2026 World Cup Round of 16: Portugal Faces Spain; USA Takes on Belgium
The 2026 World Cup Round of 16 reaches its final day, capping 26 days filled with intense football. Both Portugal and Spain have faced challenges despite being tournament favorites. Their group stage performances showed some inconsistencies, but each displayed their true strength in the Round of 32—Portugal edging past Croatia and Spain defeating Austria convincingly. Portugal’s progression was aided by a last-minute VAR intervention that nullified a Croatian equalizer.
Pedro Neto has been a key figure for Portugal, starting every match and contributing one assist so far.
- Date/Time: Monday, July 6, 2026, 3pm EDT / 8pm BST
- Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX, USA
- Referee: Anthony Taylor (USA)
- Broadcast: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK)
- Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
USA vs Belgium: A High-Stakes Clash
The most anticipated match for the host nation arrives last. The spotlight shines on Folarin Balogun, whose red card suspension has been surprisingly lifted, allowing him to take part in this crucial game. Such a reversal by FIFA is rare, echoing past exceptions like Garrincha's participation in the 1962 final despite a prior sending-off, or Cristiano Ronaldo’s delayed suspension during recent qualifiers.
The US looks to avenge their 2014 Round of 16 loss to Belgium, a match decided in extra time despite heroic saves from goalkeeper Tim Howard.
- Date/Time: Monday, July 6, 2026, 8pm EDT / 1am BST (next day)
- Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA, USA
- Referee: Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan)
- Broadcast: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK)
- Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
