Portugal punched their ticket to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Croatia on July 2, and the reward is about as daunting as it gets: a date with Spain in Arlington on July 6. Meanwhile, Switzerland cruised past Algeria 2-0 to advance as well.
What happened on the pitch
Portugal needed a late goal to edge Croatia 2-1 in what turned into a nervy affair. The win secured their passage into the knockout rounds of the first-ever 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
A 3-0 dismantling of Austria set up the Iberian derby that neutrals have been dreaming about, with Portugal and Spain meeting in the round of 16 on July 6 in Arlington.
Switzerland’s 2-0 win over Algeria was the quieter result of the day.
