The 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 produced some of the most dramatic results in tournament history over two days of action on July 5 and 6, with Norway stunning five-time champions Brazil, Spain ending Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career, and Belgium comprehensively dispatching co-hosts the United States. The results have reshaped the quarterfinal bracket and sent shockwaves through the world of football.
At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 5, Erling Haaland delivered a masterclass to lead Norway past Brazil 2-1 in what will be remembered as one of the great World Cup upsets. Brazil had the chance to take control early when Bruno Guimaraes stepped up for a 12th-minute penalty, but goalkeeper Orjan Nyland produced a superb save to keep the score level. Norway weathered the storm and Haaland struck in the 79th minute before adding a spectacular second from outside the box moments later. Neymar scored a consolation penalty deep in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late for the Selecao. Haaland's brace took his tournament tally to seven goals, level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi at the 2026 World Cup. For Norway, it marks their first-ever quarterfinal at a major tournament, while Brazil suffered their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
Also on July 5, England survived a nerve-shredding encounter against Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, winning 3-2 despite playing more than 40 minutes with ten men. Jude Bellingham was the hero of the first half, scoring twice in a remarkable 98-second burst to give England a commanding lead. Julian Quinones volleyed one back for Mexico before halftime to make it 2-1. The match turned further when Jarell Quansah received a red card in the 54th minute, leaving England a man down. Harry Kane converted a penalty to restore the two-goal cushion at 3-1, and although Raul Jimenez pulled one back from the spot late on to set up a tense finale at 3-2, England held on to advance.
On July 6 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Spain and Portugal played out a tense and tactical affair that appeared destined for extra time until substitute Mikel Merino wrote himself into World Cup folklore. Merino, who had only entered the match in the 85th minute, latched onto a precise through ball from Ferran Torres and fired home in the 91st minute to send Spain through 1-0. The result brought the curtain down on Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career, with the Portuguese superstar unable to inspire his team to an equalizer in the dying moments. Spain will now face Belgium in the quarterfinals.
Belgium booked their place in that quarterfinal clash with a commanding 4-1 demolition of co-hosts the United States in Seattle on July 6. Charles De Ketelaere set the tone with an early goal in the ninth minute and added a second in the 33rd minute. Malik Tillman briefly gave the home crowd hope with a stunning free kick equalizer in the 31st minute, but Belgium quickly reasserted their dominance. A costly error by USA goalkeeper Matt Freese in the 57th minute gifted Belgium their third goal, and Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to complete the rout with a fourth in stoppage time. The result ended the host nation's World Cup dream in the round of 16.
The quarterfinal picture is now taking shape, with a tantalizing Spain versus Belgium clash among the standout ties. Norway, playing in uncharted territory under the leadership of Haaland, will be confident that they can continue their remarkable run. England, despite their red card scare against Mexico, showed the resilience and individual brilliance of Bellingham that could carry them deep into the tournament.
Reactions from across the football world have highlighted the unpredictable nature of this World Cup. Analysts on ESPN and Sky Sports noted that Haaland's performance against Brazil was one of the finest individual displays in knockout-round history, while the end of Ronaldo's World Cup journey has prompted widespread tributes from fans and pundits alike. The quarterfinals are set to take place later this week, promising yet more drama at a World Cup that continues to exceed all expectations.
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