World Cup 2026: penultimate round of 32 round defines new qualifiers

Portugal and Croatia faced each other in a duel that defined their place in the round of 16. It was also the last World Cup dance for two legends: Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. In the end, Portugal won 2-1 and prolonged the hope of their captain, while the Croatian said goodbye to the World Cups.

Development of the meeting

The game started with intensity. Croatia warned in the 3rd minute with a shot by Ante Budimir that the Portuguese goalkeeper controlled without problems. Portugal responded immediately: Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha tested the Croatian goalkeeper, but the scoreboard did not move. During the first half, the Lusitanians took control of the pace, although without achieving anything. Both teams went into the break at 0-0.

In the second half, Croatia struck first. In the 53rd minute, Ivan Perišić controlled inside the area and scored with precision to open the scoring, his first goal in the tournament. The Balkans were close to extending the lead in the 56th minute, but Nikola Vlašić scored from an offside position and the goal was disallowed.

Portugal reacted in the 60th minute with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, also disallowed for offside. However, at 68′, the Portuguese took revenge from the penalty spot and made it 1-1. Croatia once again had a goal disallowed in the 80th minute, when Petar Sucic was penalized for offside. Moments later, Ronaldo was replaced by Rúben Neves, visibly upset.

When the game seemed to be heading towards overtime, Gonçalo Ramos appeared at minute 90+3 and, with a header, unleashed the Portuguese celebration. Croatia tried to equalize and Joško Gvardiol scored at 90+12, but the referee annulled the action. Portugal took the victory and sealed its ticket to the round of 16, where Spain awaits.

The night left two faces: the joy of Ronaldo, who continues dreaming, and the farewell of Modric, who closes his World Cup history with the pride of an unforgettable generation.

The shared illusion

The journey of the Mexican National Team in this World Cup has revived the hope of millions. After beating Ecuador in the round of 32, the team advances with the dream of reaching the quarterfinals, or even further. The fans chant a chant that has become a flag: “What if?” — a phrase that Javier Aguirre described as nice and that now resonates in the stands.

But Mexico is not the only living host. The United States, led by Mauricio Pochettino, also qualified for the round of 16, where they will face Belgium. The Argentine coach borrowed that same question to fire up his players.

Pochettino’s strategy

In an interview with Pat McAfee’s show, Pochettino said: “Why not us?”

“It is an incredible country with incredible people, it is possible for us to achieve whatever we want. They reached the moon, it is true that they are the most powerful country in all areas. Why not also in football? Why not us?” said the former Tottenham and PSG coach.

The statement seeks to spread confidence in a team that seeks to make history. The illusion, as in Mexico, sneaks into the American locker room.

Checo Pérez’s desire for Mexico vs England

This Sunday, the Mexican National Team faces England in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, at the Mexico City Stadium. Mexican driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez, currently at Cadillac, expressed his desire to attend the game. In statements alongside the English pilot George Russell, Pérez recalled that he had already regretted not being able to go to the duel against South Korea in Guadalajara.

“It was very sad, I tried to go but it was difficult to find a way, but if we move forward I will definitely go, because it would be in Mexico City again, so I will have to go,” mentioned Checo.

When Russell said the game is against England, the Mercedes driver joked: “Then I’ll get on the plane and go with you.”

The conflict with the British Grand Prix

However, both seem to forget that on Sunday, at 8:00 a.m. (Mexico City time), they must be present at the British Grand Prix, at Silverstone. The game is at 6:00 p.m., Mexican time, which makes it impossible for them to attend the Coloso de Santa Úrsula.

Although the hope was there, the Formula 1 agenda and the World Cup dream collide. For now, Checo will have to settle for watching the match from the Silverstone paddock, as Mexico looks to advance to the quarterfinals.