2026 World Cup Recap: Argentina Survives Extra-Time Scare, Colombia Complete Last 16 Bracket

The Round of 32 is officially complete. Three final R32 matches on July 3 delivered drama, heartbreak, and history, with Argentina needing extra time to escape Cape Verde's giant-killing effort, Egypt winning their first-ever World Cup knockout game on penalties, and Colombia easing past Ghana to claim the last remaining spot.
Australia 1-1 Egypt (Egypt win 4-2 on penalties)
Emam Ashour gave Egypt a dream start with a 13th-minute strike, his second of the tournament, but Mohamed Hany's own goal from an Aiden O'Neill free-kick drew Australia level just after the break. Neither side could find a winner in regulation or extra time, with Mohamed Salah blazing a golden chance over the bar. The shootout was all Egypt — Salah cheekily dinked his penalty down the middle, and all four Egyptian takers converted. Harry Souttar skied his effort over the bar and Lucas Herrington struck the crossbar, sending Egypt through to their first-ever World Cup knockout victory. Australia's search for a knockout win goes on.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (AET)
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a stunning finish into the roof of the net from Lisandro Martínez's lofted pass, extending his all-time World Cup record to 22 goals. But Cape Verde refused to fold — Deroy Duarte smashed home an equalizer in the 59th minute to silence the pro-Argentina crowd. Extra time delivered chaos: Martínez headed Argentina back in front at 103', only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to equalize almost immediately. The winner came in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero's header from a Messi corner deflected in off Diney Borges for an own goal. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made eight saves in a heroic performance, but the defending champions survived a genuine classic.
Colombia 1-0 Ghana
Jhon Arias scored the only goal in the 14th minute, finishing off Luis Suárez's assist to send Colombia through to a last-16 clash with Switzerland in Vancouver. It was a remarkably comfortable victory — Colombia had twice as many shots on target as Ghana managed in the entire tournament, and keeper Camilo Vargas was never forced into a save. Luis Díaz and Juan Quintero both went close to adding a second, but the narrow scoreline flattered a Ghana side that lacked quality in the final third beyond Antoine Semenyo. Colombia never looked in danger.
Upcoming Matches for July 4 (all times ET):
1PM ET — Canada vs Morocco, NRG Stadium, Houston
5PM ET — Paraguay vs France, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia