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Argentina Survive Ten-Man Switzerland Scare to Reach World Cup Semi-Finals
Argentina needed extra time to see off a determined 10-man Switzerland and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, winning 3-1 in Kansas City. Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina an early lead inside the first ten minutes, and it looked to be a comfortable afternoon until Dan Ndoye pulled Switzerland level midway through the second half. The game then turned five minutes later when Breel Embolo , already on a yellow card from the first half, picked up a second caution and was sent off, leaving Switzerland to defend their equaliser a man short. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Switzerland held firm through the remainder of normal time and forced the tie into extra time. Argentina's extra bodies eventually told, with Julian Alvarez restoring the lead just after the restart of extra time, before Lautaro Martinez added a third deep into stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt. It was a stretched, feisty finish overall, with Argentina picking up three second-half and extra-time bookings of their own through Thiago Almada , Martinez, and Jose Manuel Lopez as fatigue and frustration crept in late on. The win extends Argentina's dominant run through the tournament and sets up a heavyweight semi-final clash against England, who edged past Norway in their own extra-time thriller. For Switzerland, the exit ends an otherwise credible campaign, undone by the numerical disadvantage they were forced to play with for almost 50 minutes.
Bellingham Brace Sends England Past Norway Into World Cup Semi-Finals
Jude Bellingham was the difference as England battled past a stubborn Norway side 2-1 after extra time to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Norway made the early running in Miami and were rewarded in the 36th minute when Antonio Schjelderup put them ahead, leaving England chasing the game heading into the closing stages of normal time. England found their response deep into first-half stoppage time when Bellingham levelled things up, and with the scores level at the end of 90 minutes, the tie went to extra time. Bellingham then popped up again in the 93rd minute to complete his brace and hand England the lead they would not relinquish. The game had little in the way of discipline issues, with Norway's Kristoffer Ajer picking up a yellow card late in extra time as the Scandinavian side pushed for a way back in. The win extends England's fine run in the tournament and sets up a last-four meeting with the winner of Argentina and Switzerland. For Norway, it brings a highly credible World Cup campaign to a close, having gone all the way to the quarter-finals on their return to the global stage.
Merino strikes again as Spain edge Belgium 2-1 to reach World Cup semifinal
Spain reached their first World Cup semifinal since 2010, beating Belgium 2-1 in a tense quarterfinal at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Fabián Ruiz put Spain ahead in the 30th minute, but Charles De Ketelaere levelled for Belgium just before halftime. It stayed 1-1 until the 88th minute, when substitute Mikel Merino struck the winner off a rebound. Merino has now made a habit of this. He came off the bench in the Round of 16 too and scored the only goal to knock out Portugal. This time he needed just under two minutes after coming on to make the difference. Pau Cubarsí's shot was spilled by Belgium keeper Senne Lammens, and Merino was first to the loose ball to poke it in. Belgium went into the game already missing captain Youri Tielemans, who picked up an injury in the warmup. It got worse for them in the second half when first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois went off injured, bringing on Lammens. It was Lammens' error that ultimately cost Belgium the match. Spain dominated the numbers, with 18 shots to Belgium's 5 and 68% possession. Four yellow cards were shown late on, including bookings for Kevin De Bruyne, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, and Axel Witsel, as both sides pushed hard in the closing stages. Spain move on to face France in the semifinal on Tuesday, a repeat of their tense group meeting years ago and a fresh test for a Spanish defense that has been one of the stories of this tournament. For Belgium, the World Cup ends in the quarterfinals, their run undone by two separate goalkeeping mishaps in as many games.
Spain Face Belgium in Quarterfinal Rematch of Their 1986 World Cup Classic
Spain and Belgium meet in the quarterfinals on Friday, renewing a rivalry that hasn't played out in a World Cup knockout round in almost four decades. It's only the third World Cup meeting between the two, and the first since a group-stage clash back in 1990. Spain's campaign has been close to perfect. They opened with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, then found their rhythm, thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 and edging Uruguay 1-0 to top Group H. In the knockouts, they beat Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 before needing a stoppage-time winner from Mikel Merino to see off Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16. Spain haven't conceded a single goal all tournament, a defensive record built around goalkeeper Unai Simón and anchored in midfield by Rodri, with Pedri, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal driving the attack. Belgium's route has been livelier. They drew both Egypt (1-1) and Iran (0-0, playing much of the second half a man down after a red card) before beating New Zealand 5-1 to close out their group. The knockouts have been dramatic: a 3-2 extra-time win over Senegal, then a 4-1 demolition of the USA in the Round of 16, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice and Romelu Lukaku sealing it off the bench. Kevin De Bruyne remains their creative heartbeat when fit, while Thibaut Courtois, who plays his club football in Spain with Real Madrid, gives Belgium a world-class presence between the posts. History heavily favors Spain, who have won 6 of the 7 meetings between the sides, with the solitary exception being Belgium's penalty-shootout win in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal, the last time these two met at this stage of the tournament. Spain haven't lost to Belgium since, winning the last five encounters by an aggregate of 13-1, most recently a 2-0 friendly win in 2016. With both sides unbeaten through six matches so far, this quarterfinal looks set to be one of the tightest tests either team has faced at this World Cup.
France Down Morocco 2-0, Book Third Straight World Cup Semifinal
France beat Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinal at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough to reach the World Cup semifinal. Kylian Mbappé scored in the 60th minute, and Ousmane Dembélé added a second in the 66th. It was a rematch of the 2022 semifinal in Qatar, where France also beat Morocco 2-0 on their way to the final. This time Morocco couldn't find the same magic that took them all the way to the last four four years ago. France controlled the game from the start and didn't let Morocco settle into any rhythm. Mbappé was involved in both goals. He set up Dembélé for the second after combining well with him in the build-up to the first. Morocco's Issa Diop picked up a yellow card in the 63rd minute, his second of the knockout rounds, but it won't matter for his side now since their tournament ends here. The shot count summed up how one-sided the game was. France had 22 shots to Morocco's 5, and 9 were on target compared to Morocco's 1. Morocco actually had more of the ball, with 52% possession to France's 48%, but couldn't turn it into anything dangerous. With this win, France become just the third team in World Cup history to reach the semifinal in three straight tournaments (2018, 2022, 2026), joining Germany and Brazil in that exclusive club. They now wait to face the winner of Spain vs Belgium in the semifinal, still chasing a third World Cup title.
Haaland's 7 World Cup Goals Outscore Messi, Mbappe and Ronaldo's Debut Campaigns Combined
Erling Haaland has scored 7 goals in his debut FIFA World Cup, the best tournament tally by a debutant since Poland's Grzegorz Lato managed the same in 1974. His run has been built on a hat-trick of multi-goal games, including two braces, most recently in Norway's stunning 2-1 win over Brazil that sent them into their first-ever World Cup quarterfinal. What makes the number even more striking is the comparison it invites. In their own debut World Cups, Lionel Messi scored just 1 goal, Kylian Mbappe scored 4, and Cristiano Ronaldo scored 1 — a combined total of 6. Haaland's 7 goals this tournament alone have already outscored all three of their debut campaigns put together. Haaland now sits level at the top of the Golden Boot race alongside Messi and Mbappe heading into the quarterfinals, with Norway dreaming of a first-ever run deep into the tournament, 28 years after their last World Cup appearance.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Lineup Confirmed
The World Cup 2026 quarterfinal lineup is confirmed, with all 8 teams now known after Switzerland's penalty win over Colombia in the last Round of 16 tie sealed the final spot alongside defending champions Argentina. The last 8 line up as: France vs Morocco, Spain vs Belgium, Norway vs England, and Argentina vs Switzerland. It's a genuine mix of usual heavyweights and first-time deep runners — Morocco and Norway have been two of the standout stories of the tournament, while Switzerland's run already matches their best World Cup showing since the 1950s. Quarterfinal action gets underway on July 10 and runs through July 12, with the 4 winners advancing to the semifinal stage.
AIFF and ISL Clubs Sign Four-Year Deal to Run the League
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Indian Super League clubs have signed a 4-year agreement to jointly run the league, ending months of uncertainty over its future. The deal was formalised on July 8, and sets September 4 as the start date for the 2026-27 season. Under the new structure, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be set up as a private limited company to handle ISL operations. The clubs will run the commercial side of the league, while the AIFF continues to look after regulatory duties like referees, anti-doping and integrity. Clubs get a unilateral option to exit the model after 2 years, though AIFF officials say that is unlikely given how talks have progressed. All 14 clubs, including IFL champions Diamond Harbour FC who earn direct promotion, are expected to take part. Each club will pay an annual fee of Rs 1.1 crore, split into 2 instalments, generating close to Rs 15.4 crore a year for the AIFF. Profits from the league will be split 90-10 in favour of the clubs, overseen by an independent auditor. On player rules, there is no mandatory Indian striker policy, and no change to the existing rule of 6 foreign players per squad. The AIFF has encouraged clubs to sign Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) players if they choose to, but this remains optional rather than mandatory. AIFF general secretary Satyanarayan said strengthening the ISL is central to building a stronger Indian national team over the next 5 to 7 years, though he was clear that World Cup qualification is not an immediate target.
Messi Becomes World Cup's All-Time Leader in Assists as Well as Goals
Lionel Messi added two more milestones to his World Cup legacy in Argentina's round of 16 win over Egypt. His assist for Cristian Romero's equaliser in the 79th minute was his ninth of the tournament, taking him past Diego Maradona's mark of eight and making him the all-time leader in World Cup assists. Messi then scored the equaliser himself four minutes later, his 21st World Cup goal, which keeps him as the outright top scorer in the competition's history. That strike also gave him eight goals for this edition alone, putting him clear at the top of the Golden Boot race ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. He has now scored in nine straight World Cup matches, a run going back to Argentina's title-winning campaign in 2022. Not everything went his way, though. Messi missed a penalty in the first half, his second missed spot kick of this tournament and the fourth of his World Cup career from just eight attempts — a record no other player has matched.
World Cup 2026: All Eight Quarterfinalists Confirmed
The World Cup 2026 quarterfinal lineup is now complete, with all eight teams confirmed after Switzerland's penalty win over Colombia sealed the final spot alongside defending champions Argentina. Here's how the last eight shapes up: France vs Morocco Spain vs Belgium Norway vs England Argentina vs Switzerland Between them, the group blends World Cup heavyweights with sides enjoying rare deep runs — Morocco and Norway in particular have been among the standout stories of the tournament so far, while Switzerland's run has already matched their best showing since the 1950s. The quarterfinals get underway on July 10 and continue through July 12, with all four winners advancing to the semifinal stage.
Switzerland Reach World Cup Quarterfinals for First Time Since 1954
Switzerland are into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954, after knocking out Colombia on penalties in the round of 16. It also marks the first time the Swiss have won multiple knockout matches in a single World Cup edition. Manager Murat Yakin called it a release of an old "curse" — Switzerland had never won a World Cup shootout before, having lost their only previous one against Ukraine back in 2006, and had managed just a single shootout win in their last six across all competitions. The win came at a cost, with breakout star Johan Manzambi already missing through injury before kickoff. He'd been one of the team's standout performers so far, contributing three goals and two assists in Switzerland's first four games. Vargas himself trained only partially the day before the match but was fit enough to come off the bench and net the winning penalty. Switzerland now turn their attention to defending champions Argentina in the last eight.
Switzerland Edge Out Colombia on Penalties After Goalless 120 Minutes
Switzerland edged past Colombia 4-3 on penalties at BC Place in Vancouver after neither side could break the deadlock across 120 goalless minutes. Colombia actually had the better of the extra-time chances, with Jhon Lucumí striking the crossbar and Jáminton Campaz blazing over an open goal after a slip from Granit Xhaka, but they couldn't turn possession and shots into a breakthrough. The shootout came down to missed kicks from Davinson Sánchez and Cucho Hernández, with the latter saved by Swiss keeper Gregor Kobel. Manuel Akanji also missed for the Swiss, but it didn't matter in the end — substitute Rubén Vargas, who had only just come on in stoppage time, stepped up and slotted home the winner to send Switzerland through. It's a cruel repeat for Colombia, who now exit on penalties in back-to-back World Cup appearances, having also lost a shootout to England in the 2018 round of 16.
Egypt see four yellow cards in tense finish to World Cup exit against Argentina
Egypt's Round of 16 exit ended on a heated note, with four yellow cards shown to their players in the space of just a few minutes as the final whistle approached against Argentina. Goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir and midfielder Hamdy Fathy were both booked in the 90+5th minute, followed by Marawan Attia in the 90+8th minute, and finally head coach Hossam Hassan, who picked up a card of his own after the match had already ended. The bookings came right after Argentina completed a dramatic comeback, scoring three goals in the final fifteen minutes to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 win. With the result slipping away in the closing stages, frustration clearly boiled over on the Egypt side, leading referee Francois Letexier to reach for his cards repeatedly in quick succession. None of the cards changed the outcome of the match, but the timing made them stand out, coming as the final whistle drew a hard-fought World Cup run to a close. Egypt had already made history earlier in the tournament by beating Australia on penalties for their first-ever World Cup knockout win, and they pushed the defending champions all the way in this one before falling just short. For Egypt, the tournament ends at the Round of 16 stage, but the run itself, capped by a spirited, if bad-tempered, finish against Argentina, will be remembered as one of the country's best World Cup showings.
Messi's late double sinks Egypt as Argentina survive 3-2 scare
Lionel Messi turned this game on its head in the space of fifteen minutes, dragging Argentina back from the brink to beat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16. For most of the match it looked like Egypt might pull off the shock of the tournament, but the champions found a way through when it mattered most. Egypt led twice through Youssef Ibrahim and Mahmoud Ziko, and looked composed and organised for long stretches, frustrating an Argentina side that never quite got going in open play. Cristian Romero got Argentina back on level terms in the 79th minute with a header, but it was Messi who produced the moment of the match four minutes later, firing home a deflected effort that cannoned in off the crossbar to make it 2-2. Enzo Fernandez then sealed the win deep into stoppage time, capping a wild finish that saw Argentina score three times in the last quarter of an hour. The goal put Messi back on top of the race for the tournament's Golden Boot, and keeps alive the idea that this could be one of his last World Cup appearances for Argentina, a thought that's been following him through the whole tournament. It also stretches Argentina's unbeaten run to twelve matches, though back-to-back knockout games that needed a late twist, first extra time against Cape Verde and now this comeback, suggest the champions still have work to do if they want to go all the way again. For Egypt, there's no shame in this one. Reaching the Round of 16 was already a big step for a squad that arrived with modest expectations, and pushing the defending champions this close will only add to a tournament that's already been a success back home. The game also ended on a sour note, with four late yellow cards shown to Egypt players in stoppage time and just after the final whistle, as frustration boiled over in the closing moments. Argentina now move on to face the winner of Switzerland vs Colombia in the quarterfinals, while Egypt's World Cup journey comes to an end at the Round of 16 stage.
Spain make World Cup history with sixth straight clean sheet, Simon sets shutout record
Spain have made World Cup history with their defense. The 1-0 win over Portugal in the Round of 16 was their sixth straight clean sheet at the World Cup, the most any team has ever managed in a row. The old record of five was shared by Italy in 1990 and Switzerland across 2006-2010. The streak did not start this tournament. It goes back to a 0-0 draw against Morocco in the 2022 Round of 16, and has continued through this year's group stage draw with Cape Verde, wins over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, a 3-0 win over Austria in the Round of 32, and now the Portugal game. Goalkeeper Unai Simon deserves a lot of credit. He has now gone 609 minutes without conceding a goal at the World Cup, breaking the old record of 517 minutes held by Italy's Walter Zenga since 1990. Against Portugal, Simon had to make two real saves, both off Cristiano Ronaldo, including a strong diving stop in the first half. With this defense behind them, Spain look like one of the strongest teams left as they head into the quarterfinals against Belgium.
Belgium thrash co-hosts USA 4-1 to reach World Cup quarterfinals
Belgium ended the USA's home World Cup dream in style, beating the co-hosts 4-1 in a one-sided Round of 16 clash. It is a big result because USA are one of the three countries hosting this World Cup, and going out this early, and by this scoreline, will hurt. Charles De Ketelaere was the star of the night. He scored twice, once inside the first ten minutes and again just before the half-hour mark, giving Belgium a firm grip on the game early on. Malik Tillman pulled one back for USA in the 31st minute to keep hope alive, but Belgium never really looked worried after that. Hans Vanaken added a third in the second half, and Romelu Lukaku wrapped things up with a goal in stoppage time to make the final score 4-1. The numbers back up how comfortable Belgium were. They had 15 shots to USA's 6, more shots on target, and did not concede a single yellow card while USA picked up two, to Weston McKennie in the first half and Tillman later on. USA had more of the ball and passed it well, but could not turn that control into real chances. For USA, this is a tough way to bow out of a tournament played on home soil. For Belgium, it is a strong statement going into the quarterfinals, where they will now face Spain, fresh off their own win over Portugal.
No trophy, no regrets: Ronaldo's sixth World Cup ends in Dallas
There was no trophy at the end of it, just a 41-year-old man clapping alone toward a stand full of people who had crossed an ocean to watch him one last time. That was how Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth and final World Cup finished — beaten, eliminated, and unmistakably at peace with it. He had already said the quiet part out loud before a ball was kicked. Sat in front of the cameras the day before facing Spain, Ronaldo dropped the hedging he'd offered for years whenever the retirement question came up. This one was it. No more World Cups after this, whatever the scoreline said at the final whistle. It's a strange thing to announce your own ending in advance and then have to go play the match anyway, knowing every touch might be your last on this particular stage. He took it in stride, by his own admission enjoying this tournament more freely than the five that came before, unshackled from the weight of chasing the one trophy that was always going to be the hardest to reach. The numbers that walk away with him are staggering on their own: 233 caps, 146 international goals, and a place as the only man to find the net across six separate World Cups. None of it bought him the trophy his rivals and countrymen believed he deserved. Portugal's deepest run stayed frozen at the 2006 semifinal, a teenager's tournament, and everything since has ended earlier than the story demanded. Monday's exit follows the same script — a narrow game decided by fine margins, a Portugal side that competed without quite breaking through, and a captain who gave what he had until the substitute whistle blew for the last time in this competition. What happens next for Ronaldo at international level is genuinely open. He stopped short of confirming a full international retirement, leaving the door ajar for a Nations League evening or a friendly send-off somewhere down the line. But the World Cup chapter, the one that mattered most to the way his career gets remembered, is closed. He leaves it the way he said he would going in — without the medal, but by his own account, without regret either.
Merino's late strike ends Ronaldo's World Cup dream as Spain edge Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo's international story closed the way few expected: not with a trophy, but with a quiet substitute doing the damage in the dying seconds. Mikel Merino, on for barely a few minutes, poked home the only goal in first-half-injury-time-plus-one of stoppage in the second half, sending Spain past Portugal and out of the Iberian derby that had promised fireworks but delivered a tense, cagey affair instead. For long stretches the match refused to open up. Spain controlled territory and the ball, finishing with well over half the possession and more than fifty extra passes, but their final ball lacked sharpness until deep into the night. Portugal, leaning on structure rather than tempo, absorbed patiently and looked content to take their chances late through set pieces and moments of individual quality from their captain. It nearly worked. Ronaldo had two efforts on target, more than anyone else wearing red, but a well-organized Spanish backline and a goalkeeper in inspired form kept the sheet clean until that Merino intervention turned the game on its head. The closing minutes turned feisty, with three bookings shown in a span of barely ten minutes as fatigue and frustration set in — Bernardo Silva first, then Renato Veiga for the hosts, and Ferran Torres for the visitors as Spain tried to see out the win. When the whistle finally blew, it was Ronaldo who drew every camera in the stadium, applauding supporters who had made the trip from across the Atlantic, visibly moved by what he had already confirmed before kickoff would be his farewell appearance on this stage. Twenty-seven caps at World Cups, a joint-record for goals scored in the tournament across six different editions, and still no trophy to show for it — his exit line will be remembered for the emotion of the moment rather than the scoreline. Spain move on to face either the USA or Belgium in the quarterfinals, buoyed by a defense that has now gone well over 600 minutes without conceding at this World Cup. For Portugal, the tournament ends in the last 16 once again, and with it, barring a stunning reversal, the international career of one of the sport's most decorated forwards.
Neymar announces international retirement after Brazil's World Cup exit to Norway
Neymar has announced his retirement from international football, closing out his Brazil career moments after the Seleção's 2-1 Round of 16 exit to Norway at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. "I tried, I tried. Now, it's over," an emotional Neymar told Globo. "I started here; I finished here." The 34-year-old made his senior Brazil debut at the same venue in August 2010, against the United States, and leaves the national team as its all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 129 appearances, three ahead of Pelé. He played across four World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022, 2026), but a nagging calf/hamstring injury restricted him to just two substitute appearances in this tournament, against Scotland and Norway. His final touch in a Brazil shirt was a stoppage-time penalty against Norway, a consolation goal in a defeat that marked Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990. Neymar collapsed in tears at the final whistle before being consoled by teammates Raphinha and Vinicius Junior. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti said Brazil now enters a transition period built around a new generation of players.
Norway reach first-ever World Cup quarterfinal after stunning Brazil
Norway beat Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in their history. Erling Haaland scored twice in the final ten minutes to turn the game, after Brazil had held firm for long periods and looked the more likely winners for most of the night. Brazil actually started the stronger side and had a first-half penalty saved by Norway keeper Ørjan Nyland, who was excellent all night. But Norway grew into the game, controlled long spells of possession, and made their pressure count exactly when it mattered, with Haaland finishing clinically both times. Neymar pulled one back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but it was already too late, and he picked up a yellow card for his frustration soon after. For the five-time champions, it's their earliest World Cup exit since 1990 — the first time in 36 years Brazil have missed the quarterfinal stage. For Norway, this is uncharted territory. In four World Cup appearances stretching back to 1938, their best previous finish was the Round of 16, reached in 1998 and matched again this year before Sunday's win against Brazil finally broke new ground. Haaland, playing in his first major tournament, has now been directly involved in the difference in almost every one of Norway's knockout games, and this result puts him firmly in the conversation for the tournament's Golden Boot. Norway's reward is a quarterfinal against the winner of Mexico vs England, a tie still being played out. Whichever side comes through, Norway will go in as the form team of the round, and after a performance like this, few will be writing them off as underdogs anymore.
Paraguay's underdog run continues against France today
Paraguay's surprise World Cup run continues today in Philadelphia, where they face France in the Round of 16 on a day that also carries extra weight as part of the tournament's Independence Day schedule in the United States. Paraguay have already gone further than almost anyone predicted before the tournament, and they got here the hard way — needing penalties to see off Germany 4-3 in the Round of 32 after normal time finished 1-1. That result alone said a lot about this team: they're not the most talented side left in the competition, but they've shown they can grind out results even when they're not playing their best football, and that they don't panic under pressure. France, by contrast, arrive here as one of the most dangerous attacking teams left in the tournament and go into this game as heavy favourites, with players capable of deciding a match in a moment of individual brilliance. On paper, this looks like a straightforward night for France. But football at this stage of a World Cup rarely goes exactly to plan, and a Paraguay side with nothing to lose can be a genuinely awkward opponent for a team that's expected to win comfortably. There's very little pressure on Paraguay here — reaching the Round of 16 was already beyond most expectations, so anything from this game is a bonus rather than a target they need to hit. That kind of freedom can sometimes bring out a team's best performance, especially against opposition that might be tempted to take the game for granted. For neutrals, it's exactly the kind of fixture that makes World Cup knockout football compelling: a heavy favourite against an underdog who has already shown they can handle high-pressure moments when it matters. Whatever happens tonight, Paraguay's run so far has already given their fans and neutrals around the world a story worth following, and a good performance against France — win or lose — would only add to that.
Switzerland's first World Cup knockout win since 1938
Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32, and in doing so recorded their first World Cup knockout-stage win since 1938 — an 88-year gap that finally came to an end. It wasn't a flashy performance, but it was an efficient one: Switzerland controlled long stretches of the game, limited Algeria's attacking threats, and made the most of the chances that came their way. Algeria pushed for a way back into the game in the second half but couldn't break down a Swiss defence that, once it settled into the match, gave almost nothing away. For a team that's often flown under the radar at major tournaments, this result is a real statement. Switzerland have now gone through the group stage and into the knockout rounds without a loss, a run that few people outside their own camp were predicting before the tournament started. There's a quiet, disciplined quality to how this Swiss side plays that doesn't always draw headlines, but results like this one are starting to make people take notice. Switzerland now face Colombia in the Round of 16 on July 7, and this is likely to be a much tougher test of whether their run has real staying power. Colombia have played with more pace and flair through the tournament so far, and it's a different kind of challenge to the more containable games Switzerland have faced up to this point. If Switzerland can bring the same discipline and game management that got them past Algeria, they'll give themselves a real chance. If Colombia are allowed to play at their preferred tempo, though, this could be the game where Switzerland's run finally meets its match.
USA cruise past Bosnia and Herzegovina, set up Belgium clash
The USMNT beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32, one of the more convincing performances from the hosts so far in a tournament where they've had to earn some tougher results than expected. The win eased some of the pressure that had built up after a shakier group stage, and it was exactly the kind of performance a home crowd wants to see heading into the knockout rounds. Bosnia and Herzegovina never really found a foothold in the game and struggled to create clear chances of their own, while the USMNT looked comfortable in possession and clinical when the openings came. The USA now turn to Belgium in the Round of 16 on July 7, a fixture that carries some unfinished business of its own. Belgium have looked dangerous in patches throughout the tournament without ever fully clicking as a team, and this is the kind of game where a well-organised opponent can cause real problems if the USA aren't at their sharpest. A strong performance here would also go some way to settling the ongoing conversation about who's actually been the USA's most important attacking player this tournament. Playing at home adds another layer to this one. Expect a big, loud crowd behind the USMNT, and for a team that's shown it can raise its level under pressure, that support could matter. Getting past Belgium and into the quarterfinals would already be one of the better World Cup runs in the program's history, given how the bracket has opened up elsewhere.
Messi extends World Cup scoring record past Cape Verde
Lionel Messi and Argentina came within a whisker of a genuine World Cup upset against Cape Verde, needing extra time to get past them 3-2 in the Round of 32. Cape Verde, playing in their first-ever World Cup, matched Argentina for long stretches and twice came back to level the score, only for Argentina to eventually find a way through once the game went to extra time. Messi got the goal that mattered and, in doing so, took his career World Cup tally to 20 — now just one behind Kylian Mbappé, who closed the gap himself with a brace in France's group game against Sweden. The two of them chasing the tournament's all-time scoring record has quietly become one of the more interesting subplots of this World Cup, and every round either of them survives keeps that race alive. For Cape Verde, there's no shame in how this one went. A team from a nation of roughly half a million people took the reigning champions to extra time and were unlucky not to force penalties, and it's the kind of run that will be remembered back home for a long time regardless of how the rest of the tournament goes for Argentina. Argentina now move on to face Egypt in the Round of 16 on July 7. It's a game that looked like it would be routine when the draw was made, but Egypt's own run to this stage — including a penalty shootout win over Australia — means it's no longer the formality it might once have seemed. If Argentina want to go all the way again, they'll likely need a cleaner, more controlled performance than the one they just produced.