The expanded 48-team World Cup has reached its business end following a dramatic round of 16 filled with shattered dreams, historic upsets, and intense refereeing controversies. Only eight nations remain in the tournament, each just three wins away from claiming football’s ultimate prize.
The most dramatic encounter of the knockout stage occurred during the defending champions’ fixture. Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina staged a monumental comeback against Egypt. Trailing 2-0 until the 78th minute, the Albiceleste scored three quick goals to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory. However, the post-match narrative has been dominated by refereeing disputes. Egypt lodged bitter complaints against FIFA and the match officials, alleging outright bias over a disallowed Egyptian goal and an unpenalised foul in the build-up to Argentina’s match-winner.
Argentina will now face Switzerland, who progressed after a painstaking goalless draw against Colombia. Neither side could find a breakthrough during 120 minutes of regular and extra time, forcing a tense penalty shootout that the Swiss eventually edged 4-3.
Other global heavyweights proved their mettle in the last 16. Reigning European champions Spain asserted their dominance with a slender 1-0 victory over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. Spain’s next test will be against Belgium, who comfortably neutralised tournament co-hosts the United States in a convincing 4-1 thrashing. Meanwhile, 2022 runners-up France secured a systematic 1-0 victory over Paraguay. The French side will face Morocco, who kept African ambitions alive by eliminating another co-host, Canada, with a commanding 3-0 win.
England had to fight tooth and nail to secure their quarter-final berth. Harry Kane’s men overcame a resilient Mexican side in a thrilling 3-2 encounter, knocking out yet another co-host. The Three Lions are scheduled to meet Norway, the authors of the tournament’s biggest upset so far. Powered by a brilliant brace from Erling Haaland, the Norwegians stunned five-time world champions Brazil with a 2-1 victory, sending shockwaves through the global footballing community.
The quarter-final fixtures are set to kick off across various world-class venues in the United States. On Thursday, 9 July, France will lock horns with Morocco at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with kickoff scheduled for 2:00 AM Bangladesh Standard Time (BST).
The action moves to the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Friday, 10 July, where Spain face Belgium at 1:00 AM BST. On Saturday, 11 July, Norway will challenge England at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens at 3:00 AM BST. Finally, the highly anticipated clash between Argentina and Switzerland will take place on Sunday, 12 July, at 7:00 AM BST.
