World Cup Round 16 Shocks and Belgium’s US Rout

The knockout stage’s opening night delivered several memorable results. Canada fell 3‑0 to Morocco, while France squeezed past Paraguay 1‑0 despite a lacklustre display. The biggest story was Norway’s stunning upset, knocking five‑time champions Brazil out and ending Neymar’s international run. England celebrated a hard‑fought 3‑2 win over Mexico at the Azteca, a venue famed for its high altitude.

In the Iberian derby, Portugal and Spain played out a fierce contest that ended in disappointment for Cristiano Ronaldo. The two sides had met 41 times before this match, most recently in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final where Portugal triumphed on penalties. Spain broke the deadlock in the first minute of added time, with Mikel Merino converting a through ball from Ferran Torres to seal a 1‑0 victory and send Portugal home. After the final whistle, a dejected Ronaldo spoke of moving forward, unaware that this could be his last appearance for his country.

Belgium’s clash with the United States was decided inside the opening hour. Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute, and despite an equalizer from Malik Tillman’s deflected free kick, Leandro Trossard and Romelu Lukaku added further goals to give the Red Devils a 3‑1 win. The loss marked the third consecutive co‑host eliminated in three days, leaving the U.S. without a chance to advance as the final host nation. The match highlighted Belgium’s clinical finishing and the USMNT’s defensive lapses.

Mexico’s defeat adds to a list of only two previous competitive losses: a 2001 World Cup qualifier to Costa Rica and a 2013 qualifying match against Honduras. Those historic setbacks now sit alongside the Azteca’s reputation as one of the most challenging venues on the planet. With Argentina‑Egypt and Colombia‑Switzerland still to play, the field of quarter‑finalists is narrowing rapidly.

The remaining matches will determine the final eight teams, and the excitement is building for what promises to be another action‑packed day of World Cup football. Fans can discuss the latest developments and share their thoughts below.