Morocco kicked off the knockout stage in style with a commanding display to eliminate co-hosts Canada. The Atlas Lions have carried forward the momentum from their memorable run in Qatar, while Canada can take pride in reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
France were pushed all the way by a resilient Paraguay side before edging through courtesy of a Kylian Mbappe penalty. Paraguay\u2019s disciplined defensive display looked set to force extra time before Les Bleus found the breakthrough.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The biggest shock of the round came in New Jersey, where Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil. Erling Haaland scored twice to end Brazil\u2019s campaign, while Neymar marked what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance with a late penalty. Norway\u2019s fearless performances have established them as one of the tournament\u2019s surprise packages.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Another football great also bowed out of the competition as Portugal suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Spain. Mikel Merino struck a stoppage-time winner to send Spain into the quarter-finals, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo\u2019s illustrious World Cup journey to an emotional close.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Belgium\u2019s clash was preceded by controversy after Folarin Balogun\u2019s suspension, following his red card in the previous round, was overturned. Belgium responded emphatically on the pitch, cruising to a 4-1 victory to secure a quarter-final berth and eliminate the co-hosts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Defending champions Argentina produced the tournament's comeback against Egypt. Trailing 2-0, Lionel Messi inspired a remarkable turnaround as Argentina scored three goals in 13 minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Egypt came agonisingly close to pulling off a famous upset before crashing out.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The final round of 16 tie also went the distance, with Switzerland defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout to complete the quarter-final lineup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The last eight promise another round of heavyweight contests. Morocco will look to avenge their 2022 World Cup semi-final defeat when they face France. Spain take on Belgium in a battle between two of Europe\u2019s leading sides, while Norway\u2019s dream run faces its toughest challenge against England in a clash that pits Erling Haaland against Harry Kane.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The final round of 16 tie also went the distance, with Switzerland defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout to complete the quarter-final lineup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE and exclusively on Zee 5 in Hindi, English, Malayalam, and Bangla.<\/p>\r\n\r\n