Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – European champions Spain and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal aim to book their places in the last 16 of the World Cup on Thursday as Algeria look to salvage some pride for African football.
Issued on: 02/07/2026 - 12:42
4 min Reading time
Spain take on Austria in Los Angeles, where a win will keep them on course for a potential meeting with Portugal in the next round.Portugal play Croatia in Toronto in a game that could mark the final career World Cup match for either Ronaldo or his former Real Madrid team-mate and veteran Croatian midfielder Luka Modric.The late match sees Algeria aim to revive African fortunes after a rocky start to the knockout rounds for teams from the continent.Ivory Coast, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo have all fallen at the first knock-out hurdle in the last 32 after advancing from the group stage.Algeria, who squeezed into the last 32 with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Austria on Saturday, face Switzerland in Vancouver.After arriving at the World Cup as one of the favourites, Spain have made a relatively low-key start to the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric face off at the World Cup as Portugal take on Croatia for a place in the last 16 © ROBERTO SCHMIDT, STRINGER / AFP
