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At 3:00 AM Beijing time on July 7, the World Cup round of 16 will feature the Iberian Derby between Portugal and Spain. The combined squad value is €2.2 billion, with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal. If Spain wins, they will equal their record unbeaten streak. Spain has the historical advantage. OPTA predicts Spain's win probability in regular time is nearly 50%.

Arsenal targets Aaron Wan-Bissaka among 11 right-back candidates due to Ben White's knee injury. Man United values Chelsea's Andrey Santos at £50m. Tottenham pursues Rafael Leao, Savinho, and Cody Gakpo. Newcastle eyes Angelo Stiller, Chelsea advances Pep Chavarria deal. Multiple minor transfers include Radu Dragusin's medical at Fiorentina.

Former US coach Bruce Arena analyzes the USMNT's strategy against Belgium. He notes that despite Belgium's high ranking, they are unstable; players like Doku on the flanks are the main threats and suggests double-team defense. The US team is high on morale due to their high press and team spirit, with Balogun returning from suspension to boost the attack. Arena believes in the home advantage and thinks the team has the quality to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia mocks FIFA's decision to reinstate Folarin Balogun as an April Fool's joke, with the federation exploring legal options. Balogun, originally suspended for a red card, was allowed to play in the Round of 16. Goalkeeper Courtois says the team will adapt, noting the American forward's speed. Belgium faces a fair play challenge.

In the World Cup Round of 16, Norway eliminated five-time champions Brazil 2-1 thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland to advance to the quarterfinals. Haaland called it the greatest match in Norwegian history, inspiring young people. His goal tally tied him with Messi and Mbappe. Norway will face the winner of Mexico vs. England in the quarterfinals. After the match, the whole team celebrated with a rowing dance.

England held on with 10 men to beat Mexico 3-2 in the World Cup round of 16. Bellingham struck twice in two minutes, Kane scored a penalty and later conceded one, while Quansah was sent off as the Three Lions advanced to face Norway in the quarterfinals.

In the World Cup Round of 16, Norway eliminated Brazil with a 2-1 victory, courtesy of two second-half goals from Haaland (a header and a volley), advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time. Brazil, despite a stoppage-time penalty converted by Neymar, failed to reach the last eight, recording their worst World Cup performance in nearly 36 years.

Australia lost 4-2 on penalties to Egypt after a goalless 120 minutes, exiting the World Cup in the Round of 16. Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the decisive spot-kick. Controversy over the goalkeeper change and penalty taker choices overshadowed the match, as the Socceroos' wait for a first knockout victory extends for at least another four years.

England face an altitude test at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico as Tuchel aims to break the shadow of the 1986 'Hand of God.' Confronted by a fortress at 2,240 meters, historical defeat memories, and injury woes, the Three Lions must overcome altitude sickness and away pressure to write their Everest chapter. Thunderstorms may adjust kickoff, but team unity is key.

Mbappe scored a penalty in France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay, helping the team reach the quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive World Cup. He has scored 19 World Cup goals, just one shy of Messi's record. With 7 goals and 2 assists in 5 matches this tournament, he leads the scoring chart. He has reached the quarterfinals in all three World Cups he has played, with one title and one runner-up finish.

In the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, France defeated Paraguay 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals. Mbappe scored a penalty in the second half, bringing his World Cup tally to 19 goals, just one shy of Messi's record. France will face Morocco in the quarterfinals.

Cape Verde earned global respect at this World Cup despite not winning the title. They drew with Spain and Uruguay, narrowly lost to Argentina, and goalkeeper Vozinha became an overnight sensation. The tiny nation's team displayed unwavering spirit, putting the West African island on the world map.

France face Paraguay in a World Cup clash, with Mbappe spearheading a strong attacking lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Paraguay deploy a five-man defense with Diego Gomez returning from suspension. France hold an unbeaten 3-2-0 record in historical meetings, while Paraguay are boosted by eliminating Germany. The winner will meet Morocco in the quarterfinals.

France will be without vice-captain Aurelien Tchouameni for their World Cup Round of 16 match against Paraguay after a groin muscle tear sustained in training. Manu Kone is expected to replace him alongside Adrien Rabiot in midfield, while France’s potential knockout path remains filled with strong opponents.

Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, with Ounahi scoring a brace and Rahimi adding a goal; they have scored 10 goals in the tournament, tying the African single-World Cup goal record set by Senegal, and advanced to the quarterfinals in dominant fashion.

Canada and Morocco meet in the World Cup round of 16, with both starting lineups announced. Canada's core player Alphonso Davies is on the bench due to injury, while Morocco fields its full-strength lineup. Both teams are dark horses; Canada seeks revenge, and the contrasting styles make for an intriguing clash.

England faced the dual challenges of high altitude and home-field advantage at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium (over 7,200 feet). Through scientific nutritional supplementation (e.g., beetroot juice, caffeine) and limited acclimatization strategies, they overcame physiological difficulties such as reduced blood oxygen saturation and severe energy depletion, ultimately defeating Mexico to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals.

Messi scored in his eighth consecutive World Cup game, netting his 20th World Cup goal in the 29th minute to help Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time. He has 7 goals in the tournament, leading the Golden Boot race by one over Mbappe. De Paul praised their friendship. If tied, Mbappe's assist advantage prevails.

In the World Cup Round of 32, Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 thanks to Arias' 14th-minute winner, advancing to the Round of 16. They will face Switzerland in the Round of 16, with the match scheduled for 04:00 Beijing time on July 8.

Argentina battled Cape Verde for 120 minutes in the World Cup Round of 16. Messi scored in the first half to set a record, but Cape Verde fought back to equalize. In extra time, both teams traded leads before Messi assisted Romero to force an own goal, securing a 3-2 win for Argentina and a spot in the Round of 16 against Egypt.