World Cup 2026 · Day 26

Norway stun Brazil 2-1 as Haaland strikes twice, a thunderstorm delays Mexico against England at the Azteca, and Portugal against Spain and USA against Belgium close out the round of 16

The 2026 World Cup round of 16 reached its climax. Norway knocked out five time champions Brazil 2-1 on 5 July with a late Erling Haaland brace, joining France and Morocco in the quarter-finals. That night, a thunderstorm delayed Mexico against England at the Estadio Azteca. On Monday 6 July, Portugal face Spain in Dallas and the United States meet Belgium in Seattle. Five verified stories.

6 July 2026 · WorldCuply.com daily news archive

Round of 16

Norway stun Brazil 2-1 as Haaland scores twice late to reach a first World Cup quarter-final

Norway beat Brazil 2-1 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on 5 July, per Al Jazeera, Yahoo Sports and ESPN. Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland saved a first half penalty from Bruno Guimaraes before Erling Haaland struck twice in the last 11 minutes, a header in the 79th minute and a second from outside the box, taking him to 7 goals in the tournament. Neymar converted a stoppage time penalty. It is Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990, and Norway reach their first quarter-final.

Sources: Al Jazeera · Yahoo Sports · ESPN
Weather delay

A thunderstorm delays Mexico against England at the Estadio Azteca

The round of 16 tie between hosts Mexico and England at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City was held up by a thunderstorm and lightning on 5 July, with kick off pushed back around an hour before the players took the field, per Al Jazeera, CBS Sports and NBC Sports. England manager Thomas Tuchel named Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane in his starting line up. The winner advances to face Norway in the quarter-finals.

Sources: Al Jazeera · CBS Sports · NBC Sports
Round of 16

Portugal against Spain and USA against Belgium close out the round of 16 on Monday 6 July

Two round of 16 ties finish the last 16 on Monday 6 July, per FIFA.com, Sky Sports and Fox Sports. Portugal face Spain at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, at 3 p.m. ET, and the United States meet Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle at 8 p.m. ET. Spain and Portugal both finished among the top five of the final FIFA rankings before the tournament. The winners meet each other in the quarter-finals.

Sources: FIFA.com · Sky Sports · Fox Sports
Team news

USA lose top scorer Balogun to suspension for the Belgium tie

The United States are without leading scorer Folarin Balogun against Belgium, after a red card ruled him out of the round of 16 tie through suspension, per Fox Sports. Mauricio Pochettino's side reached the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Belgium came from two late goals down to beat Senegal in extra time after a VAR penalty.

Sources: Fox Sports · ESPN
Bracket

Quarter-final field takes shape: France, Morocco and Norway are through

Three quarter-finalists are confirmed after France beat Paraguay 1-0 and Morocco knocked out co-hosts Canada 3-0 on 4 July, and Norway eliminated Brazil on 5 July, per FIFA.com and ESPN. The remaining quarter-final places will be decided by Mexico or England, Portugal or Spain, the United States or Belgium, and the winners of Argentina against Egypt and Switzerland against Colombia on 7 July.

Sources: FIFA.com · ESPN