Morocco dominates Canada, Colombia advances
Morocco cruised past Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16 on Saturday, continuing an impressive run that echoes their semifinal appearance in 2022. Colombia also made history, securing its first knockout-stage World Cup victory since 2014 with a shutout win over Ghana. The South American side was greeted with celebrations both in Colombia and among diaspora communities in the United States, where many matches have been played.
USA faces Belgium in must-watch matchup
The United States Men's National Team is set to face Belgium on Sunday in what promises to be a tightly contested fixture. Belgium, led by its veteran core, presents a formidable challenge for a U.S. team that advanced through group play with mixed results, including a 3-2 loss to Turkey. The match will be played at a U.S. venue, and the American squad hopes home-field advantage will help them reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
Heavyweights prepare for second week of knockout action
Brazil takes on Norway, England faces Mexico, and Portugal meets Spain in a highly anticipated Iberian derby in the coming days. France, Argentina, and Germany have also advanced and look strong. The expanded 48-team format has produced a more diverse Round of 16 than previous tournaments, with teams like Paraguay, Morocco and Egypt making deep runs. Analysts say the knockout rounds have so far delivered the drama that the expanded tournament promised.