World Cup 2026: Spain Eliminates Portugal, Belgium Thrashes USA, and the Playoffs Get Tougher

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to lose big names. After Brazil's exit, the tournament has lost another major contender: Portugal lost to Spain 0:1 and finished their run in the Round of 16. The USA also left the home tournament after a heavy defeat to Belgium — 1:4.

Now the bracket for the 2026 World Cup looks even more intriguing. Spain will face Belgium in the quarter-finals, and today the last participants of this stage will be determined: Argentina will meet Egypt, while Switzerland will play against Colombia.

Results of the Last Round of 16 Matches

Portugal — Spain 0:1: A Derby Where Control Made the Difference

The match between Portugal and Spain appeared to be one of the central fixtures in the entire playoffs. It was a game not only for a quarter-final spot but also for status: two strong European teams, two different approaches, and the high cost of every mistake.

Spain won 1:0 and did so in its style: through ball control, patience, pressing, and smart work between the lines. The team did not turn the match into chaos, did not expose themselves unnecessarily, and waited for their key moment.

For Portugal, this is a painful exit. After a dramatic victory over Croatia, it seemed that the team had gained an emotional boost, but against Spain, that proved insufficient. Portugal had individual class, but Spain appeared more cohesive as a system.

Why Spain Now Looks Like a Title Contender

Spain confidently defeated Austria, and now they have eliminated Portugal in a match where they needed not just to attack but to manage the nerves of the game. This is an important sign of a team ready to go far.

In the 2026 World Cup, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the USA have already been eliminated. In such a bracket, stability and the ability to maintain structure under pressure are especially valued. Spain currently looks like a team that knows how to play beautifully but also win tough matches.

USA — Belgium 1:4: Hosts Could Not Withstand the Opponent's Class

For the USA, this match was supposed to be a continuation of a beautiful home story. The team had advanced from the previous round, received support from the stands, and approached the game against Belgium with a significant emotional charge.

But Belgium quickly showcased the difference in class and experience. The 4:1 victory is not just about advancing further; it’s a very loud statement. The Belgians played maturely, aggressively, and punished the USA for mistakes that cannot be afforded at this stage of the tournament.

The Americans leave the 2026 World Cup with disappointment but also with important experience. The home tournament provided them with a significant emotional story; however, the match against Belgium showed that one impulse and stadium support are not enough to compete with top teams.

Spain — Belgium: A Quarter-Final with Great Potential

Now Spain and Belgium will meet in the quarter-finals. This will be a match between two teams that advanced from the Round of 16 in different ways: Spain through fine control and a minimal victory, Belgium through a large score and a powerful attacking evening.

Spain looks more stable, but Belgium, after their 4:1 win against the USA, gained a huge psychological boost. This matchup promises to be one of the most interesting tactical battles of the playoffs.

Who Has Already Advanced to the Quarter-Finals of the 2026 World Cup

Today: Argentina — Egypt

Today, attention shifts to the match Argentina — Egypt. Argentina advanced past Cape Verde with a score of 3:2, but that match raised questions about the defense and concentration of the reigning world champions.

Egypt, on the other hand, received a powerful emotional boost after their victory over Australia in a penalty shootout. Such teams are particularly dangerous in the playoffs: they have already experienced a stressful scenario and understand that they can withstand pressure.

Switzerland — Colombia: A Match Without Noise, But With Great Intrigue

The second match of the day is Switzerland against Colombia. On paper, this match may seem less glamorous than Portugal — Spain or Argentina — Egypt, but such games often become the most tightly contested and unpredictable.

Switzerland knows how to play for results, does not expose themselves unnecessarily, and rarely gives the opponent easy chances. Colombia advanced past Ghana 1:0 and also showed that they can win pragmatically. Here, one set piece, one rebound, or one mistake could decide everything.

Matches of the Day at the 2026 World Cup

BET RATING Favorites Index

What to Consider in Betting After the Exits of Portugal and the USA

The playoffs of the 2026 World Cup have once again shown that a team's status does not guarantee advancement. Portugal exited after a minimal defeat, the USA lost heavily, and Brazil previously succumbed to Norway.

On Olimpbet.kz, you can view the lines for the matches Argentina — Egypt and Switzerland — Colombia: outcomes, advancing further, totals, handicaps, both teams to score, and long-term bets on the World Cup winner.

BET RATING Prediction

In the match between Argentina — Egypt, Argentina remains the favorite, but the match could be more challenging than fans expect. Egypt has already proven that they can endure, fight, and win under pressure.

Switzerland — Colombia looks like a match decided by a single goal. Both teams know how to play pragmatically, so set pieces, finishing, and discipline in defense will be particularly important.

FAQ: 2026 World Cup, Last Round of 16 Matches

How did Portugal and Spain play?

Spain defeated Portugal 1:0 and advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

How did the match USA — Belgium end?

Belgium crushed the USA 4:1 and will play against Spain in the quarter-finals.

Who has already advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup?

France, Morocco, Norway, England, Spain, and Belgium have already advanced to the quarter-finals.

What matches are taking place today?

Today in the Round of 16, Argentina — Egypt and Switzerland — Colombia will be played.

Conclusion

The 2026 World Cup continues to surprise. Spain eliminated Portugal, Belgium crushed the USA, and the quarter-final bracket has become even more powerful: France — Morocco, Norway — England, Spain — Belgium.

Today, the last participants of the quarter-finals will be determined. Stay tuned for news, analysis, and predictions on BET RATING, and check the current odds for the 2026 World Cup at Olimpbet.kz.