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FIFA World Cup: Day 23

World Cup recap: Egypt, Argentina and Colombia advance to the round of 16

Live updates from Friday’s knockout round games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Get the latest news, results and highlights from the 39-day tournament.

Colombia's Jhon Arias celebrates after scoring against Ghana at the World Cup on Friday night.
(Carl Recine / Getty Images)

Colombia defeats Ghana, will play Switzerland next

Colombia's Luis Diaz heads the ball during a 1-0 win Friday over Ghana.
Colombia’s Luis Diaz heads the ball during a 1-0 win Friday over Ghana in the round of 16 at the World Cup.
(Jeff Roberson / Associated Press)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jhon Arias scored off a sharp cross from Luis Suárez in the opening minutes, and Colombia controlled Ghana on a sweltering night at Arrowhead Stadium, allowing Los Cafeteros to advance to the Round of 16 at the World Cup with a 1-0 victory Friday night.

Colombia will play Switzerland on Tuesday in Vancouver, British Columbia, for a spot in the quarterfinals.

The game was just minutes old when Colombia forward Jhon Córdoba appeared to hurt his groin, forcing coach Néstor Lorenzo to bring Suárez — the standout from Sporting CP, not the Inter Miami star of the same name — off the bench as an early substitute.

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He factored into the game immediately: In the 14th minute, Daniel Muñoz played a ball to Suárez, who sent it across the front of the goal, where Arias was waiting to flick it past Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi for a 1-0 lead.

Los Cafeteros thought they had doubled their lead in the 56th minute, when Luis Díaz found the back of the net only to see the offside flag raised, and the fleet-footed Colombia forward had a point-blank shot saved by Zigi a few minutes later.

Zigi wound up making seven saves to keep Ghana in the game.

It was 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31.1 Celsius) with a heat index of 96 when the game kicked off at 8:30 p.m. local time, the late start intentional due to the expected heat of Midwestern summers. The hydration breaks that have been controversial in so many matches suddenly became a blessing as players from both sides fought through dehydration and cramps.

Colombia had breezed through the group stage, conceding only a single goal in wins over Uzbekistan and Congo and a draw with Portugal. Los Cafeteros had been so impressive that Spain coach Luis de la Fuente — whose own team is considered among the tournament favorites — tapped them as “a candidate to win the World Cup.”

Their fans certainly believe in them.

The home of the NFL’s Chiefs has three levels of seats with a band of yellow ones sandwiched between red. Yet the entire bowl of the stadium just east of downtown Kansas City was awash in the vibrant yellow of Colombia some 2 hours before kickoff.

Ghana knew it would be an underdog. Yet the team that failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations last year for the first time in nearly two decades had already answered plenty of critics by surviving a difficult group topped by England and Croatia.

The question as it faced Colombia: Could Ghana mount enough offense?

As expected, Los Cafeteros dominated the ball — the Black Stars had possessed it just 36.1% of the time in the group stage, second-least of any team that advanced, and those offensive issues continued against Colombia. Even when Ghana managed to put together an attack, Colombia was there to quickly counter with the speed of Suárez, Díaz and its midfielders.

Ghana wound up taking eight shots. None of them were on goal.

Skretta writes for the Associated Press.

World Cup schedule for the round of 16 is set

The round of 32 is over at the World Cup. Here’s the schedule for the next round, which begins Saturday:

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Colombia continues to put pressure on Ghana

Colombia 1, Ghana 0 — 63rd minute

Two minutes after an apparent goal by Luis Diaz was disallowed after he was determined to be offside, Diaz was denied by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi from the center of the box.

Colombia has continued to dominate the match, limiting Ghana’s ability to generate much of anything inside the box. Ghana has six shots, but none on goal. Colombia has nine shots, with five on goal.

Colombia in control over Ghana at halftime

Ghana's Caleb Yirenkyi, left, and Colombia's Jhon Lucumi battle for the ball Friday.
(Ed Zurga / Associated Press)

Colombia 1, Ghana 0 — Halftime

Jhon Arias’ goal in the 14th minute has given Colombia the lead over Ghana at halftime in its round-of-32 match Friday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

Colombia controlled the ball for 67% of the first half and had five shots, with three on goal.

Ghana, which struggled in the opening minutes, played more aggressively after the hydration break, but none of its six shots were on goal, with four being blocked by Colombia defenders.

Colombia’s Johan Mojica nearly scored in stoppage time, but his header was slapped away from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi on an outstanding save.

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Colombia dominating against Ghana in the first half

Ghana's Gideon Mensah controls the ball against Colombia at the World Cup on Friday.
(Jeff Roberson / Associated Press)

Colombia 1, Ghana 0 — 37th minute

Colombia turned away a Ghana corner kick in the 34th minute to thwart one of Ghana’s few scoring chances so far.

Colombia has controlled the ball for 77% of the match so far, with two of its three shots on goal. Ghana has yet to record a shot on goal, with play concentrated on its half of the pitch.

Jhon Arias scores to give Colombia 1-0 lead over Ghana

Colombia's Jhon Arias celebrates after scoring against Ghana at the World Cup on Friday.
(Carl Recine / Getty Images)

Colombia 1, Ghana 0 — 14th minute

Jhon Arias scored on a right-footed shot from the center of the box to give Colombia an early lead in its round-of-32 match against Ghana.

The goal came after a cross by Luis Suarez in the box made contact with Luis Diaz on a header before Arias booted the ball into the goal.

Colombia vs. Ghana is underway at the World Cup

Colombia soccer fans cheer before Friday's World Cup match between Colombia and Ghana.
Colombia soccer fans cheer before Friday’s World Cup match between Colombia and Ghana at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.
(John Locher / Associated Press)

Unbeaten Colombia is looking to advance after winning its group despite scoring just once in its last two games. Despite the lack of scoring, Colombia had 59 shots in group play.

Ghana is back in the knockout stages for the first time since 2010, advancing as a third-place team.

The winner of Colombia-Ghana will face Switzerland in the round of 16 on Tuesday.

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Lionel Messi and Argentina edge Cape Verde in extra-time thriller

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after a 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after a 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde in the round of 32 at the World Cup on Friday night.
(Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press)

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Lionel Messi wiped the sweat from his forehead and breathed a sigh of relief. His Argentina teammates did the same.

A thrilling, unforgettable World Cup match with underdog Cape Verde was over — and the defending champions survived after being pushed to the brink.

Cape Verde equalized in regulation and again in extra time, but the Blue Sharks could not respond to Argentina’s third goal, and La Albiceleste advanced to the Round of 16 with a 3-2 victory on Friday.

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Even in defeat, the performance by Cape Verde — a tiny island nation off the western coast of Africa — will stand as one of the most remarkable stories of this, or any, World Cup.

The go-ahead score for Argentina was credited as an own-goal after Cristian Romero’s header deflected off Cape Verde’s Diney Borges in the 111th minute. Messi scored early in regulation, his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal. Lisandro Martinez scored in the 92nd to put Argentina ahead 2-1.

Sidny Lopes Cabral and Deroy Duarte scored for Cape Verde — both equalizers that stunned the pro-Argentina crowd in South Florida. Cabral’s goal — a curling, right-footed strike past goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez in the 103rd minute — made an already wild game even more incredible, tying it at 2-all and raising the possibility of Messi facing standout Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha in a penalty shootout.

Argentina pushed back in front eight minutes later, held on from there and advanced to face Egypt — which beat Australia in a shootout earlier Friday — in Atlanta on Tuesday.

“As this team has demonstrated many times, and as I’ve said many times, it competes,” Messi said in Spanish. “And we competed to the end.”

Cape Verde’s memorable World Cup debut had been a stunning run that few outside the country of 525,000 could have predicted. Behind the stellar play of the 40-year-old Vozinha, Cape Verde became the smallest country to reach the knockout round, securing surprising draws against Spain and Uruguay and another against Saudi Arabia.

Vozinha had 10 saves against Argentina, including five against Messi.

“We dignify what our country is. We drew twice against the world champions, we took it to extra time,” Cape Verde coach Bubista said. “More than anything, it’s being proud of our players who were dignified in the World Cup. We showed our identity.”

Messi added another brilliant goal to his resume, sneaking behind the Cape Verde defense on a well-timed run as Martinez lofted a pass toward him, taking a quick touch and hammering a finish into the roof of the net for a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute.

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The Argentina captain has seven goals in this tournament — one more France’s Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race as the top scorer in this year’s World Cup — and extended his World cup record, moving two goals ahead of Mbappé on the career list. He has 12 goals during his record eight-match scoring streak.

He had the game’s first chance when he sent skidding across the goal mouth but outside of the right post in the 15th minute. After getting taken down, he had a 25-yard free kick three minutes later that was easily gobbled up by Vozinha, who came up with marvelous nearly every time his team needed one.

Bubista and players remained on the pitch well after the final whistle. Some sat with their heads nestled in their chests. Other shared tearful embraces before waving to their small crowd of supporters, reality sinking in at the end of a ride that almost no one outside of their fearless island could have predicted.

“I have to give credit to our opponents,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “The truth is, when people say there’s no such thing as an easy opponent, today (Cape Verde) proved they’re a great team.”

Thames writes for the Associated Press.

Argentina survives, defeating Cape Verde in extra time in a World Cup classic

Cape Verde's Dailon Livramento takes a shot against Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Cape Verde’s Dailon Livramento takes a shot against Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on Friday at the World Cup.
(George Walker IV / Associated Press)

Argentina 3, Cape Verde 2 — Final

Argentina held on to advance to the round of 16, barely beating a Cape Verde team that nearly pulled off an incredible upset against the defending World Cup champions.

In the 116th minute, Cape Verde’s Sidny Lopes Cabral nearly scored on a free kick just outside the box, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a spectacular leaping save to prevent the goal.

Moments earlier, Cape Verde nearly scored on another chance.

Cape Verde entered the match ranked No. 67 in the world against No. 1 Argentina, which posted its 11th consecutive World Cup win.

Argentina retakes lead in the 111th minute against Cape Verde

Argentina's Cristian Romero scores on a header off a Lionel Messi corner kick in the 111th minute against Cape Verde.
(Megan Briggs / Getty Images)

Argentina 3, Cape Verde 2 — 111th minute

An own goal by Cape Verde defender Diney Borges off a Cristian Romero header put Argentina back into the lead.

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Cape Verde refuses to lose, scoring against Argentina in extra time

Cape Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral (13) celebrates after scoring against Argentina in the World Cup on Friday.
(George Walker IV / Associated Press)

Argentina 2, Cape Verde 2 — 103rd minute

Sidny Lopes Cabral scored in the 103rd minute on a spectacular goal that found the far upper corner of the net to tie the score once again.

The perfectly placed shot sent Cape Verde fans into a frenzy at Hard Rock Stadium as stunned Argentina players made their way back to midfield.

Argentina had only given up two goals in its last 10 games before facing a Cape Verde team that is trying to pull off the biggest upset in World Cup history.

Argentina retakes lead in extra time against Cape Verde

Lisandro Martinez, right, celebrates withEnzo Fernandez after scoring in extra time for Argentina against Cape Verde.
Lisandro Martinez, right, celebrates withEnzo Fernandez after scoring in extra time for Argentina against Cape Verde on Friday.
(Megan Briggs / Getty Images)

Argentina 2, Cape Verde 1 — 92nd minute

Following a Lionel Messi corner kick, Lisandro Martinez corralled the ball off a header, then went top shelf with a short kick to put Argentina back into the lead.

Argentina was aggressive at the start of extra time, immediately challenging Cape Verde in the box as it looked to avoid the upset.

Argentina and Cape Verde heading to extra time

Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts during the second half against Cape Verde on Friday.
(Chris Carlson / Associated Press)

Argentina 1, Cape Verde 1 — End of regulation

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made another save on a free kick by Argentina’s Lionel Messi just outside the box in the 94th minute to thwart a prime scoring chance and send the game into extra time.

A game featuring the biggest rankings gap ever between teams in a World Cup knockout stage (No. 1 Argentina, No. 67 Cape Verde) has turned into a nail-biter after Deroy Duarte scored in the 59th minute for Cape Verde.

From there, it survived a near-constant onslaught from Argentina, with Vozinha making a total of eight saves off 15 Argentina shots.

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Vozinha makes spectacular save on Lionel Messi free kick

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha stops a free kick by Argentina's Lionel Messi in the second half Friday.
(George Walker IV / Associated Press)

Argentina 1, Cape Verde 1 — 75th minute

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made a spectacular, leaping save on a free kick from Argentina star Lionel Messi in the 73rd minute, blocking the shot from finding the upper right corner of the goal.

Vozinha was out of position when the referee blew his whistle to restart play. Messi tried to capitalize by immediately kicking, but Vozinha managed to recover and make the save.

A few minutes earlier, Cape Verde blocked a free kick outside the box by Messi to keep the score tied. Vozinha also stopped Messi with a point-blank save in the 62nd minute.

Argentina seems to be playing with some urgency in the wake of Cape Verde’s tying goal.

Cape Verde scores in second half, stunning Argentina

Cape Verde's Deroy Duarte, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring against Argentina.
Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring against Argentina in the second half.
(Marta Lavandier / Associated Press)

Argentina 1, Cape Verde 1 — 64th minute

Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte scored off a tight angle in the 59th minute after taking a pass from Ryan Mendes in the box in a stunning development against the defending World Cup champions.

Argentina had dominated the match until Cape Verde managed to score on its fifth shot of the game.

Lionel Messi nearly scored a couple minutes later, but Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made a point-blank save to keep the score even.

Argentina leads Cape Verde at halftime

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring in the 29th minute against Cape Verde at the World Cup on Friday.
(Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press)

Argentina 1, Cape Verde 0 — Halftime

Lionel Messi’s goal in the 29th minute has given Argentina a 1-0 lead after 45 minutes of play at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Defending champion Argentina dominated possession in the first half, controlling the ball 63% of the time. It only had four shots, taking a patient and measured approach to a Cape Verde that played conservatively for most of the half.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made three saves. Cape Verde had one shot, but none on goal.

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Lionel Messi scores to give Argentina 1-0 lead over Cape Verde

Argentina's Lionel Messi, right, scores past Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha on
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, right, scores past Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha on Friday.
(Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press)

Argentina 1, Cape Verde 0 — 29th minute

Lionel Messi scored his seventh goal of this World Cup, taking a perfectly timed pass from Lisandro Martinez as he broke toward the goal before chipping the ball over Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.

It extended Messi’s World Cup records for goals (20) and goals in consecutive games (8). He leads all scorers in this year’s World Cup.

Lionel Messi fails to score on free kick just outside box

Argentina's Lionel Messi jumps over Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha while trying to get to a pass in the first half.
(Marta Lavandier / Associated Press)

Argentina 0, Cape Verde 0 — 18th minute

Lionel Messi failed to score on a free kick just outside the box, with Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha making the save.

About a minute later, Messi had another potential scoring chance when Vozinha grabbed a short pass intended for Messi in the box.

Argentina and Cape Verde scoreless early on

Cape Verde's Deroy Duarte, front, battles Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister.
Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte, front, battles Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister for a header in the first half.
(George Walker IV / Associated Press)

Argentina 0, Cape Verde 0 — 12th minute

Argentina controlled play in the early minutes as it dominated possession. Cape Verde didn’t take any chances on defense, barely putting any pressure on Argentina until it neared the box.

There were no shots by either team through 12 minutes. Argentina controlled the ball 64% of the time.

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Argentina vs. Cape Verde underway at the World Cup

Argentina's Lionel Messi, center, jogs onto the field with his teammates before facing Cape Verde.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, center, jogs onto the field with his teammates before facing Cape Verde in the World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Friday.
(Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press)

Argentina is looking to extend its winning streak at the World Cup to 10 games in a David vs. Goliath matchup with Cape Verde, which is making its World Cup knockout-round debut.

Lionel Messi enters with six goals, tied with France’s Kylian Mbappé for the most in this year’s World Cup.

Cape Verde’s star so far has been 40-year goalkeeper Vozinha, who posted two shutouts in group play.

Egypt wins in World Cup knockout round debut with penalty shootout

Egypt's Hossam Abdelmaguid celebrates after scoring winning penalty against Australia during a round of 32 World Cup match.
Egypt’s Hossam Abdelmaguid celebrates after scoring the winning penalty against Australia during a round of 32 World Cup match.
(Sam Hodde / Associated Press)

ARLINGTON, Texas — Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the clinching goal in a shootout, and Egypt won its debut in the World Cup knockout round by beating Australia 4-2 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw Friday.

Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan didn’t stop any of Egypt’s four shots after replacing starter Patrick Beach late in extra time.

The victory comes in Egypt’s fourth World Cup. Australia is now 0-3 in the knockout round.

Egypt will next face either defending champion Argentina or Cape Verde in the round of 16 on Tuesday in Atlanta.

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Harry Souttar opened the shootout by missing high for Australia, and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington hit the crossbar with the fourth attempt to set up Abdelmaguid’s clincher.

Egypt’s other penalty shootout scorers were Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia and Mohamed Salah, the former Liverpool star who started despite a hamstring injury sustained in the group finale.

Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil scored in the shootout for Australia.

Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead in regulation by scoring in the 13th minute. Australia evened the match in the 55th when Egypt defender Mohamed Hany became the first player to score two own-goals in the same World Cup.

Egypt wins first-ever World Cup knockout-stage game, advances after penalty shootout

Egypt players celebrates winning a penalty shootout against Australia during the World Cup round of 32 match.
(Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press)

Egypt 1, Australia 1 (Egypt advances on penalty kicks, 4-2) — FINAL

This year’s World Cup is seeing its third penalty shootout, this time between Egypt and Australia. Australia will take aim first.

First round: Harry Souttar sails it over the crossbar for Australia, Mahmoud Saber converts for Egypt. 1-0, Egypt

Second round: Jackson Irvine converts for Australia, Ramy Rabia converts for Egypt. 2-1, Egypt

Third round: Awer Mabil converts for Australia, Mo Salah converts for Egypt. 3-2, Egypt

Fourth round: Lucas Herrington bangs it off the crossbar for Australia, Hossam Abdelmaguid converts for Egypt.

4-2, Egypt, no fifth round necessary

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Egypt and Australia will decide it in penalty kicks for a berth in the round of 16

Egypt 1, Australia 1, end of extra time

Egypt and Australia will go to penalty kicks after playing 120 minutes to decide who goes on to the round of 16. Australia had a free kick late in extra time but were unable to convert. Perhaps in anticipation of a penalty shootout, the Aussies also substituted their goalkeeper, inserting the veteran Matthew Ryan for Patrick Beach, who had made a brilliant save at the end of regulation.

Egypt and Australia are halfway through extra time

Egypt 1, Australia 1, 105th minute

Fifteen minutes-plus remain in extra time for these teams in Arlington, Texas. If the score remains tied, it will go to penalty kicks. In the three previous World Cup matches that have gone extra time this year, two went to a penalty shootout.

Egypt pressures in stoppage time, but match heads to extra time

Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach stops the ball during the World Cup round of 32 match against Egypt.
(Tony Gutierrez / Ap Photo/tony Gutierrez)

Egypt 1, Australia 1, end of regulation

This round of 32 match in Arlington, Texas, will require at least 30 more minutes after Egypt couldn’t pull ahead during stoppage despite repeated pressure. Patrick Beach, in particular, was a stalwart.

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Australia and Egypt remain tied during second-half hydration break

Egypt 1, Australia 1, 69th minute

The match remains tied as the teams go through their second-half hydration break.

Australia draws even on an own goal by Egypt

Egypt's Mohamed Hany, right, heads an own goal during the World Cup round of 32 match between Australia and Egypt.
(Julio Cortez / Associated Press)

Australia 1, Egypt 1, 55th minute

Australia’s free kick produced a goal, but it was that glanced off the head of Egypt’s Mohamed Hany — his second such score of this World Cup. It was Australia’s first goal in 250 minutes of play over four matches — the last 15 minutes of a 2-0 win over Turkey, the last two group-stage matches, and the first half and opening 10 minutes of the second half today.

Egypt and Australia kick off the second half in Arlington

Egypt 1, Australia 0, 46th minute

Egypt nearly doubled its lead in the first minute of the second half after a great long ball in, but Egypt could not convert.

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Diogo Jota honored by Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal after World Cup win a year after his death

Portugal soccer players gather for a group photo with Cristiano Ronaldo in the middle holding a red No. 21 jersey
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo holds a No. 21 jersey in honor of late teammate Diego Jota in a group photo after the team’s 2-1 World Cup win over Croatia on Thursday in Toronto.
(Mattia Ozbot / Getty Images)

Diogo Jota was with Portugal in spirit on the eve of the one-year anniversary of his death.

After the team’s dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia on Thursday in a World Cup knockout game, Portugal’s players posed for a group photo in the middle of the field at Toronto Stadium. Team captain Cristiano Ronaldo stood front and center, looking serious amid many beaming teammates and holding up a red No. 21 jersey in Jota’s honor.

Egypt holds halftime lead over Australia in Arlington

Egypt 1, Australia 0, halftime

Egypt carries a lead into the break as it looks to make history in its first knockout-stage game. The winner of this match will face the winner of the Argentina-Cape Verder match being played later today in Miami Gardens, Fla. That round of 16 matchup will be played Tuesday in Atlanta.

Egypt remains up on Australia as teams head into hydration break

Egypt 1, Australia 0, 23rd minute

Egypt remains ahead Australia tries to rally in their round of 32 match in Arlington, Texas.

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Egypt breaks through on a goal by Emam Ashour

Egypt's Emam Ashour scores the opening goal past Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach during their World Cup round of 32 match.
(Julio Cortez / Associated Press)

Egypt 1, Australia 0, 13th minute

Emam Ashour put Egypt in the lead in its first knockout-stage match ever with a header that came off a cross. It was the 250th goal scored in this World Cup.

Australia pressures early as match vs. Egypt remains scoreless

Egypt 0, Australia 0, 11th minute

Australia, trying to end a scoreless drought in the World Cup, pressed early for a score and nearly got it when Cristian Volpato whistled a shot from outside the box that glanced off the crossbar in the seventh minute.

Egypt and Australia are underway in Arlington

Australian and Egyptian flags are seen during teams presentation before the World Cup round of 32 match in Arlington, Texas.
(Jessica Tobias / Associated Press)

Australia finished second to the U.S. in its group but stumbled into the round of 32, going 195 minutes without a goal. It’s the first time since 1974 that Australia has gone scoreless in consecutive World Cup games. The Socceroos are playing in the knockout stage for the third time in 20 years but have yet to win an elimination game. Unbeaten Egypt also finished second in its group, on a goal-differential tiebreaker. Its five goals have come from five players. The Pharaohs, Africa’s oldest national team, will be playing in the second round for the first time.

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Fox embraces a hybrid ad approach during World Cup hydration breaks after backlash

Austria players refresh during the hydration break at the World Cup Group J soccer match.
Austria players refresh during the hydration break at the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Austria in Arlington, Texas.
(Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press)

Fox has adopted a new split-screen approach to ads during the World Cup’s mandatory hydration breaks, after a stir among viewers over how it had been handling the pauses.

At the start of the tournament, the network aired full-screen ads during the three-minute breaks, cutting away from the field during the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. Soccer fans complained that they were missing on-field action, and the backlash mounted.

By the Mexico-South Korea match last week, Fox had changed course, running split-screen advertisements for the first time: two side-by-side panels, one keeping the camera on the stadium while the other played a commercial. The approach hasn’t been consistent, though. For Friday’s U.S.-Australia match, the network reverted to full-screen ads.

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Commentary: The joy of Mexico’s World Cup soccer triumph in the Trump era

A woman gets thrown up in the air
Mexico fans react while watching a FIFA World Cup soccer Group A matchup between Mexico and South Korea in the Boyle Heights neighborhood on Thursday.
(Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times)

Brenda Jaimes pushed her way through an ecstatic crowd in downtown Santa Ana Thursday night, stopping in the middle of Fourth Street and calling attention to herself by shouting, “Me! Me!”

An hour earlier, Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 in the World Cup. Jaimes, a 22-year-old Santa Ana resident, was one of thousands of people who crowded into the neighborhood’s many bars and restaurants to watch the thrilling victory then spilled onto the streets to party.

Fans blew horns and spun noisemakers, chanting “México!” and “¡Sí se puede!” They brandished the Mexican flag seemingly everywhere: on banners, painted on cheeks, emblazoned on Jaimes’ tube top. They stood on the back of trucks and boogied.

Why this World Cup could do for Canada what 1994 did for soccer in the U.S.

Canada's Jonathan David celebrates after scoring one of three goals during a 6-0 win over Qatar.
Canada’s Jonathan David celebrates after scoring one of three goals during a 6-0 win over Qatar at the World Cup on Thursday.
(Emilee Chinn / Getty Images)

When the first men’s World Cup game played in Canada kicked off last week, Anthony Totera sat in the stands and wept.

“It was a dream come true,” said Totera, who has spent most of his 57 years on earth promoting Canadian soccer. “I can’t describe the emotions. It was something surreal.”

If the 1994 World Cup, the first held in the U.S., forever altered the direction of American soccer, this summer’s tournament, which Canada is sharing with the U.S. and Mexico, has the potential to do the same for that country.

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‘A great vibe.’ Pacific Northwest joins Los Angeles in an embrace of World Cup fever

U.S. fans march outside Lumen Field in Seattle before the U.S.-Australia World Cup game on June 19, 2026.
(Lindsey Wasson / Associated Press)

Jaysen Dickinson flew to Seattle from Vermont to cross an item off his lengthy bucket list.

“To see the World Cup and the U.S. play in the World Cup,” he said.

Kim Fletcher and her 17-year-old son Kelan caught a 5 a.m. flight from Sacramento last week for the same reason.

“It’s a must-do right now,” she said.

They weren’t alone. Tens of thousands of people poured into Seattle on Friday morning for the U.S. team’s group-stage game with Australia, turning the Emerald City into a sea of red, white and blue. Some had tickets, most did not.

‘The clear choice by far.’ Why rising U.S. star Alex Freeman chose soccer over the NFL

U.S. defender Alex Freeman, left, and Paraguay forward Julio Enciso battle for control of the ball.
U.S. defender Alex Freeman, left, and Paraguay forward Julio Enciso battle for control of the ball during the United States’ 4-1 win in its World Cup opener on June 12.
(Kelvin Kuo / Los Angeles Times)

Growing up the son of an NFL wide receiver, Alex Freeman said he felt a lot of pressure to play the American version of football, not the one the rest of the world plays.

“I always got asked if football was the path,” he said last summer. “But I always had a secret love for soccer.”

And he had to keep it a secret because he wasn’t sure his father Antonio, a Super Bowl winner with the Green Bay Packers, would understand.

Harvard alum Matt Freese took an unusual path to starting in goal for U.S. at World Cup

U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese directs his teammates before Paraguay takes a free kick during a World Cup match.
U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese directs his teammates before Paraguay takes a free kick during a World Cup match at SoFi Stadium on June 12.
(Kelvin Kuo/Los Angeles Times)

Playing in goal for the U.S. men’s national soccer team is a little like playing right field for the Yankees. You’re following a long line of great players, making the comparisons — and the high expectations — unavoidable.

Matt Freese is the latest to be thrown into that crucible. But he considers that pressure to be a privilege, not a problem.

“I wouldn’t say it’s intimidating, I would say it’s inspiring,” he said before the U.S. training session Tuesday morning in Irvine. “It’s a long line of goalkeepers that I’ve looked up to for my whole life — and there were some before my life as well.”

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Voices

Commentary: World Cup shows MLS still needs to achieve major goals to grow the game

Canadian fans react after Stephen Eustáquio scores in stoppage time of a 1-0 win over South Africa.
Canadian fans react after Stephen Eustáquio scores in stoppage time of a 1-0 win over South Africa at the World Cup at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Remember when we were sure the World Cup would suffer from all the issues that had everyone seeing red before the first ball was kicked?

And remember when we were certain soccer could never catch on in this country?

Despite controversies over visas and ticket prices and transportation, and in spite of consternation over expansion and new rules, the game has, as usual, proved too good to fail.

And we, the American people, have become unusually engrossed in it.

‘Worth every penny’: This is how much fans spent to attend the World Cup in L.A.

Collage of photos for fans that attended World Cup games at SoFi Stadium.
Collage of photos for fans that attended World Cup games at SoFi Stadium.
(Alisha Jucevic / For The Times)

“Do you have an extra ticket?” a man shouted outside SoFi Stadium last Thursday.

The World Cup has been drawing fans from around the globe. But for many, getting a seat in the stadium has come at a steep price.

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How much did people spend to go to the World Cup?

Some were lucky enough to nab $400 to $500 tickets through official World Cup lotteries, others paid thousands of dollars to catch the action IRL. Tickets for the upcoming USA versus Turkey match were selling for more than $1,400 on resale sites.

The demand has been so high that authorities have been warning fans about how to avoid ticket scams.

As crowds flocked into the stadium, we asked attendees about how much they paid to get into the most-watched sporting event in the world. Here’s what they shared.

‘Why not us?’ How Mauricio Pochettino taught the U.S. to believe it could win a World Cup

Irvine, CA - June 08: USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino waves.
Mauricio Pochettino is the first U.S. men’s coach to win the group stage of a World Cup in 96 years.
(Ronaldo Bolanos / Los Angeles Times)

A bowl of lemons sits on a table in the conference room Mauricio Pochettino has turned into an office at the U.S. men’s soccer team’s beachfront resort in south Orange County. The citrus fruit, the coach believes, has the spiritual ability to absorb negative energy. On the corner of another table, the flame from a candle flickers.

“I like candles,” says Pochettino, who believes they release therapeutic fragrances and create a calming environment.

But it is the massive, blood-red mural covering the entire south side of the room that truly reveals what Pochettino believes. In the center of the wall, just behind the coach’s desk, white block letters spell out “Why Not” above a script “U.S.,” which, despite the periods, is meant to be read as “us.”

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U.S. Soccer cannot appeal Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red card suspension

U.S. forward Folarin Balogun steps on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic's foot and received a red card.
U.S. forward Folarin Balogun steps on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic’s foot, resulting in Balogun receiving a red card during the World Cup match on Wednesday at Levi’s Stadium.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The U.S. cannot appeal Folarin Balogun’s red card and ensuing suspension for the Americans’ round of 16 match against Belgium, U.S. soccer officials confirmed.

FIFA rules governing the 2026 World Cup, first cited by the Athletic, state that “a sending-off automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match. The FIFA judicial bodies may impose additional match suspensions and other disciplinary measures.”

U.S. men piling up historic moments at World Cup, but focus is on the here and now

U.S. midfielder Malik Tillman celebrates with teammates after scoring on a free kick against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
U.S. midfielder Malik Tillman, right, celebrates with teammates after his goal during the second half of Wednesday’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Mauricio Pochettino’s team continues to do things in this summer’s World Cup that no U.S. team has ever done before.

Its three wins are the most in a single tournament. So are the 10 goals in four games. It has the best goal differential ever and its two shutouts ties a record.

Yet all that means absolutely nothing to the players.

“They’re great milestones,” captain Tim Ream said. “But I don’t think anybody’s even once mentioned the different things that we’re doing. We’re focused on what we’re doing daily on the training ground, because that puts us in the best possible position to to put these performances.

Spain routs Austria while still working to reach World Cup champion form

Spain midfielder Mikel Oyarzabal scores against Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
Spain midfielder Mikel Oyarzabal scores against Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager during Spain’s 3-0 win in the round of 32 at the World Cup on Thursday at SoFi Stadium.
(Ronaldo Bolanos / Los Angeles Times)

Spain achieved its primary goal at SoFi Stadium on Thursday, defeating Austria 3-0 and advancing to the World Cup round of 16 in front of a pro-Spain announced crowd of 70,492.

The Spaniards extended their unbeaten match streak to 34 games and their win streak over European teams to 35 dating back to 2023. They have yet to concede a goal this tournament, tying the record for most consecutive men’s World Cup clean sheets with five.

By every metric, Spain controlled the match and won decisively in its best performance of the tournament.

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Commentary: Justice for U.S. star Folarin Balogun, red card for VAR

A referee gives red card to U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, left, while Bosnia and Herzegovina forward Ermedin Demirovic reacts
A referee gives a red card to U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, left, while Bosnia and Herzegovina forward Ermedin Demirovic reacts and U.S. midfielder Weston McKennie looks on.
(David M. Barreda / Los Angeles Times)

What do you mean U.S. forward Folarin Balogun got red-carded? For that?

As a nation, we’re pretty new to all this. And this VAR abomination we’ve all now been introduced to? Thanks, we hate it.

Soccer’s video assistant referee system is worse than the NBA’s tedious in-game reviews. Worse than the existential NFL question of whether it is or is not a catch. Dumber than not being able to challenge obviously miscalled balls and strikes in a pre-ABS baseball world.

Worse than all those things put together.

2026 World Cup knockout round TV schedule, game previews and results

Mexico's (from left) Raul Jimenez, Guillermo Ochoa and Gilberto Mora celebrate a 2-0 win over Ecuador at the World Cup.
Mexico players, from left, Raul Jimenez, Guillermo Ochoa and Gilberto Mora celebrate a 2-0 win over Ecuador at the World Cup on June 30.
(Luke Hales / Getty Images)

It’s knockout time at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The round of 16 is in full swing, with tournament co-hosts U.S. and Mexico among the teams vying for a spot in next week’s quarterfinals.

Here’s everything you need to know about the World Cup round-of-16 matches being played Sunday and Monday across the U.S., Mexico and Canada (all times Pacific).

Looking back at the first 22 days of the World Cup

The first 22 days of the 2026 FIFA World Cup offered plenty of memorable moments.

Check out The Times’ daily recaps ahead of Friday’s three-game slate:

Live updates from Thursday’s knockout round games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Get the latest news, results and highlights from the 39-day tournament.

England and Belgium rallied from early deficits and the U.S. held on despite a red card, winning Wednesday to clear the first World Cup knockout round.

Kylian Mbappé scored his fifth and sixth World Cup goals, leading France to a World Cup knockout round win Tuesday. Mexico and Norway also advanced.

Recapping Monday’s knockout-round wins by Brazil, Paraguay and Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Get the latest news, results and highlights.

Live updates from Canada vs. South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday. Get the latest news and results as the knockout rounds begin.

Live updates from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday. Get the latest news, results, standings and highlights from the 48-team, 39-day tournament.

Recapping Day 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday. Get the latest news, results, standings and highlights from the 48-team, 39-day tournament.

Live updates from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday. Get the latest news, results, standings and highlights from the 48-team, 39-day tournament.

South Africa pulled off a stunning 1-0 win over South Korea Wednesday night, advancing to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

Cristiano Ronaldo snapped out of his goal scoring slump to lead Portugal to a win, while Ghana held Harry Kane and England and Colombia rallied to beat Congo.

Live updates from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday. Get the latest news, results, standings and highlights from the 48-team, 39-day tournament.

Live updates from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday. Get the latest news, results, standings and highlights from the 48-team, 39-day tournament.

Live updates from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday. Get the latest news, results, standings and highlights from the 48-team, 39-day tournament.

Recapping what happened at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday. Get the latest news, results, standings and highlights from the 48-team, 39-day tournament.

Live updates from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday. Get the latest news, results, standings and highlights from the 48-team, 39-day tournament.

Harry Kane tied a World Cup record during England’s win, Cristiano Ronaldo was held scoreless during a draw, Ghana stunned Panama and more during Day 7.

Stars Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi all scored while leading France, Norway and Argentina to wins on Day 6 of the 2026 World Cup.

Follow along for live updates from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday. Get the latest news, results, standings and highlights from the 48-team tournament.

Follow along for live updates from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday. Get the latest news, results and highlights from the 48-team, 39-day tournament.

Follow along for live updates from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday. Get the latest news, results and highlights from the 48-team, 39-day tournament.

Follow along for live updates from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday. Get the latest news, results and highlights from the 48-team, 39-day tournament.

Folarin Balogun scores twice and Christian Pulisic sets up two goals to lead the U.S. to a 4-1 win in its World Cup opener over Paraguay on Friday.

Follow along for live updates from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday. Get the latest news, results and highlights from the 48-team, 39-day tournament.

Mexico defeats South Africa 2-0 in a game that featured three red cards. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored for Mexico in front of 80,824 fans.

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