FIFA World Cup 2026: Cape Verde nearly pushed Lionel Messi and defending World Cup champion Argentina to a penalty shootout before falling 3-2 in extra time on the final day of the Round of 32. Earlier Friday, Egypt was perfect on four attempts in a shootout to eliminate Australia and win its debut in the World Cup knockout round. And Colombia beat Ghana 1-0 to become the final team to reach the Round of 16.The Round of 32 has concluded, showcasing everything from the joy of unforgettable celebrations to the sting of sudden exits, as the drama of knockout football returned in full force. The July 3, 2026 Round of 32 delivered moments that defined the day, with emotions running high and history being written in every match.Here’s a look back at some of the standout highlights from those clashes:APEgypt fans cheer outside the stadium before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Australia and Egypt in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)APA fan of Egypt ahead the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Australia and Egypt in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)Getty ImagesAn Argentina fan watches the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Argentina and Cabo Verde on television at a bar on July 03, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Argentina defeated Cabo Verde 3-2 in overtime to advance to the Round of 16. (Photo by Tomas Cuesta/Getty Images)Getty ImagesAn Argentina fan watches the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Argentina and Cabo Verde on television at a bar on July 03, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Tomas Cuesta/Getty Images)APA Colombia soccer fan holds a Colombia flag during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Colombia and Ghana in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/John Locher)APColombian fans react during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Colombia and Ghana in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)APA fan cheers before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Colombia and Ghana in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)Now, the stage is set for the Round of 16 which is set to begin on July 4, 2026 (Saturday) with a clash between Canada and Morocco at Houston Stadium. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is headed to the round of 16, with the teams that made it out of the group phase to be halved.The next phase of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will unfold from July 4 to 7, marking the point when 32 of the 48 teams that began the journey will see their campaigns end and head home. Sixteen sides have survived the second hurdle of the knockout round, each carrying hopes of pushing further into the tournament.The list includes Canada, Brazil, Paraguay, Morocco, Norway, France, Mexico, England, Belgium, USA, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Egypt, Argentina, and Colombia—nations that now stand just one step closer to the quarter-finals.ALSO READ: FIFA World Cup Round of 16 set to kick off: History at stake as co-hosts Canada face Morocco and France meet Paraguay for a quarter-final spot; check kickoff time, venues and how to watch live streaming in US and Canada