Lamine Yamal of Spain will most likely face Portugal on Monday night in the Round of 16. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Although the Fifa World Cup has entered the Round of 16 and a handful of nations have already booked their spot in the quarter-finals, ignoring what was a fantastic Round of 32 just seems impossible, especially after witnessing heavyweight giants like Germany and the Netherlands get sent packing in unbelievable penalty shootouts.
The Round of 32 marked the start of the business end of the 2026 Fifa World Cup, and it did not disappoint. There were record-breaking performances, penalty shoot-out heartbreak, heavyweight casualties and the kind of drama only knockout football can produce.
With the Round of 16 already under way, here's a look back at the highs, lows and defining moments from the opening knockout round.
Just when it seemed there were no records left to break, Messi found another. The 38-year-old opened the scoring with a spectacular finish in Argentina's thrilling 3-2 victory over Cape Verde to extend his lead as the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer, proving once again that he remains the heartbeat of the defending champions.
A clash between Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric lived up to its billing. Croatia appeared to have snatched a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser before a lengthy VAR review confirmed the goal, sending the match into extra time. Portugal eventually prevailed, but the contest will be remembered for its relentless drama and what was likely Modrić's final World Cup appearance.
Morocco's remarkable World Cup story gathered even more momentum. After edging the Netherlands on penalties, the Atlas Lions stunned hosts Canada 3-0 to book a quarter-final against France, underlining that their run to the semi-finals in 2022 was no one-off. Fellow Africa side Cape Verde also deserve special mention for providing one of the most inspirational stories at the World Cup so far, coming within minutes of what would have been one of the greatest World Cup shocks of all time.
Germany arrived in the knockout stages among the favourites, only to be sent packing by a disciplined Paraguay side that held its nerve in a penalty shootout. It was the biggest upset of the Round of 32 and another reminder that reputation counts for little in knockout football.
With one of the tournament's most balanced squads, Germany were expected to challenge for the title. Instead, they became the highest-profile casualty of the opening knockout round after failing to make their dominance count. Julian Nagelsmann paid the price, stepping down after the shock elimination. But the unwanted honour could just as easily go to a Dutch side that once again flattered to deceive.
Technology again dominated the headlines during Portugal's victory over Croatia. A lengthy offside review allowed Croatia's dramatic late equaliser to stand before Portugal eventually progressed in extra time, reigniting debate over VAR's role in football's biggest moments.
The teenager continued to show why he is regarded as one of world football's brightest talents, producing another influential display desoite not scoring as Spain eased into the last 16 with a 3-0 victory over Austria.
There were stunning upsets and unforgettable finishes, but nothing matched the significance of Messi extending his World Cup scoring record with his 20th tournament goal, while also finding the net in a remarkable eighth consecutive World Cup match. In a tournament already packed with memorable moments, the Argentinian maestro added yet another chapter to one of football's greatest careers.