Belgium inflicted a resounding thrashing on the United States, securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. Now, the Red Devils will face a strong Spanish side, which overcame Portugal in an exciting classic.
The 2026 World Cup continues to heat up, with the Round of 16 delivering electrifying matchups and confirming expectations of great duels. On Monday, the Belgian national team showed its strength by overwhelming the hosts, the United States, with a 4-1 scoreline, earning a place among the top eight teams in the tournament. The result sets the stage for a European classic in the quarterfinals, which promises to be one of the highlights of the competition.
In another notable matchup, the young and talented Spanish team bested Portugal, eliminating Cristiano Ronaldo’s squad and paving their way to face the Belgians. Spain’s victory reaffirms the rise of a new generation in world football, ready to challenge the giants.
Belgian Rout and American Controversy
The match between Belgium and the United States, for the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, offered no room for surprises on the scoreboard, despite a peculiar attempt at external influence. The Red Devils, with a dominant performance, imposed a 4-1 rout, sealing their passage to the next phase. Curiously, American president Donald Trump had requested FIFA to overturn the expulsion of forward Folarin Balogun, but the on-field decision was upheld and did not alter the match’s outcome. Belgium’s superiority was undeniable, paving the way for an even greater challenge.
Spain Advances with Lamine Yamal’s Brilliance
On the other side of the bracket, Spain starred in a breathtaking duel against Portugal, winning and punching their ticket to the quarterfinals. The match marked Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from the competition, while young prodigy Lamine Yamal continued to enchant, showing why he is considered one of the biggest revelations of this World Cup. Spain’s victory, built on engaging and technical football, sets the stage for a clash of titans against Belgium, promising a spectacle of tactics and talent.
Quarterfinal Bracket Begins to Take Shape
With the advancements of Belgium and Spain, the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal picture becomes increasingly clear, promising unmissable matches. The clash between Morocco and France is already scheduled for July 9, at 5 PM (Brasília time), promising a duel of strength and passion. The classic between Spain and Belgium, eagerly awaited, will be on July 10, at 4 PM, while Norway and England will face off on July 11, at 6 PM. The final spot will be decided in a match that could pit Egypt or Argentina against Switzerland or Colombia, on July 11, at 10 PM.
The stage is set for a decisive phase of the 2026 World Cup, where each game will be a battle for eternal glory. The encounter between Belgium and Spain, in particular, promises to be a true test of both teams’ ambitions, bringing together different styles and a constellation of stars in pursuit of the semifinals. Football fans can expect plenty of excitement and twists in the coming days as the trophy nears its destination.
