FIFA World Cup 2026: Who won yesterday's matches? Argentina, Spain and Belgium book quarterfinal spots

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 delivered another day of high drama as Argentina, Spain and Belgium secured their places in the quarterfinals with memorable victories. Lionel Messi inspired a stunning comeback for Argentina, Spain edged Portugal to bring Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey to an end, while Belgium cruised past the United States with an emphatic win.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Fixtures

Argentina 3-2 Egypt

Defending champions Argentina produced a sensational late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in their Round of 16 clash in Atlanta.


Trailing 2-0 until the 78th minute, La Albiceleste scored three goals in the closing stages to complete a remarkable turnaround. Cristian Romero pulled one back with a header from Lionel Messi's assist before Messi equalised in the 83rd minute. Enzo Fernandez then completed the comeback with a powerful header from Lautaro Martinez's cross.

Messi's goal was the 21st World Cup goal of his career, extending his all-time tournament scoring record. It was also his eighth goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, moving him to the top of the Golden Boot standings. The Argentina captain has now scored in nine consecutive World Cup matches.

The victory marked Argentina's first comeback win in a World Cup knockout match since defeating Mexico in extra time in 2006. The reigning champions also stretched their unbeaten World Cup run to 11 matches and advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will face Switzerland.

Spain 1-0 Portugal

Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal in Arlington, Texas.

One of the most anticipated fixtures of the Round of 16 lived up to its billing as the two European giants battled throughout the contest. Spain's narrow victory ended Portugal's campaign and is widely expected to mark the final World Cup appearance of 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo finished the tournament with three goals after appearing in a record-equalling sixth FIFA World Cup.

Belgium 4-1 USA

Belgium ended the United States' World Cup dream with a commanding 4-1 victory to seal a quarterfinal meeting with Spain.

Charles De Ketelaere starred with two goals, while Hans Vanaken capitalised on a goalkeeping error before substitute Romelu Lukaku added the fourth to complete the rout.

The Round of 16 encounter came after controversy surrounding United States striker Folarin Balogun, whose eligibility had been challenged by Belgium. FIFA dismissed the appeal, allowing Balogun to feature in the match.

With the victory, Belgium progressed to the quarterfinals, where they will face Spain in Los Angeles.