The game looked destined for extra time when Gonçalo Ramos scored the winner in the fourth minute of added time (90+4), sending Portugal through in thrilling fashion.

When Croatia’s last-breath goal was disallowed for offside, Portugal firmly set their Round of 16 date with Spain.

SWITZERLAND OVERCOMES ALGERIA 2-0

Switzerland booked their place in the Round of 16 with a comfortable 2-0 win over Algeria at the BC Place Vancouver stadium on Friday, July 3.

Breel Embolo gave the Swiss the perfect start, finishing from close range in the 10th minute. Dan Ndoye doubled the advantage just after the restart, finding the net in the 46th to put Switzerland firmly in control. 

The Swiss limited Algeria’s attacking threat to secure a clean sheet and advance to the Round of 16, where they will face either Colombia or Ghana.

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