LIVE | FIFA World Cup 2026, Day 26: Portugal face Spain in blockbuster Round of 16 clash; hosts USA take on Belgium

If Ronaldo or any of his teammates score, it will be the first goal Spain has allowed in this World Cup.

Summary

Welcome to TNIE's live coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

The second day of the Round of 16 delivered two thrilling contests. Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history, condemning the Seleção to their earliest exit since 1990.

Later, Jude Bellingham enjoyed the finest night of his international career, scoring twice as England edged hosts Mexico 3-2 to book their place in the last eight, where they will face Norway in a mouth-watering quarter-final.

Now, the spotlight shifts to Day 26, where Portugal face Spain in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash before hosts USA lock horns with Belgium in the day's second encounter with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Here are Day 26's fixtures (all times in IST):

Portugal vs Spain — 12:30 am

USA vs Belgium — 5:30 am

🎧 Turn the volume up.

Goals. Big saves. Beautiful sounds. 🧤⚽#VamosEspaña | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/NkpkHavouq

— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) July 5, 2026

Full focus on #USABEL pic.twitter.com/SSIuq4lZKl

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 5, 2026

Belgium football chiefs say 'astonished' at FIFA Balogun decision

Belgium's football association said Sunday it was "astonished" at FIFA's decision to suspend USA forward Folarin Balogun's red card, allowing him to play against Belgium in the World Cup last-16 game.

"The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA's decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA-Belgium match on Monday," it said in a statement.

The RBFA added it was "investigating all potential options".

Balogun had been set to miss the game in Seattle after controversially being shown a straight red card following a VAR review in the last-32 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina for stepping on the foot of defender Tarik Muharemovic.

But FIFA said Sunday it was suspending the red card, a decision that prompted US President Donald Trump to thank world football's governing body.

4/8 ✅#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/c7xI4RSCsU

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 6, 2026

US seeks ‘revenge’ for thrilling World Cup loss to Belgium 12 years ago

When Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reflected on the last time his side faced the United States in the World Cup, Tim Howard came to mind.

Courtois was in net opposite one of the greatest American goalies, who made 16 saves in a 2-1, extra time loss to Belgium at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Though Howard has long since hung up his boots, the 34-year-old Courtois will start again on Monday when the U.S. plays Belgium in the round of 16.

Since that thrilling match over a decade ago, American soccer has made significant strides.

“I think they can produce a lot of talent and become a world force,” Courtois said. “They’re already a great team together, they play well. So I think that’s a good evolution, and they’re showing it this World Cup. Hopefully it comes to an end (Monday) and that we can win, but we’re expecting a tough game.”

🗣️ "It's about passion", Cristiano Ronaldo. 🇵🇹#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/qSvCxBLMEN

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 5, 2026

USA face Belgium and World Cup date with destiny after Balogun reprieve

The United States face the biggest day of soccer in their history on Monday as they take on Belgium for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic reprieve for star striker Folarin Balogun thanks to the intervention of Donald Trump.

Balogun, who has scored three goals at the World Cup, had been set to miss the clash in Seattle after receiving a straight red card following a video review for stepping on a Bosnia-Herzegovina defender's foot in the round-of-32 match that the US won 2-0.

Under FIFA rules, a straight red card automatically triggers a one-game ban.

Trump called FIFA chief Gianni Infantino asking him to review Balogun's punishment, two sources familiar with the matter told AFP.

World football's governing body said Sunday the ban will now be suspended for a year, in a stunning move for which no specific explanation was offered.

"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

The US team welcomed the decision, which coach Mauricio Pochettino called "fair", but it sparked outrage from Belgium and other teams.

The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was "astonished" and stressed it was "investigating all potential options".

MD-1 Mode. pic.twitter.com/1gAtIWD8fd

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 5, 2026