Spain has advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup after a late 1-0 victory over Portugal, ending Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup aspirations. Meanwhile, the United States faces Belgium, with controversy surrounding striker Folarin Balogun's eligibility.

• Spain secured their win with a stoppage-time goal by substitute Mikel Merino.
• The match was played on July 6, 2026, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
• FIFA upheld the decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play for the United States against Belgium, despite an appeal from the Royal Belgian Football Association and intervention from US President Donald Trump.

Belgium decisively defeated the United States 4-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, ending the host nation's tournament dreams and advancing to a quarter-final match against Spain.

• Charles De Ketelaere scored twice for Belgium, with Hans Vanaken and substitute Romelu Lukaku adding goals.
• The US bid farewell to the tournament after a campaign overshadowed by eligibility controversies surrounding striker Folarin Balogun.
• In another match, Spain eliminated Portugal 1-0, marking what is likely Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance.

Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup dream ended in heartbreak as Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the round of 16 match on July 6, 2026. The 41-year-old captain was visibly emotional after what is likely his final World Cup appearance.

• The defeat means Cristiano Ronaldo will not win a World Cup winners medal, despite a storied career.
• Key individuals involved: Cristiano Ronaldo (player) and Portugal (national team), defeated by Spain.
• Ronaldo described the loss as "crushing disappointment" and stated he will "move on" while reflecting on his international career.

The World Cup last-16 will feature a high-profile clash between Lionel Messi's Argentina and Mohamed Salah's Egypt in Atlanta. The match is also a direct competition for the Golden Boot award.

• Argentina narrowly defeated Cape Verde 1-0 in the last 32, while Egypt eliminated Australia on penalties.
• Key figures include Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Mohamed Salah (Egypt), both vying for goalscoring supremacy.
• Messi, at 39, is confirmed fit to play, and this match is a crucial step towards the semi-finals, with one of the teams advancing to face either Switzerland or Colombia.