Sports
Argentina battle Egypt, Swiss test Colombia in World Cup Round of 16
The World Cup knockout stage shifts into high gear this Tuesday when reigning champions Argentina look to stave off a physical Egypt side while an unbeaten Colombia defense put their reputation on the line against Switzerland.
Argentina and Egypt head into Tuesday’s last-16 clash with precious little time to recover after both endured punishing physical tests to open their knockout campaigns.
The defending champions, Argentina, needed extra time on Friday to edge past tournament debutants Cape Verde in a 3-2 thriller. Meanwhile, Egypt labored through a draining 120 minutes against Australia, ultimately advancing 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 deadlock.
The rapid turnaround has sparked serious recovery concerns, particularly for an Argentinian side whose previously flawless tournament run suddenly exposed glaring vulnerabilities.
Lionel Scaloni’s men struggled to dictate terms against Cape Verde, igniting an intense domestic debate over whether the performance was a minor speed bump or a blueprint for future opponents.
Former international striker Sergio Aguero voiced those anxieties on ESPN Argentina: “What worries me now is that there are only four days to rest, travel, many players were suffering from cramps, and now you play Egypt, who are also a very physically strong team. I think they have a little more quality at the front than Cape Verde.”
Even legendary captain Lionel Messi admitted to feeling the physical toll, lamenting that Argentina were unable to execute their signature high press against Cape Verde.
Egypt, meanwhile, are likely to draw immense encouragement from how easily the South Americans were rattled.
The North Africans have leaned heavily on rigid defensive organization while unleashing Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush on lightning-fast counterattacks.
However, Egypt’s ambitions rest on the health of Salah, who carried a hamstring concern into the Australia match and appeared visibly reluctant to operate at top speed.
Despite the pressure, Argentina are publicly maintaining a composed, respectful front. “It will be a very difficult match,” midfielder Leandro Paredes insisted.
“We are at the elite level of football and all national teams are very good and physical,” he said.
Swiss face stingy Colombia
While the battle in Atlanta centers on physical recovery, the showdown at Vancouver’s BC Place is a pure clash of styles. Colombia have conceded just a single goal all tournament, but their suffocating backline faces its ultimate litmus test against Swiss prodigy Johan Manzambi.
Manzambi began the competition as a bench option against Qatar. However, after an explosive two-goal cameo in a 4-1 thrashing of Bosnia, he has forced his way into the heart of Murat Yakın’s frontline, racking up three goals and two assists. Manzambi most recently manufactured an assist for Breel Embolo during a comfortable 2-0 last-32 victory over Algeria.
“From the first day, he was a special player, a valuable player … he’s improving from game to game, and he’s very dangerous for every attack,” Swiss manager Yakın said of his young star.
“Besides the fact that he brings out the quality of the other players on the pitch, he’s also very humble, he works cleverly and is team-oriented. It’s a great pleasure to see him play like that. And of course, if he helps the team to win, then it’s even nicer,” he said.
The Swiss possess a devastating attacking quartet. Manzambi, Embolo, Dan Ndoye, and Ruben Vargas have combined to score eight of Switzerland’s nine goals in North America.
They enter Tuesday exceptionally fresh, but Colombia present a far more intimidating collective unit than Algeria did.
The South Americans remain unbeaten, flawlessly blending emotional intensity, raw pace, and attacking flair with a disciplined, fiercely physical defense that chokes out spaces in midfield.
Swiss midfielder Ardon Jashari acknowledged that his side must brace for a relentless tactical war: “I think Colombia is for sure a different style of play to how they play football – they will play emotional football, but also very intensive and straightforward. We have to be prepared for that, because I think this will be a very strong collective opponent.”
To break through, Switzerland will rely heavily on Manzambi to spearhead their transitional play, hoping his penetrating direct runs can finally unlock the tournament’s most stubborn defense.
Wimbledon reaches the quarterfinal stage Tuesday, featuring 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic against third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and Naomi Osaka, fresh off her win over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, facing Karolina Muchova.
Djokovic’s scrappy win over Roman Safiullin in the round of 16 got him the record for the most Wimbledon wins with 106 victories at the All England Club. But the 39-year-old still has major hurdles to cross before he can achieve his dream of a record 25th Grand Slam.
The 39-year-old has been dragged into four-set battles in the last two matches and his 3 1/2 hour contest with qualifier Safiullin left Djokovic knowing he had won ugly.
“I enjoy the battle. I enjoy the suffering in a sense, to some extent, even though I don’t want it, I don’t invite it,” Djokovic said after his win over Safiullin.
“If it happens, you just have to grind and look for a way to win.”
Djokovic faced third seed Auger-Aliassime twice in 2022, with each player winning once.
“I hope that I can show that I’ve improved as a player,” the 25-year-old Canadian said about his clash with Djokovic.
“It’s a big honor for me … as a kid I didn’t appreciate it as much, but now that I’m a player, the load of work he’s done over the years, I mean, I’m not even near any of that. Just to think about it, it’s crazy. You get dizzy just to think about it.”
Osaka back in business
There were glimpses of the old Osaka in her dominant win over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the round of 16. The Japanese 14th seed, who is making headlines with her fashion at Wimbledon, is now being regarded as one of the top picks for the title.
The 28-year-old, who last won a Grand Slam in 2021, dominated the serve and her blistering forehands defused the attack of Sabalenka, who had beaten Osaka in three earlier meetings this year.
“I thought about it as a practice match. I was just telling myself, like, there’s a really big crowd for this practice match, but we’re going to get through it,” said Osaka after reaching the quarterfinals of Wimbledon for the first time.
Osaka is up against a player who has now reached the quarter-finals three times, but never gone beyond that at the All England Club.
Muchova and Osaka have each won three of their six past matches, with the Czech 10th seed winning their only grass-court meeting at the Bad Homburg Open last month.
“I think we did a great decision that I played two tournaments before Wimbledon so I get few more matches to feel better on the grass,” Muchova said after knocking out former Wimbledon champion and compatriot Barbora Krejcikova in the round of 16.
Sinner up for stuff right
Defending champion and world number one Jannik Sinner faces a familiar foe in German first-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist Jan-Lennard Struff, whom the Italian has beaten in all three of their past meetings.
“Whatever happened in the past, it’s gone already. Now we see if we found a solution. If not, we keep working for the next one,” the four-time major winner said of his progress so far.
“Quarter-final of a Grand Slam, the feelings are different. There is definitely more tension. In the same time, I’m very happy where I am at the moment. Then we see how it goes.”
Struff, 36, became the oldest man in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam last eight for the first time, when Hubert Hurkacz retired due to a hip injury during their round of 16 clash, while Struff was leading the fifth set 4-2.
“I’m very happy because it’s a huge achievement for me. I’m 36, my first quarters, it’s amazing … trying to recover for the next one,” Struff said.
Kylian Mbappe’s second-half penalty lifted France to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Paraguay in scorching heat Saturday, sending Les Bleus into a World Cup quarterfinal against Morocco.
France captain Mbappe coolly stroked in a 70th-minute spot-kick to settle a tense duel with the tough-tackling Paraguayans in furnace-like conditions at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
The goal was Mbappe’s seventh of the tournament, putting him alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Paraguay, who pulled off a massive upset in the last 32 by ousting four-time champions Germany on penalties, frustrated France for long periods with an ultra-disciplined defensive effort.
But the introduction of substitute Desire Doue for left winger Bradley Barcola in the 61st minute led to the breakthrough.
Paris Saint-Germain player Doue cut in menacingly from the left and jinked past several Paraguayan players before being upended by Diego Gomez in the area.
There was a brief delay after referee Ilgiz Tantashev waved play on, but when the incident was sent to VAR for review, the Uzbek official swiftly pointed to the spot.
Mbappe stepped up and converted with aplomb to settle a match played in temperatures of around 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) as a heatwave roasted the northeastern United States as it celebrated the July 4 holiday.
“We knew what sort of match we were in for, but I think today went really well,” Mbappe said after an ill-tempered affair that saw three France players pick up yellow cards.
“They thought we’d turn up in tuxedos, that we’d just come to pull off some spectacular moves,” Mbappe added.
“But we know how to play the dirty game too. And we did that today; we won, and even in that respect we were better than them.”
France will now face Morocco in the quarterfinals in Foxborough, outside Boston Thursday – a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinal won by Les Bleus.
Morocco end Canada dream
Morocco booked their place in the last eight earlier Saturday after ending co-host Canada’s World Cup campaign with a clinical 3-0 victory in Houston.
Two goals from Azzedine Ounahi and an injury-time effort from Soufiane Rahimi sealed the win for Morocco at the NRG Stadium.
The reigning African champions, who had produced a superb performance to eliminate the Netherlands in the last 32, were made to work hard for victory by a Canada side who dominated the early exchanges.
But Morocco made the crucial breakthrough just after halftime when Ounahi swept in a powerful low shot from the edge of the area.
Ounahi made victory inevitable eight minutes from time with his second before Rahimi’s late goal on the counterattack left Canada heading for the tournament exit.
“We are very happy,” Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said. “It’s a World Cup match and these are difficult games with teams playing for their lives. Canada were impressive – they played a top match. It was no surprise for us, but in the second half we were able to profit from the space they left us.”
Morocco are the first African nation to reach the quarterfinals in back-to-back World Cups, providing yet further evidence of the team’s emergence among the world’s elite footballing nations.
“We’re no longer a surprise today and that’s a great source of pride,” Ouahbi said.
“I think this is only the beginning and I hope we’ll keep producing this kind of run for many years.”
Canada coach Jesse Marsch said he believed his team had been the superior side but paid the price for poor finishing.
“We were the better team,” Marsch said. “It’s just they had a bit of quality in the final third and we lacked the ability to make a play when we needed to,” he said.
Saturday’s games kicked off the Round of 16 as the tournament reaches its final stages.
On Sunday, England face Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in a much-anticipated encounter, while Brazil take on Norway at East Rutherford in New Jersey.
Spain and Portugal renew one of international football’s fiercest rivalries in Monday’s World Cup Round of 16, with veteran Cristiano Ronaldo facing teenage star Lamine Yamal in a showdown that also serves as a rematch of last year’s Nations League final.
Portugal won that final on penalties after a 2-2 draw, spoiling Spain’s attempt to defend their title and add another trophy to the European Championship crown they had claimed a year earlier.
For Luis de la Fuente’s side, it remains the one blot on an otherwise gleaming three-year run that began with the 2023 Nations League title and has now stretched to 34 matches unbeaten.
Spain, smooth on the ball, ruthless in exploiting space and miserly at the back, have not conceded a World Cup goal since their group match against Japan at Qatar 2022.
Yet Portugal are no ordinary obstacle, especially with a midfield of Vitinha, Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes capable of going toe-to-toe with Spain’s technicians.
In last year’s Nations League final, Portugal did not pretend they were going to out-glitter Spain. They were drilled, compact and stubborn, refusing the open, attacking approach France had tried before being beaten by Spain in a nine-goal thriller in the semifinals.
They also had Nuno Mendes, whose evening became a personal duel with Spain’s right side. The Paris Saint-Germain full back was stretched repeatedly, yet still found the energy to disrupt Spain and hurt them going forward.
He is likely to be handed a similar double shift on Monday: smother Lamine’s invention and charge upfield whenever Portugal get the chance.
Headline act
Lamine remains Spain’s headline act, a teenage winger playing with the assurance of someone who treats pressure as a mild inconvenience.
But Spain are far more than one prodigy.
Their passing patterns are slick, their attacking movement sharp and their defensive structure has become one of the tournament’s most reliable foundations.
“We need to keep growing, but we’re not afraid of anyone,” Lamine told reporters after Spain’s 3-0 win over Austria.
Portugal arrive in less serene condition. They struggled badly against Croatia to reach the last 16 and had endured problems in the group stage, finishing second behind Colombia after two draws.
Spain, by contrast, have grown into the tournament since beginning with a goalless draw against Cape Verde.
Then there is Ronaldo, still there, still defiant, still demanding attention even as the pitch he commands has shrunk. The explosive force of old may have dimmed, but he remains dangerous inside the box, as Spain discovered when he converted a loose ball to make it 2-2 in the Nations League final and send the match towards extra time.
When Ronaldo was beginning his quest for 1,000 career goals, Lamine was nearly a baby. On Monday, they meet in a knockout match where one generation may shove another towards the exit.
Ronaldo’s sister has said he will leave the national team after the World Cup, meaning every Portugal match could now be his last. For two sides who arrived among the favourites to lift the trophy, a round-of-16 exit would feel brutally early.
Spain want revenge. Portugal want another ambush.
Argentina survived one of the biggest scares in World Cup history Friday, needing an own goal deep into extra time to edge fearless debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in a breathtaking round-of-32 clash that showcased the expanding global reach of the tournament.
The defending champions appeared destined for a routine victory after Lionel Messi opened the scoring, but Cape Verde twice battled back to stun the Albiceleste before Diney Borges’ unfortunate own goal in the 111th minute finally ended one of the tournament’s greatest underdog stories.
Argentina, chasing the first successful World Cup title defense since Brazil in 1962, advance to face Egypt in the round of 16 on Tuesday in Atlanta.
But Lionel Scaloni’s side were pushed to their absolute limit by a nation ranked 65 places below them by FIFA.
Messi fired Argentina ahead in the 29th minute with his tournament-leading seventh goal and 20th career World Cup strike, seemingly putting the holders on course for another comfortable victory.
Cape Verde had other ideas.
After an impressive start to the second half, Deroy Duarte deservedly leveled in the 59th minute, silencing the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium and giving the African newcomers renewed belief.
The Blue Sharks held firm to force extra time, where Argentina regained the lead in the 92nd minute through Lisandro Martinez after a clever flick-on from Alexis Mac Allister.
Remarkably, Cape Verde responded again.
Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the goals of the tournament in the 103rd minute, cutting inside before curling a superb shot into the top corner beyond Emiliano Martinez to make it 2-2.
Only eight minutes later did Argentina finally find the decisive breakthrough.
Messi’s corner found Cristian Romero, whose header struck the hand of defender Borges and deflected into the net. Because the touch came from a defender and benefited the attacking team, the goal stood, ending Cape Verde’s heroic resistance.
Argentina still needed two late saves from Emiliano Martinez, including a crucial stop from Cabral, before securing a victory that left the world champions relieved rather than celebratory.
“It was a very difficult match, more difficult than we expected,” Messi said afterward. “They showed why they drew against Spain and Uruguay. They are disciplined, intense and have their own weapons. We knew we would suffer, and we did.”
Scaloni admitted his side had escaped.
“It was a very tough match. This team never gives up,” the Argentina coach said. “We have to congratulate the opponent. When people say there are no easy opponents at a World Cup, they proved today they are a great team. Losing to Cape Verde would have been madness.”
While Argentina survived, Cape Verde departed with their reputation transformed.
Playing in their first World Cup, the Portuguese-speaking island nation had already earned worldwide admiration after holding former champions Spain and Uruguay in the group stage. Against Argentina, they came within minutes of producing arguably the greatest upset the competition has ever witnessed.
Most of Cape Verde’s squad play in modest leagues across Europe, yet they matched the reigning champions with relentless energy, organization and belief.
Forty-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha capped a remarkable tournament with another outstanding display, making eight saves after starring against Spain earlier in the competition.
“Our team did everything we could to win the game,” Vozinha said.
Ireland-born defender Pico Lopes, who famously joined the national team after initially ignoring recruitment messages on LinkedIn, reflected on what the team had accomplished.
“What we achieved was to show what is possible for small nations,” Lopes said. “With big hearts, you can believe and dream that anything is possible.”
He later added the words that perfectly summed up Cape Verde’s unforgettable World Cup journey.
“Nobody has to ask where Cape Verde is now.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be remembered for more than goals, trophies, and unforgettable matches.
As the first tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, it also offers fans one of the most diverse culinary experiences ever seen at a World Cup.
With matches spread across North America, supporters will discover iconic regional dishes, vibrant street food, and global cuisines that make every host city a destination in its own right.
From tacos in Mexico City to barbecue in Texas and poutine in Toronto, food becomes another reason to celebrate the world’s biggest football tournament.
Famed Mexican street food
Mexico enters the World Cup with one of the world’s most celebrated food cultures. In host cities Mexico City and Guadalajara, visitors will find street food at the heart of the tournament experience.
Tacos al pastor remain the country’s signature dish, featuring marinated pork carved from a vertical spit and served on corn tortillas with pineapple, onions, cilantro, and salsa. Fans can also enjoy tamales, fresh ceviche, and the rich, complex flavors of mole poblano.
Guadalajara is equally famous for birria, the slow-cooked, spice-rich meat stew that has gained worldwide popularity, along with hearty tortas that provide an ideal pre-match meal.
Affordable, flavorful, and easy to enjoy on the move, Mexico’s street food perfectly complements the excitement of matchday.
Canada’s diversity
Toronto’s multicultural identity is reflected in one of North America’s most diverse food scenes.
Visitors can sample Canada’s signature comfort food, poutine, with its combination of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, while many restaurants add gourmet twists using brisket, lobster, or pulled pork.
The city’s famous peameal bacon sandwich remains another local favorite, but Toronto’s greatest strength lies in its international cuisine. Dim sum, Caribbean roti, Italian classics, Middle Eastern specialties, South Asian curries, and countless other global dishes are all within easy reach.
Fan festivals will also feature vegetarian, halal, vegan, and international menus that reflect Canada’s inclusive culture.
America’s regional specialties
The United States hosts most of the tournament, giving visitors the opportunity to experience an extraordinary range of regional flavors.
Texas is expected to be a favorite for barbecue lovers, with slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausages served alongside classic Southern sides.
Houston adds even greater diversity through Vietnamese pho, Tex-Mex favorites, West African cuisine, and Gulf Coast seafood.
Philadelphia welcomes fans with its famous cheesesteak, while Miami offers Cuban sandwiches, fresh ceviche, and Caribbean-inspired cuisine that reflects the city’s Latin American roots.
Elsewhere, New York serves iconic pizza and bagels, Kansas City showcases its legendary barbecue, Boston highlights lobster rolls and clam chowder, and Atlanta combines Southern comfort food with modern international influences.
Many international visitors will also experience classic American traditions, including generous portion sizes, all-day diners, and regional comfort foods that have become part of the country’s culture.
Fan festivals offer more than football
Official FIFA Fan Festivals will serve as cultural gathering places where supporters can watch matches while enjoying local cuisine, live entertainment, and music.
Food trucks, regional specialties, and international dishes will be featured throughout the tournament, giving fans an opportunity to sample local favorites without leaving the celebration.
Restaurants and bars are also preparing themed menus inspired by participating nations, creating welcoming spaces where supporters from around the world can gather before and after matches.
A global menu for a global tournament
The expanded 48-team tournament ensures that cuisines from every continent will be represented.
Fans can enjoy Argentine asado, Brazilian churrasco, Colombian arepas, Italian pizza and pasta, Spanish tapas, German sausages, French pastries, Moroccan tagines, Nigerian jollof rice, Japanese ramen, Korean barbecue, Indian curries, and Middle Eastern shawarma.
Diaspora communities across North America make it easy for supporters to find authentic versions of their favorite dishes while introducing visitors to creative fusion foods that blend multiple culinary traditions.
These cross-cultural food experiences are expected to become one of the defining stories of the tournament.
More than a meal
Food has always played an important role at major sporting events, bringing people together regardless of nationality or language.
During the World Cup, meals become opportunities for rival supporters to share stories, celebrate victories, and build friendships.
At the same time, local restaurants, food trucks, and small businesses benefit from increased tourism, while host cities showcase their culture through their cuisine.
Switzerland ended an 88-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout victory with a commanding 2-0 win over Algeria to book their place in the round of 16.
The Swiss will next face the winner of Friday’s showdown between Colombia and Ghana, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake. Switzerland are chasing their first appearance in the last eight since hosting the tournament in 1954.
Breel Embolo gave Switzerland the perfect start in the 10th minute, finishing from close range after an outstanding solo run by Johan Manzambi. The Freiburg midfielder burst past his marker, kept the ball in play near the byline and picked out Embolo with a precise cutback for a simple finish.
Switzerland struck again just 48 seconds into the second half, doubling their advantage with the help of a costly Algerian defensive mistake.
Algeria twice failed to clear the ball after a cross from Denis Zakaria. It eventually fell to Dan Ndoye, who guided a low shot into the bottom corner.
Fabian Rieder had a chance to add a third goal in the 81st minute but somehow failed to convert from close range with goalkeeper Luca Zidane sprawled on the turf.
Rieder slipped behind the Algerian defense, but his effort bounced into Zidane’s arms before being cleared.
The match also marked Granit Xhaka’s 150th appearance for Switzerland.
“This day means a lot to me. It’s amazing to have played 150 matches for the country where I was born and raised,” the Switzerland captain said.
“I’m proud to wear the red jersey. The fact that we had a good match and advanced makes it even better.”
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez, meanwhile, announced his retirement from international football.
“This was my last match with Algeria,” Mahrez said.
“Our aim was to go through, and I think it was a game we could have won. But we conceded twice because of mistakes, and at this level you can’t get away with it. There are always positives to take away. We managed to get out of the group stage, but we conceded too many goals to achieve more.”
Mahrez made 119 appearances for Algeria and helped the team win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019.
He scored a stoppage-time winner against Nigeria in the semifinals to send Algeria into the final, where it lifted the title.
Mahrez also won four Premier League titles, including one with Leicester City in 2016 and three with Manchester City, where he also won the Champions League.
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