The Round of 16 is done. Eight teams remain. And after yesterday's extraordinary drama in Atlanta, the quarterfinal bracket is officially set — starting tonight with a rematch four years in the making.
Yesterday's Results
Argentina 3–2 Egypt — Round of 16
This one will be talked about for years. Egypt led 2–0 at halftime and looked to be engineering the biggest upset of the tournament, but Argentina — and Messi — had other ideas. Cristiano Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute, Messi leveled in the 83rd after having an earlier penalty saved, and Enzo Fernández completed the stunning comeback in the second minute of stoppage time. The full BBC match report captures just how close Argentina came to going home — and how Messi, tearful and furious and brilliant, refused to let them. The defending champions are through to the quarterfinals.
Switzerland 0–0 (4–3 pens) Colombia — Round of 16
No goals in 90 minutes, no goals in extra time, and then a penalty shootout that Switzerland edged 4–3 to advance. It wasn't pretty, but Switzerland coach Murat Yakin — who had to rethink his setup after losing key midfielder Manzambi — got the job done tactically. Reuters reports that Yakin overcame the personnel loss with a tactical rethink that held Colombia at arm's length throughout. Switzerland are in the last eight.
Today's Fixtures
France vs. Morocco — Quarterfinal | 4 p.m. ET
This is the match the tournament has been building toward since Morocco's run began. France are the tournament's most complete side, with Mbappé in devastating form and a backline that has conceded almost nothing. But Morocco have already beaten the odds repeatedly, and they carry the memory of their 2022 semifinal loss to France — a defeat that still stings — into tonight. FIFA.com notes that Morocco are explicitly framing this as a chance to avenge that heartbreak. Watch whether Morocco's defensive structure can contain Mbappé, and whether their counter-attacking pace can find the gaps France occasionally leave. One match, winner to the semifinals.
Around the Tournament
Egypt's fury over VAR. The Egyptian Football Association has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over refereeing decisions in the Argentina defeat, demanding an investigation into what it called "double standards" in the use of VAR. Reuters reports the Egyptian FA said it "would not remain silent" — and their coach has already turned his back on the tournament entirely. Whether or not the complaint goes anywhere, the controversy adds a bitter footnote to one of the most dramatic matches of the World Cup.
Henderson surgery in Kansas City. England midfielder Jordan Henderson broke his arm during the celebrations of England's win over Mexico and has had surgery in the United States, BBC Sport reports. He has rejoined the squad, but the timing is a reminder of how fine the margins are at this stage — England are into the quarterfinals, but they're not through this tournament unscathed.
Portugal's coach is out. In a significant development off the pitch, Roberto Martínez has departed as Portugal head coach, confirmed by the Portuguese Football Federation, per Reuters. Portugal were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Spain, and Martínez's exit — confirmed just days after the defeat — closes a chapter on his tenure. It's the kind of post-tournament reckoning that happens fast at a World Cup, even before the trophy is lifted.
France and Morocco tonight. Four years of waiting, one match to settle it. If Morocco's defensive discipline holds and their pace on the break clicks, this could go deep into extra time. If Mbappé finds space early, it could be over before halftime. Either way, it's the most compelling quarterfinal on the bracket — and the answer arrives at 4 p.m. ET.