From England’s Azteca Triumph to Belgium’s Red Card Revenge: Biggest Stories from the Knockout Stages of FIFA World Cup 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage: After an enthralling group stage that saw new heroes being made and hearts being broken, the tournament moved to the first knockout stage. With 32 teams fighting to stay in the competition, there was plenty of drama. 16 teams progressed to the next round, and yet again, it produced quite a few memorable moments.
We saw England scale Azteca to face Mexico’s challenge in the last 16, while defending champions Argentina survived two almighty scares to keep their hopes alive. The knockout rounds also saw the last dance of Cristiano Ronaldo on the global stage and Belgium’s remarkable turnaround.
So, there were plenty of talking points across 24 games in two rounds. With that said, Curva Global takes a look at the biggest stories of the knockout stages.
Paraguay humble Germany (Round of 32)
On paper, this was a straightforward tie for the Germans. They were the clear favourites. The European side had secured top spot in Group E, and the final game defeat to Ecuador was seen as a blip and perhaps a case of players not playing with their full intensity. Paraguay, on the other hand, had squeezed into the last 32 after a third-place finish in their group and ended up on the 7th spot out of the 8th best-ranked third-place teams.
To say that Germany were expected to breeze through would be an understatement. But the South American side showed why the World Cup games are a different beast, where reputations count for almost nothing.
Paraguay started the game better and deservedly went ahead when Julio Enciso headed in Matias Galarza’s cross just before halftime to give them the lead. The second started slowly for Julian Nagelsmann’s side, but they were level in the 54th minute after Kai Havertz planted a header from a Florian Wirtz cross.
The game went to extra time, and Die Mannschaft had Jonathan Tah’s header from a corner ruled out for a foul in the box. Penalties we go to. La Albirroja’s keeper, Orlando Gill, denied Havertz from the spot and then Nick Woltemade. Tah then skied his attempt before Jose Canale beat Manuel Neuer to produce one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history. Germany, four-time World Champions were out after losing a penalty shoot out at a World Cup for the first time.
Morocco prove 2022 wasn’t a fluke (Round of 32)
Four years ago in Qatar, Morocco became the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup. But as often has been the case, the teams from Africa find it hard to maintain consistency from one World Cup to another. Morocco knew they had to prove that their run to the last four in 2022 was no fluke.
An impressive draw against Brazil in the opening game of the 2026 edition showcased that they would be here to stay. Finishing second in the group set up a tie against the free-flowing Netherlands side, which had scored 10 goals in the group stages.
The Round of 32 clash was full of high intensity from both teams as they looked for an opening. The Oranje went ahead in the second half through Cody Gakpo’s second half goal, which weighed more than the game. Perhaps any other team from Asia or Africa up against a European giant in such a game would have folded after going behind, but the Atlas Lions were playing with a belief and conviction that meant they saw themselves on par with the best teams.
With stoppage time going on, Issa Diop leapt well and high to put a header past Bart Verbruggen and make it 1-1. Extra time came and went, and there was no addition to the goals column from either side.
Ronald Koeman’s side had the advantage when El Aynaoui hit the crossbar from the spot. But Morocco fought back. Again. Justin Kluivert hitting the post saved them. The decisive moments saw Yassine Bounou expertly save Crysencio Summerville’s attempt before Ismael Saibari calmly scored in the bottom left corner to send his team through, and on they march.
Belgium’s turnaround stuns Senegal (Round of 32)
Belgium had been far from their best when they arrived to face uncrowned African champions Senegal in the round of 32. Disappointing draws against Iran and Egypt had raised questions over the side’s ability to compete at this level. Meanwhile, Senegal had proved their goal-scoring prowess with a 5-0 thrashing of Iraq to reach the next round.
The Lions of Teranga may not have been clear favourites for this knockout clash, but it was seen as an ideal opportunity to prolong their stay at the tournament. Six minutes into the second half, and it seemed that it would likely be the case.
Ismaila Sarr rocketed a finish past Thibaut Courtois to add to Habib Diarra’s first half strike to put them 2-0 ahead. The Belgian contingent inside the Seattle Stadium was distraught. With Kevin de Bruyne taken off, the last rites of Belgium’s golden generation were already being read.
But with four minutes of normal time remaining, the script flipped. Romelu Lukaku swept home a cross to reduce the deficit, but even then, Senegal should have had enough resolve to hold on. Three minutes later, their fans were holding their heads. Goalkeeper Mory Diaw misjudged Leandro Trossard’s cross, leaving Youri Tielemans to head into an empty net and take the game to extra time.
Pape Thiaw’s side had shown their attacking quality in the normal time, but it completely deserted them as the game went on. After a goalless first half of extra time, Belgium threatened to score again.
Dodi Lukebakio’s shot from close range drew gasps from the fans in attendance as it hit the crossbar. But a VAR check found out that Tielemans had been fouled in the box during the phase of attack. A penalty was awarded, which Tielemans converted in the dying seconds of extra time. The Red Devils were through, and Senegal were left with regret.
Argentina survive Cape Verde (Round of 32)
Billed as the biggest mismatch of the World Cup, the round of 32 tie between Argentina and Cape Verde was expected to be a small hiccup for Lionel Messi and his teammates. But, at the end, the defending champions just managed to escape the jaws of the Blue Sharks.
Cape Verde had drawn all three of their group stage games, proving that they were more than up to competing at this stage. But perhaps facing the mighty Argentina was a step too far. Indeed, it seemed business as usual when Messi rifled a finish past Vozinha around the 30th minute to put his side ahead. Vozinha then denied Messi from a one-on-one opportunity and was impressive as he kept his side in the game.
Close to the hour mark, the African minnows sent shock waves across Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Deroy Duarte drove fearlessly in the opposition box, and his shot beat Lisandro Martinez and Emiliano Martinez to make it 1-1.
From there on, Lionel Scaloni’s men pushed forward, but Cape Verde remained a threat, playing with a confidence rarely seen from a World Cup debutant. Vozinha’s sensational saves took the game to extra time.
La Albiceleste went ahead early after Lisandro’s emphatic finish from a corner. But Cape Verde refused to back down. They charged, and the World Champions on the ropes. Then Sidny Lopes Cabral curled in an effort from just inside the box on the left side to draw them level once again. Wild scenes, celebrations, and Bubista’s Sharks smelled blood.
La Albiceleste were distraught. Still, they had one more goal in them after Cristian Romero’s header from a Messi corner deflected off Diney Borges to beat Vozinha in the 111th minute. Cabral saw his free kick tipped over by Martinez as Argentina clung on for a win.
Norway end Brazil’s World Cup (Last 16)
Under Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil had looked unconvincing but were getting the job done at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite an opening game draw against Morocco, they had topped the group. This was followed by a late come-from-behind win against Japan in the round of 32.
Questions remained over their playing style, but hey, at a global tournament, winning is all that matters. Right? Brazil were doing just that until they met Norway. The European side, led by the prolific Erling Haaland, had proven to be the real dark horse so far. They were expected to make things difficult for the five-time world champions.
The Landslaget started the game strongly, but Brazil had the chance to puncture their enthusiasm after a penalty was awarded. But it was their confidence that was deflated. Orjan Nyland saved Bruno Guimarães’ effort, and the Seleção never recovered.
They had chances to score, but Nyland’s heroics and a lack of cutting edge kept things level. Then, with 11 minutes left, Haaland did what Haaland does best. He muscled over Gabriel Magalhães to head his side in front from a cross. And in the 90th minute, he put the final nail in Brazil’s World Cup coffin.
The Manchester City forward held off two Brazilian defenders with ease and drove a left-foot strike past Allison to make it 2-0. The lengthy added time saw Neymar score a consolation penalty as Brazil’s wait for a first World Cup title since 2002 goes on.
England’s glorious night at Azteca (Last 16)
England had the daunting task of overcoming co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Azteca in the last 16. Before the match, much had been made of the stadium’s altitude (2,240 meters above sea level) being a disadvantage for the visitors. Two defeats in 89 competitive games for El Tri told the story.
In this World Cup, Mexico played three and won three at the stadium, scoring seven goals and conceding only one. In comparison, following their impressive opening game win over Croatia, England had drawn with Ghana, beaten Panama with some difficulty, and stumbled over a round of 32 win against DR Congo.
The Mexican fans believed the Three Lions were there for the taking, and everything backed it up. Their team’s form, the record at Azteca, the stadium’s altitude being a challenge, and an indifferent English side set the stage for the biggest game in their history.
Thomas Tuchel’s men entered the battlefield of Azteca swathed in green and their ears ringing with the noises of fervent home fans. Mexico dominated the early exchanges, and perhaps England were lucky not to go behind. But in the 36th minute, Jude Bellingham headed in a cross to give his side the lead.
If Bellingham’s first goal was a knife through the Mexican hearts, his second, two minutes later, twisted the knife even deeper. Still, backed by a roaring home support, Julian Quinones pulled a goal back before halftime. The second half saw England’s Jarell Quansah sent off in the 54th minute. Surely, it was only a matter of time before the atmosphere of Azteca would squeeze the life out of the English side.
But England were awarded a penalty in the 60th minute, and Harry Kane was the calmest person in Mexico City, dispatching the spot kick. With 20 minutes to go, Raul Jimenez scored, and the deficit was reduced again. Mexico came flying in the final quarter of the game, but England had held on. Dan Burn repelled everything, Jordan Pickford was outstanding, and England got over the finish line.
Belgium teach Donald Trump and USA a lesson (Round of 16)
Co-hosts USA had every reason to believe that a first-ever World Cup quarter-final place was within their grasp. They had topped their group after two convincing wins and beaten Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 to march ahead. But that win over Bosnia had come with a small blemish.
Folarin Balogun, who had scored in the 2-0 win, was sent off for an obvious foul. As such, he was going to miss the last 16 clash against Belgium. Balogun had scored three goals in three games and was going to be a big miss, but USA still had the quality across the pitch to win against a side that had scraped past Senegal in the previous round. But then, an unprecedented event happened.
FIFA suspended Balogun’s ban after US President Donald Trump called FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to review the red card. The football world perceived this as an injustice. UEFA said it crossed a red line, opposition coach Rudi Garcia joked that it was akin to April Fools,’ football fans, who already see USA as an outsider to the sport, called on Belgium to save football.
Ahead of the game, Garcia used these events to fuel his players and rally support in his team’s favour. He said they were not merely defending the national team or federation but “defending football.
When the game at Lumen Field, Seattle, kicked off, the Red Devils came flying at USA’s throats. Two attempts in the opening minute showed they meant business. In the ninth minute, they were ahead through Charles de Ketelaere’s tap-in. Mauricio Pochettino’s team, which had played with a swagger and confidence so far in the tournament, found itself clutching at straws. It appeared they were weighed down by the occasion. But the fact that the feel-good factor about their team’s run had been overshadowed by Trump’s interference cannot be understated.
They got back in the game with Malik Tillman’s deflected free-kick just over the half-hour mark. But two minutes later, they were behind again.
De Ketelaere headed again to give his side the lead before halftime. Uncharacteristic defensive errors in the second half allowed their opponents to inflict more damage. Hans Vanaken scored from goalkeeping uncertainty, and Romelu Lukaku pounced on an error in the dying minutes to complete a 4-1 scoreline. Football has its own way of serving justice, and this time Belgium, who had every reason to feel wronged, served it in good measure to USA and their country’s president.
Argentina’s comeback and controversy against Egypt (Round of 16)
After surviving Cape Verde in the previous knockout game, Argentina had another almighty scare against Egypt in the last 16. Buoyed by their first-ever win in the knockout stages, the North African side took the game to the defending world champions from the start.
Their endeavour paid off in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim leapt above Lisandro Martinez and headed them in front. Their belief grew when goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir made an excellent stop to deny Lionel Messi from the spot after a penalty was awarded. Halftime ended, and Argentina were still trailing.
The Pharaohs scored again only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul on Lisandro Martinez in the build-up, a harsh call. They scored again, and this time it stood, with Mostafa Zico finding the back of the net. Egypt had continued to attack and were rewarded. The game appeared to be slipping away from La Albiceleste’s hands, and they stood 11 minutes away from a shock loss.
They were given some hope after Cristian Romero headed in Messi’s teasing cross in the 79th minute. This completely changed the complexion of the game. Hossam Hassan’s side appeared to be content to sit back and went with six at the back. This was understandable as they were on the cusp of history, but the approach backfired.
As they invited pressure, an Argentine attack saw Messi wallop in a finish off the crossbar to make it 2-2. Messi had done it again, like so many times in his career. Yet, there was another chapter to be written in this contest.
Egypt realised that holding off their opponents wouldn’t work, so they went forward in search of a later winner. Alexis Mac Allister grabbed and tugged Hamdy Fathy’s jersey in the box and brought him down, but the referee waved play on. The ball was played to Lautaro Martinez, whose inch-perfect cross was headed in by Enzo Fernandez in stoppage time to give Argentina a stunning win. Replays further showed Mohamed Salah had gone down in the Argentina box after being nicked by Julian Alvarez.
Egyptian players wanted one foul to go in their favour; they were given none, leaving them incensed. Their bench was angry and confronted the referee as to why VAR didn’t intervene for the foul leading up to the winning goal.
Goalkeeping coach Saafan Elsaghi was shown a red card for his protests. French referee François Letexier dished out several other yellow cards for complaining to him. Zico alleged injustice while his coach accused FIFA of favouring Argentina and Messi. Still, the result means Lionel Scaloni’s team remains on track to retain their World Cup crown.
