World Cup: Argentina and Colombia secure last spots in round of 16
Argentina edged Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time, while Colombia beat Ghana 1-0, completing the round of 16 lineup. Lionel Messi set records for most World Cup goals (20) and appearances (30).
The final two berths in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup were decided on Friday night (local time) as Argentina and Colombia claimed victories in their knockout matches.
In Miami, Argentina needed extra time to overcome Cape Verde 3-2. The teams traded goals in regulation: Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute by netting his record 20th World Cup goal, but Cape Verde equalized early in the second half through Deroy Duarte. In the first period of extra time, Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina's lead from a corner kick, only for Sidney Lopes Cabral to level again with a strike from the edge of the box. The decisive moment came in the 111th minute when Cape Verde defender Diney Borges scored an own goal from a Messi corner. At 39 years old, Messi also became the first player to appear in 30 World Cup matches. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo ranks second with 26 appearances.
In Kansas City, Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 thanks to a 14th-minute goal by John Arias, assisted by Luis Suárez.
With these results, the entire round of 16 bracket is set. Argentina will face Egypt on July 7 in Atlanta (live on ETV+ and Rus.ERR at 7:00 PM local time), while Colombia takes on Switzerland on July 7 in Vancouver. The full schedule:
- July 4, 8:00 PM (Houston): Canada vs. Morocco (ETV+, Rus.ERR)
- July 5, 12:00 AM (Philadelphia): Paraguay vs. France
- July 5, 11:00 PM (East Rutherford): Brazil vs. Norway (ETV+, Rus.ERR)
- July 6, 3:00 AM (Mexico City): Mexico vs. England
- July 6, 10:00 PM (Arlington): Portugal vs. Spain (ETV+, Rus.ERR)
- July 7, 3:00 AM (Seattle): USA vs. Belgium
- July 7, 7:00 PM (Atlanta): Argentina vs. Egypt (ETV+, Rus.ERR)
- July 7, 11:00 PM (Vancouver): Switzerland vs. Colombia
Notably, Paraguay is the only team to advance from third place in their group, having beaten Germany on penalties in the round of 32. The World Cup final, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled for July 19.
