Portugal Moves Forward, Faces Spain; Argentina Takes on Cape Verde in World Cup Showdowns

Portugal Advances to Round of 16

Portugal secured their place in the round of 16 with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Croatia. The match, held in Toronto, saw a scoreless first half. However, Croatia took the lead in the 53rd minute when Ivan Perišić scored.

Portugal responded quickly with a penalty goal by Cristiano Ronaldo, marking his first goal in a World Cup knockout round. As the match seemed poised for extra time, Gonçalo Ramos clinched the win for Portugal with a header in the 94th minute.

Josko Gvardiol’s late attempt to equalize for Croatia was disallowed due to an offside call after a replay review. This game might have been the last World Cup appearance for Croatia’s Luka Modrić, aged 40, while Ronaldo continues his journey.

Mateo Kovacic is consoled by Luka Modric of Croatia after the 2-1 loss to Portugal at Toronto Stadium on July 2, 2026.
Patrick Smith / FIFA via Getty Images

Portugal’s next match features a face-off against Spain, the reigning European champions, in Dallas. The winner will advance to a quarterfinal against either the United States or Belgium on July 10.

Elsewhere, Spain defeated Austria 3-0, and Switzerland celebrated its first knockout victory since 1938 by beating Algeria 2-0.

World Cup Preview: Argentina vs. Cape Verde

Argentina, led by soccer legend Lionel Messi, prepares for a match against Cape Verde in Miami. The game resembles a David-and-Goliath showdown, yet expectations favor Argentina, the defending World Cup champions.

Argentina has claimed the World Cup three times and currently ranks second globally by FIFA. Cape Verde, ranked 64th, advanced to the round of 32 through draws in all group stage games, a remarkable feat for a team with a 40-year-old goalkeeper.

Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, cautioned against underestimating Cape Verde. He emphasized the need for respect towards their opponents.

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates scoring during the Group J match against Jordan.
Ryan Pierse / FIFA via Getty Images

Should Argentina progress, its next match will be against the winner of the Australia versus Egypt contest.

Upcoming Matches

Stay tuned for these World Cup games broadcasted on Telemundo and Peacock. All times are Eastern:

• 2 p.m.: Australia vs. Egypt
• 6 p.m.: Argentina vs. Cape Verde
• 9:30 p.m.: Colombia vs. Ghana

More updates will follow on Monday.