The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 stage is at its halfway mark, and 4 teams have qualified for the quarter-finals: France, Morocco, Norway, and England. And today, Argentina and Portugal fans will likely see both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo play. Yes, two of the most important matches of the Round of 16 will be played today - Argentina vs Egypt and Portugal vs Spain. Apart from Messi and Ronaldo, fans may also see Mo Salah, the Liverpool FC star play too. You can watch Argentina and Portugal live streaming on Zee5 and live telecast on Unite8 Sports in India. Check date and time of these matches below in India too.
The upcoming Round of 16 face-off between these two nations will be their first knockout-stage face-off since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where Spain defeated Portugal and eliminated them from the tournament. Will history repeat itself, or will Ronaldo be able to keep his World Cup dream alive and destroy the much-fancied Spaniards, who have been world champions and know what it takes to win top championships. Clearly, the difference in both teams is likely to be Ronaldo.
Portugal vs Spain Date and Time Tuesday, July 7. Kick-off time: 12.30 AM IST
The Argentina vs Egypt Round of 16 match will be the first time ever that these nations will face each other in a FIFA World Cup match. While Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, is expected to continue its winning streak, you never know what miracles can be conjured up by Mo Salah. It takes one fleeting moment of magic to run a match around.
Can Argentina keep alive its hopes of becoming the first nation since Brazil (1958 and 1962) to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title? Surely, if you have Messi, you will be confident of winning.
Argentina vs Egypt Date and Time: Tuesday, July 7. Kick-off time: 9.30 PM IST
Speaking of crazier things happening, five-time champions Brazil were eliminated by Norway. Erling Haaland putting them to the sword. Norway will now be playing their first-ever quarter-final match in the history of the FIFA World Cup. This is just a testament to the fact that no matter how much past glory or hype a team has, on match day, nothing else matters other than how they perform on that day. Of course, having a striker of the ability of an Erling Haaland, helps tremendously.
Will Lionel Messi play in the Argentina vs Egypt Match?
Yes, Lionel Messi is expected to play today in the Argentina vs Egypt match.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play today in the Portugal vs Spain match?
Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to play in the Portugal vs Spain match today in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Will Mo Salah play today in the Argentina vs Egypt match?
Yes, Mo Salah is expected to play in the Argentina vs Egypt match today.
Who won the Brazil v Norway match?
The Brazil v Norway match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was won by Norway (2-1).
Which teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals stage?
So far, four teams have qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup: France, Morocco, Norway, and England.
When will the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals start?
The quarter-finals stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will start on 9th July.