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World Cup Round of 16: Haaland Stuns Brazil, England Beats Mexico — and Two More Giants Play TODAY!
Quick Summary
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is down to just 16 teams! The last two days brought giant upsets and brilliant goals. Today, Monday July 6, two more huge matches are happening: Spain vs. Portugal and the USA vs. Belgium.
What Happened?
The World Cup in North America just entered its most exciting stage. Out of 48 teams that started, only 16 are still fighting for the trophy. Here is a recap of the wild weekend — plus what is happening today.
Norway Upsets Brazil (2–1) On Sunday, Norway pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. Brazil — one of the most famous soccer nations in the world and a five-time World Cup champion — lost to Norway 2–1 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Norway’s star player Erling Haaland scored twice in the final 11 minutes to turn the match around. Haaland now has seven goals in the tournament — tied with the all-time leading scorers at this World Cup. Norway’s goalkeeper also saved a penalty to help seal the win.
For Brazil, it was a tough exit. The five-time champions are heading home.
England Beats Mexico (3–2) Also on Sunday, England defeated Mexico 3–2 at the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Jude Bellingham scored two goals in just 98 seconds — that is faster than it takes most people to tie their shoes! Harry Kane added a penalty kick.
It was only the third time ever that Mexico had lost a World Cup match at their home stadium, the Azteca — a legendary stadium that has hosted World Cup games since 1970.
Today’s Two Massive Matches (Monday, July 6) First up: Spain vs. Portugal in Dallas, Texas — two neighboring countries from the Iberian Peninsula, both with superstar players, facing off in a winner-takes-all showdown.
Then tonight: the USA vs. Belgium in Seattle — a rematch of a famous 2014 World Cup match that Belgium won. This time, the U.S. team is playing at home and looking to go even further.
Quarterfinal spots are on the line. The winners will play again on Friday, July 10.
Why Does It Matter?
The 2026 World Cup is the largest in history — 48 teams from all over the world competed. It is also the first World Cup ever hosted by three countries at the same time: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Millions of fans around the world are watching. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
For American fans especially, today’s USA vs. Belgium match is a chance to see the U.S. team reach the quarterfinals. It would match the best result the Americans have ever achieved in the modern World Cup era.
Big Words
- Round of 16 — the stage of the World Cup where 16 teams are left and play one-on-one matches. Lose one game and you go home.
- Quarterfinal — the round of 8 teams. Win in the Round of 16, and you reach the quarterfinals.
- Penalty kick — a one-on-one shot at the goalkeeper from 12 yards away, used to break ties or when a foul happens in the penalty area.
- Upset — when a team that was not expected to win beats a much stronger or more famous team.
- Iberian Peninsula — the piece of land in southwestern Europe where Spain and Portugal are located, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Fun Fact
The Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is one of only two stadiums in the world to have hosted two different World Cup Finals — in 1970 and 1986. No other stadium has matched that!
Think About It
Erling Haaland scored two goals in the last 11 minutes to beat Brazil. What do you think it takes — in your mind and body — to keep going strong right up until the final whistle of a huge game?
Sources
- SBS News Australia — ‘FIFA World Cup 2026 results: 6 July scores, match reports and highlights’
- Yahoo Sports — ‘World Cup Round of 16 live updates: Spain vs. Portugal kicks off blockbuster Monday before USA-Belgium’
- Olympics.com — ‘FIFA World Cup 2026 – Every match result on Monday 6 July’
- ESPN — ‘2026 FIFA World Cup match schedule: Fixtures, results, features’
- CBS Sports — ‘2026 FIFA World Cup bracket, results, scores’