Portugal Secures World Cup Knockout Spot After VAR Drama; Salah Fit for Australia Clash

Portugal has secured their passage to the World Cup 2026 knockout stage after a thrilling encounter, setting up a highly anticipated last-16 tie against Spain. The match, which saw significant VAR involvement, ultimately ended in a 2-1 victory for the Portuguese. Meanwhile, in other tournament news, Egypt’s star forward Mohamed Salah is reported to be fit and available for their upcoming match against Australia.

Key facts

Portugal’s Dramatic Victory

The dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia saw Cristiano Ronaldo convert a crucial penalty, sealing Portugal’s progression. The celebration afterwards included a poignant moment as Ronaldo held up a shirt in commemoration of late teammate Diogo Jota, underscoring the emotional weight of the tournament. The penalty decision itself was subject to VAR review, adding to the tension of the match.

Spain’s Dominant Performance

Prior to Portugal’s victory, Spain delivered an impressive 3-0 performance against Austria, signalling their strong form heading into the knockout rounds. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro showcased a style of play that manager Luis de la Fuente described as “almost perfect,” emphasizing a return to their recognizable, dominant football. This win ensures Spain will face Portugal in what promises to be a captivating clash.

Salah’s Fitness Boost for Egypt

The news of Mohamed Salah’s fitness will be a significant boost for Egypt as they prepare to face Australia. Australia’s coach, Tony Popovic, acknowledged the threat Salah poses, stating that his team has prepared for both scenarios – with and without the star forward on the pitch. This preparation aims to ensure the Socceroos are ready regardless of the final team selection.

Tournament Viewership Highs

The World Cup 2026 is also setting viewership records in the United States. Fox reported that a recent English-language broadcast averaged 24.429 million viewers, peaking at 31.883 million, making it the most-watched English-language soccer broadcast in US history. Telemundo also saw strong numbers, with 9.1 million viewers for Spanish-language broadcasts, highlighting the growing appeal of the tournament in the US market.

Swiss Star Emerges

Switzerland may have unearthed a new star in 20-year-old forward Johan Manzambi. His impressive performance against Algeria, including an assist for Breel Embolo’s opener, has drawn attention, with reports suggesting Newcastle United are keen on securing his services. His dynamic play was instrumental in Switzerland’s comfortable victory and passage to the last 16.

The implications for FootballGames10 readers are clear: the World Cup knockout stages are now in full swing, featuring compelling matchups like Portugal vs. Spain, and the continued presence of global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo. The tournament’s growing popularity in new markets, as evidenced by US viewership records, also shows an expanding global interest in football.

Source: The Guardian Football, https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jul/03/world-cup-2026-portugal-spain-switzerland-australia-egypt-argentina-cape-verde-colombia-ghana-live