Category Archives: 2026 FIFA World Cup

Argentina vs Cape Verde Official Lineups, Friday, 3 July 2026, World Cup Round of 32

Argentina vs Cape Verde Official Lineups, Friday, 3 July 2026, World Cup Round of 32

Here are the official starting lineups for the Argentina vs Cape Verde match in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The match will see defending champions Argentina go up against tournament debutants Cape Verde on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. PT) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

FIFA Ranking

Cape Verde currently holds the 64th position in the FIFA rankings with a total of 1,402.97 points, having moved up three spots after qualifying for the Round of 32. In contrast, Argentina is ranked second, having been temporarily overtaken by France for the top position.

How did they reach the Round of 32?

Under the guidance of manager Lionel Scaloni, defending champions Argentina showcased their strength by winning all three of their group matches, finishing first in Group J with a total of 9 points:

Match 1: Defeated Algeria 3-0
Match 2: Defeated Austria 2-0
Match 3: Defeated Jordan 3-1

On the other hand, World Cup debutants Cape Verde advanced by drawing all three of their group matches, finishing as runners-up in Group H:

Match 1: Held European heavyweights Spain to a 0-0 draw
Match 2: Secured a 2-2 draw against Uruguay
Match 3: Played to a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia

03-07-2026 22:00
Round of 32

 

👉   Click here for  Full 2026 World Cup Squad Lists – Confirmed rosters for all 48 teams.

👉  Click here for  2026 World Cup Group Stage Standings.

 

👉   Serie A players called up for  🇦🇷    the Argentina National team:
  • Inter forward Lautaro Martinez.
  • Como forward Nico Paz.

👉   There are no players from Serie A representing Cape Verde  🇨🇻.

 

 

🇦🇷   Argentina starting lineup (4-4-2): Emiliano Martínez, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Thiago Almada, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez.

Substitutes: Gonzalo Montiel, Giuliano Simeone, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolás Otamendi, Valentín Barco, Leandro Paredes, Nico Paz, Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Nicolás Tagliafico, Giovani Lo Celso, Marcos Senesi, José Manuel López, Julián Alvarez, Nico González.

🇨🇻   Cape Verde starting lineup (4-1-4-1): Vozinha, Pico Lopes, Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral, Steven Moreira, Ryan Mendes, Laros Duarte, Jovane Cabral, Deroy Duarte, Kevin Pina, Nuno da Costa.

Substitutes: Garry Rodrigues, Logan Costa, Stopira, Telmo Arcanjo, CJ dos Santos, Wagner Pina, João Paulo, Dailon Livramento, Hélio Varela, Yannick Semedo, Willy Semedo, Jamiro Monteiro, Gilson Benchimol, Márcio Rosa, Kelvin Pires

Argentina
Cape Verde

Starting lineups

23
Emiliano Martínez
Goalkeeper
13
Cristian Romero
Defender
25
Facundo Medina
Defender
86'
6
Lisandro Martínez
26
Nahuel Molina
Defender
104'
20
Alexis Mac Allister
Midfielder
24
Enzo Fernández
Midfielder
7
Rodrigo de Paul
Midfielder
84'
16
Thiago Almada
Midfielder
63'
22
Lautaro Martínez
63'
10
Lionel Messi
Attacker
1
Vozinha
Goalkeeper
3
Diney Borges
Defender
4
Roberto Lopes
Defender
13
Sidny Lopes Cabral
22
Steven Moreira
Defender
14
Deroy Duarte
Midfielder
100'
6
Kevin Pina
Midfielder
100'
15
Laros Duarte
Midfielder
67'
7
Jovane Cabral
Attacker
80'
21
Nuno Da Costa
Attacker
67'
20
Ryan Mendes
Attacker
80'

Substitutes

1
Juan Musso
Goalkeeper
18
Nico Paz
Midfielder
11
Giovani Lo Celso
Midfielder
17
Giuliano Simeone
Attacker
14
Exequiel Palacios
Midfielder
19
Nicolás Otamendi
12
Gerónimo Rulli
Goalkeeper
8
Valentín Barco
Defender
21
José Manuel López
2
Marcos Senesi
Defender
4
Gonzalo Montiel
Defender
104'
15
Nico González
Attacker
63'
9
Julián Álvarez
Attacker
63'
5
Leandro Paredes
Midfielder
84'
3
Nicolás Tagliafico
86'
18
Telmo Arcanjo
Midfielder
5
Logan Costa
Defender
8
João Paulo
Midfielder
23
CJ dos Santos
Goalkeeper
23
Márcio Rosa
Goalkeeper
25
Kelvin Pires
Defender
2
Stopira
Defender
24
Wagner Pina
Defender
11
Garry Rodrigues
Attacker
16
Yannick Semedo
Midfielder
100'
9
Gilson Benchimol
Attacker
100'
19
Dailon Livramento
67'
10
Jamiro Monteiro
Midfielder
67'
26
Hélio Varela
Attacker
80'
17
Willy Semedo
Attacker
80'

 

Argentina   Argentina World Cup 2026 Squad:
  • Goalkeepers: Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa).
  • Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Marseille), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid).
  • Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo de Paul (Inter Miami), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg), Giovani lo Celso (Real Betis), Ezequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea).
  • Forwards: Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Nico Paz (Como), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
Cape Verde   Cabo Verde World Cup Squad: 
  • Goalkeepers: Vozinha (Chaves), Marcio Rosa (Montana), CJ dos Santos (San Diego)
  • Defenders: Stopira (Torreense), Roberto Lopes (Shamrock Rovers), Joao Paulo (FCSB), Diney (Al Bataeh), Logan Costa (Villarreal), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), Sidny Lopes Cabral (Benfica), Kelvin Pires (SJK)
  • Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle), Kevin Pina (Krasnodar), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets), Telmo Arcanjo (Vitoria Guimaraes), Laros Duarte (Puskas Akademia), Yannick Semedo (Farense)
  • Forwards: Ryan Mendes (Igdir), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Willy Semedo (Omonia), Jovane Cabral (Estrela Amadora), Gilson Tavares (Akron Tolyatti), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Helio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Nuno da Costa (Istanbul Basaksehir)

 

The Hard Rock Stadium is set for Argentina vs Cape Verde

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Argentina’s official starting lineup against Cape Verde

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Credit via x.com/argentina

 

Cape Verde official starting lineup against Argentina 

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Photo via x.com/fcfcomunica

 

 

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Sports Events 365World Cup Round of 32

🇦🇷  Argentina – Cape Verde 🇨🇻

Date: Friday, 3 July 2026
Kick-off time: 3:00 PM Pacific Time
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium
Miami Gardens, FL

Referee: Drew Fischer CAN
Assistant Referee 1: Micheal Barwegen CAN
Assistant Referee 2: Lyes Arfa CAN
Fourth Official: Katia Garcia MEX
Reserve AR: Sandra Ramirez MEX
Video Assistant Referee: Aramando Villarreal USA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Ivan Bebek CRO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :Tatiana Guzman NCA

Portugal edge Croatia in World Cup thriller to book Spain showdown

Portugal secured a place in the World Cup last 16 after Goncalo Ramos headed home in the 94th minute to seal a dramatic comeback victory over Croatia. The substitute climbed above two defenders to meet an excellent cross from Rafael Leao just when the game appeared destined for extra time.

Croatia believed they had forced an additional 30 minutes when Josko Gvardiol found the net in the 13th minute of stoppage time. However, a lengthy VAR review ruled the goal out for offside after replays showed Igor Matanovic made the slightest contact with the cross before it reached Mario Pasalic, who was in an offside position ahead of Gvardiol’s finish.

Portugal had controlled much of the opening half, but Croatia produced a stronger display after the interval and repeatedly threatened to turn the match in their favour before Ramos’ decisive contribution ended an extraordinary encounter.

Croatia fight back before Ronaldo responds

The breakthrough arrived eight minutes into the second half when Ivan Perisic punished a partial clearance from Ruben Dias by firing into the corner. Croatia thought they had doubled their advantage moments later through Matanovic, only for the effort to be disallowed because Nikola Vlasic had been caught offside in the build-up.

Portugal quickly created chances of their own. Leao struck the crossbar with a curling effort, while Cristiano Ronaldo had a delicate finish ruled out after being judged marginally offside. The equaliser eventually came from the penalty spot after VAR identified a foul on Renato Veiga during a corner, allowing Ronaldo to score his first goal in a World Cup knockout match.

Croatia continued to push forward despite conceding. Mateo Kovacic tested Diogo Costa twice in quick succession after the hydration break; Matanovic was denied in a one-on-one opportunity, and Petar Sucic also had an offside goal ruled out after finishing a precise through ball from Kovacic.

Managers’ changes shape the outcome

Roberto Martinez’s side looked comfortable in possession before the break, although many attacks ended with attempts to find Ronaldo even when other options were available. The introduction of Ramos altered Portugal’s attacking approach, giving Ronaldo greater support and helping the team create more dangerous situations.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic also influenced the game with a half-time substitution, replacing Ante Budimir with Matanovic. The striker immediately provided a stronger attacking presence and played an important role in the move that led to Perisic opening the scoring.

Ronaldo reacted with visible frustration when he was substituted in the 81st minute, but Portugal continued searching for a winner. Renato Veiga and Mario Pasalic both missed clear-headed opportunities before Ramos finally delivered the decisive moment deep into stoppage time.

An emotional ending awaits Portugal

The result means Portugal will meet European champions Spain in the last 16 at Dallas Stadium, Texas, on Monday, 6 July, at 20:00 BST.

The match also marked the final World Cup appearance of Luka Modric, whose midfield display stood out despite Croatia’s elimination. The experienced captain battled throughout another contest filled with dramatic moments and controversial decisions.

Portugal’s celebrations continued long after the final whistle. Although disappointed to leave the pitch earlier, Ronaldo joined his team-mates as they celebrated with supporters. Hours before the first anniversary of the death of former Portugal forward Diogo Jota, he wore his former teammate’s shirt and, with tears in his eyes, led the squad towards the travelling fans.

Australia vs Egypt Official Lineups, Friday, 3 July 2026, World Cup Round of 32

Australia vs Egypt Official Lineups, Friday, 3 July 2026, World Cup Round of 32

Here are the official starting lineups for Australia vs Egypt in this Round of 32 encounter at the FIFA World Cup on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM PDT (2:00 PM ET). The knockout match is being held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The victor will have the chance to potentially play against Argentina in the Round of 16.

FIFA Ranking

Australia holds the 28th position in the world rankings, just two places behind Egypt, which is ranked 26th.

How did they reach the Round of 32?

Australia progressed as the runners-up in Group D and is aiming for their first-ever knockout stage win in the World Cup. They are guided by manager Tony Popovic and feature players like Jackson Irvine.

Egypt secured second place in Group G and is participating in their inaugural knockout match at the tournament. Their squad prominently includes star player Mohamed Salah, although his participation is uncertain due to a hamstring injury.

Head-to-Head

The two teams have met only twice in official matches: Australia won a 1987 President’s Cup match via penalties, while Egypt claimed a 3-0 victory in a friendly match held in Cairo in 2010.

 

03-07-2026 18:00
Round of 32

 

1 Serie A players called up for  🇦🇺     the Australia National team:

  • Sassuolo defender Cristian Volpato

 

👉   There are no Serie A players either with  Egypt

🇦🇺   Australia starting lineup (3-4-2-1): Patrick Beach, Harry Souttar, Alessandro Circati, Lucas Herrington, Aiden O’Neill, Jackson Irvine, Aziz Behich, Jordan Bos, Cristian Volpato, Nestory Irankunda, Connor Metcalfe.

Substitutes: Cameron Burgess, Ajdin Hrustic, Nishan Velupillay, Awer Mabil, Paul Izzo, Milos Degenek, Kai Trewin, Tete Yengi, Cameron Devlin, Jason Geria, Mohamed Touré, Mathew Ryan, Paul Okon-Engstler

Egypt starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Mostafa Shobeir, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Karim Hafez, Hamdi Fathy, Mohamed Salah, Emam Ashour, Mostafa Zico, Marwan Attia, Omar Marmoush.

Substitutes: Ibrahim Adel, Nabil Emad Dunga, Mohamed El Sayed Mohamed El Shenawy Gomaa, Zizo, Tarek Alaa, Mahmoud Saber, Trezeguet, Hossam Abdelmaguid, Haissem Hassan, El Mahdy Soliman, Hamza Abdelkarim, Mohamed Alaa

Australia
Egypt

Starting lineups

18
Patrick Beach
Goalkeeper
119'
3
Alessandro Circati
16
Aziz Behich
Defender
19
Harry Souttar
Defender
5
Jordan Bos
Defender
46'
25
Lucas Herrington
Defender
13
Aiden O’Neill
Midfielder
91'
8
Connor Metcalfe
Midfielder
91'
20
Cristian Volpato
Midfielder
74'
22
Jackson Irvine
Midfielder
17
Nestory Irankunda
74'
23
Oufa Shobeir
Goalkeeper
15
Karim Hafez
Defender
80'
3
Mohamed Hany
Defender
5
Ramy Rabia
Defender
2
Yasser Ibrahim
Defender
8
Emam Ashour
Midfielder
14
Hamdy Fathy
Midfielder
67'
19
Marwan Ateya
Midfielder
120'
10
Mohamed Salah
Attacker
11
Mostafa Ziko
Attacker
67'
22
Omar Marmoush
Attacker
106'

Substitutes

2
Milos Degenek
Defender
14
Cammy Devlin
Midfielder
23
Nishan Velupillay
21
Cameron Burgess
Defender
26
Tete Yengi
Attacker
12
Paul Izzo
Goalkeeper
6
Jason Geria
Defender
1
Mathew Ryan
Goalkeeper
119'
15
Kai Trewin
Defender
46'
10
Ajdin Hrustic
Midfielder
74'
9
Mohamed Toure
Attacker
74'
11
Awer Mabil
Attacker
91'
24
Paul Okon-Engstler
Midfielder
91'
26
Mohamed Alaa
Goalkeeper
1
Mohamed El Shenawy
Goalkeeper
16
El Mahdi Soliman
Goalkeeper
24
Tarek Alaa
Midfielder
18
Nabil Dunga
Midfielder
20
Ibrahim Adel
Attacker
25
Zizo
Attacker
9
Hamza Abdelkarim
Attacker
106'
21
Mahmoud Saber
Midfielder
120'
4
Hossam Abdelmaguid
67'
12
Haissem Hassan
Attacker
67'
7
Trezeguet
Midfielder
80'
Australia   Australia World Cup 2026 Squad:
  • Goalkeepers: Ryan (Levante), Izzo (Randers), Beach (Melbourne City)
  • Defenders: Behich (Melbourne City), Bos (Feynoord), Burgess (Swansea City), Circati (Parma), Degenek (APOEL), Geria (Albirex Niigata), Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Italiano (Grazer), Souttar (Leicester City), Trewin (New York City)
  • Midfielders: Devlin (Heart of Midlothian), Hrustic (Heracles Almelo), Irvine (St Pauli), Metcalfe (St Pauli), Okon-Englster (Sydney), O’Neill (New York City)
  • Forwards: Irankunda (Watford), Leckie (Melbourne City), Mabil (Castellon), Toure (Norwich City), Velupilly (Melbourne City), Cristian Volpato (Sassuolo), Yengi (Livingston/Machida Zelvia)

 

Egypt   Egypt World Cup 2026 Squad:
  • Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), El Mahdi Soliman (Zamalek), Mohamed Alaa (El Gouna)
  • Defenders: Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Tarek Alaa (Zed), Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek), Mohamed Abdelmonemn (Nice), Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek), Karim Hafez (Pyramids)
  • Midfielders: Marwan Ateya (Al Ahly), Mohanad Lasheen (Pyramids), Nabil Emad (Al Najma), Mahmoud Saber (Zed), Ahmed Zizo (Al Ahly), Emam Ashour (Al Ahly), Mostafa Ziko (Pyramids), Mahmoud Trezeguet (Al Ahly), Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjaelland), Haissem Hassan (Real Ovideo)
  • Forwards: Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Aqtay Abdallah (Enppi), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona)

 

Absolutely breathtaking! At 3:30 AM in Melbourne, Fed Square looks like this for the match between Australia and Egypt.

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Australia’s official starting lineup against Egypt

Image

Photo via x.com/Socceroos

 

Egypt’s official starting lineup against Australia

Image

Photo via x.com/EgyptNT_EN

 

 

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Sports Events 365World Cup 2026 Round of 32

🇦🇺  Australia – Egypt  🇪🇬

Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Kick-off Time: 11:00 AM Pacific Time (2:00 PM Eastern Time)
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Texas, USA

Referee: Gustavo Tejera URU
Assistant Referee 1: Carlos Barreiro URU
Assistant Referee 2: Nicolas Taran URU
Fourth Official: Sandro Schärer SUI
Reserve AR: Stéphane De Almeida SUI
Video Assistant Referee: Leodan Gonzalez URU
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Antonio Garcia URU
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :Bastian Dankert GER

Switzerland – Algeria Official Lineups, Thursday, 2 July 2026, World Cup Round of 32

Switzerland – Algeria Official Lineups, Thursday, 2 July 2026, World Cup Round of 32

Here are the official starting lineups for Switzerland vs Algeria in their Round of 32 encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The match is scheduled to kick off on July 2 at 11:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. PT) at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada. The winner will advance to play against the winner of the Colombia vs. Ghana game.

 

How did they arrive at the Round of 32?

Switzerland and Algeria both reached the Round of 32 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through different paths in the group stage. Switzerland excelled in Group B, finishing unbeaten with seven points, while Algeria progressed from Group J as one of the top third-place teams after a thrilling draw against Austria.

 

03-07-2026 03:00
Round of 32

 

✅ Serie A players called up for 🇨🇭 Switzerland National team for the World Cup 2026:
  • Inter defender Manuel Akanji
  • Pisa midfielder Michel Aebischer (Serie B)
  • Bologna midfielder Remo Freuler
  • AC Milan midfielder Ardon Jashari

 

👉   Serie A and B players called up for   🇩🇿    the Algeria National team:
  • Hellas Verona defender Rafik Belghali (Serie B)
  • Frosinone forward Fares Ghedjemis (Serie A)

 

👉   Click here for  Full 2026 World Cup Squad Lists – Confirmed rosters for all 48 teams.

👉  Click here for  2026 World Cup Group Stage Standings.

 

 

🇨🇭   Switzerland starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Gregor Kobel, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodríguez, Denis Zakaria, Dan Ndoye, Granit Xhaka, Johan Manzambi, Remo Freuler, Rubén Vargas, Breel Embolo.

Substitutes: Ardon Jashari, Djibril Sow, Cedric Itten, Yvon Mvogo, Miro Muheim, Marvin Keller, Fabian Rieder, Zeki Amdouni, Christian Fassnacht, Silvan Widmer, Noah Okafor, Aurèle Amenda, Michel Aebischer, Eray Cömert.

🇩🇿   Algeria starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Luca Zidane, Ramy Bensebaini, Aïssa Mandi, Rafik Belghali, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Nabil Bentaleb, Ramiz Zerrouki, Farès Chaïbi, Riyad Mahrez, Houssem Aouar, Ibrahim Maza.

Substitutes: Oussama Benbot, Achref Abada, Zineddine Belaïd, Samir Chergui, Adil Boulbina, Farès Ghedjemis, Jaouen Hadjam, Yacine Titraoui, Mohamed Amine Tougai, Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj Moussa, Hicham Boudaoui, Melvin Mastil.

Switzerland
Algeria

Starting lineups

1
Gregor Kobel
Goalkeeper
5
Manuel Akanji
Defender
4
Nico Elvedi
Defender
13
Ricardo Rodríguez
6
Denis Zakaria
Midfielder
87'
10
Granit Xhaka
Midfielder
9
Johan Manzambi
Midfielder
71'
8
Remo Freuler
Midfielder
7
Breel Embolo
Attacker
83'
11
Dan Ndoye
Attacker
87'
17
Ruben Vargas
Attacker
71'
23
Luca Zidane
Goalkeeper
2
Aïssa Mandi
Defender
17
Rafik Belghali
Defender
82'
21
Ramy Bensebaini
Defender
15
Rayan Aït-Nouri
Defender
10
Fares Chaibi
Midfielder
8
Houssem Aouar
Midfielder
59'
19
Nabil Bentaleb
Midfielder
71'
6
Ramiz Zerrouki
Midfielder
59'
22
Ibrahim Maza
Attacker
7
Riyad Mahrez
Attacker
71'

Substitutes

24
Aurèle Amenda
Defender
14
Ardon Jashari
Midfielder
21
Marvin Keller
Goalkeeper
26
Cedric Itten
Attacker
16
Christian Fassnacht
Midfielder
12
Yvon Mvogo
Goalkeeper
15
Djibril Sow
Midfielder
18
Eray Cömert
Defender
2
Miro Muheim
Defender
19
Noah Okafor
Attacker
71'
22
Fabian Rieder
Midfielder
71'
23
Zeki Amdouni
Attacker
83'
20
Michel Aebischer
Midfielder
87'
3
Silvan Widmer
Defender
87'
25
Farès Ghedjemis
Attacker
16
Oussama Benbout
Goalkeeper
1
Melvin Mastil
Goalkeeper
26
Samir Chergui
Midfielder
5
Zineddine Belaid
Defender
3
Achref Abada
Defender
24
Yacine Titraoui
Midfielder
13
Jaouen Hadjam
Defender
59'
9
Amine Gouiri
Attacker
59'
14
Hicham Boudaoui
Midfielder
71'
11
Anis Hadj Moussa
Attacker
71'
20
Adil Boulbina
Attacker
82'

 

Switzerland   Switzerland World Cup 2026 Squad:
  • Goalkeepers: Marvin Keller (Young Boys), Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Yvon Mvogo (Lorient)
  • Defenders: Manuel Akanji (Inter), Aurele Amenda (Eintracht Frankfurt), Eray Comert (Valencia), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Luca Jaquez (VfB Stuttgart), Miro Muheim (Hamburg), Ricardo Rodriguez (Real Betis), Silvan Widmer (Mainz)
  • Midfielders: Michel Aebischer (Pisa), Christian Fassnacht (Young Boys), Remo Freuler (Bologna), Ardon Jashari (AC Milan), Johan Manzambi (Freiburg), Fabian Rieder (Augsburg), Djibril Sow, Ruben Vargas (both Sevilla), Granit Xhaka (Sunderland), Denis Zakaria (Monaco)
  • Forwards: Zeki Amdouni (Burnley), Breel Embolo (Stade Rennais), Cedric Itten (Fortuna Dusseldorf), Dan Ndoye (Nottingham Forest), Noah Okafor (Leeds United)

 

Algeria   Algeria World Cup 2026 Squad:
  • Goalkeepers: Oussama Benbot (USM Alger), Melvin Masstil (Stade Nyonnaise), Luca Zidane (Granada)
  • Defenders: Achraf Abada (USM Alger), Rayan Ait-Nouri (Manchester City), Zinedine Belaid (JS Kabylie), Rafik ⁠Belghali (Verona), Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund), Samir Chergui (Paris FC), Jaouen Hadjam (Young Boys Bern), Aissa ⁠Mandi (Lille), Mohamed Amine Tougai (Esperance)
  • Midfielders: Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad), Nabil Bentaleb (Lille), Hicham Boudaoui (Nice), Fares Chaibi (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen), Yassine ‌Titraoui (Charleroi), Ramiz Zerrouki (Twente)
  • Forwards: Mohamed Amine Amoura (Wolfsburg), Nadir Benbouali (Gyori ETO), ‌Adil Boulbina (Al-Duhail), Fares Ghedjemis (Frosinone), Amine Gouiri (Marseille), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli), Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord)

 

 

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Sports Events 365 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32

🇨🇭 Switzerland – Algeria  🇩🇿

Date & Time: July 2, 2026 at 11:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. PT)
Venue: BC Place
Vancouver, Canada

Referee: Yael Falcon Perez ARG
Assistant Referee 1: Masimiliano Del Yesso ARG
Assistant Referee 2: Facundo Rodriguez ARG
Fourth Official: Kevin Ortega PER
Reserve AR: Michael Orue PER

 

Match preview: Portugal vs Croatia

Portugal head into their World Cup 2026 last-32 tie against Croatia in Toronto with a place in the last 16 at stake after finishing second in Group K. Their group campaign included a draw with DR Congo, a draw with Colombia, and a commanding 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, which was enough to secure progression.

Roberto Martínez’s squad remain unbeaten so far in the tournament, recording one victory and two draws. However, they were unable to top their group and now face a knockout test against Croatia in a match that could define their campaign.

Croatia, meanwhile, reached this stage after finishing second in Group L. Their tournament began with a 4-2 defeat to England, but they recovered with a 1-0 win over Panama and a 2-1 success against Ghana to move into the knockout phase.

Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026
Kick-off Time: 19:00 Toronto local time (UTC-4)
Venue: Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada
Venue Capacity: 45,736
Opponents: Portugal vs. Croatia (Round of 32)
Portugal has historically dominated this fixture, remaining unbeaten in six competitive encounters (winning five and drawing one) and losing just once overall in 10 meetings

Portugal’s form, control and attacking concerns

Portugal produced record passing numbers during the group stage, completing 1,690 passes and averaging 62.5% possession, their highest figure at a World Cup. Despite that dominance in control, their attacking output was limited compared to previous tournaments.

They registered 37 shots and 12 on target across the group phase, which is among their lowest attacking returns in recent World Cup history. In 2018, only fewer attempts and shots on target were recorded for them than in this edition’s opening stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, scored twice against Uzbekistan but failed to find the net in the draws with DR Congo and Colombia. If he features against Croatia, it would be his ninth World Cup knockout appearance, though he has never scored in any of his previous eight, despite 29 attempts in such matches.

Midfielder Vitinha has been central to Portugal’s build-up play, completing 270 passes in the group stage. His performance against Colombia stood out, as he completed all 54 of his passes, matching the record for a midfielder in a World Cup match with perfect accuracy.

Last 5 Portugal matches stats

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup

International friendlies

International friendlies

Colombia 0 – 0 Portugal

Portugal 5 – 0 Uzbekistan

Portugal 1 – 1 DR Congo

Portugal 2 – 1 Nigeria

Portugal 2 – 1 Chile

2026/06/28

2026/06/23

2026/06/17

2026/06/10

2026/06/06

Croatia’s recovery and tournament record

Croatia’s campaign started with a setback against England, where they were level at 2-2 before eventually losing 4-2. They responded strongly by beating Panama 1-0 and Ghana 2-1, securing their place in the knockout rounds.

Zlatko Dalić’s side now aim to win three consecutive matches at a major tournament for the first time since their run to the 2018 World Cup final. Their consistency in reaching this stage continues, as this is their fourth appearance in the knockout phase of the competition.

The Croatian team also carries individual milestones into the match. Luka Modrić could reach 23 World Cup appearances, placing him among the competition’s most experienced players, alongside figures such as Paolo Maldini and Manuel Neuer.

Last 5 Croatia matches stats

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup

International friendlies

International friendlies

Croatia 2 – 1 Ghana

Panama 0 – 1 Croatia

England 4 – 2 Croatia

Croatia 2 – 1 Slovenia

Croatia 0 – 2 Belgium

2026/06/28

2026/06/24

2026/06/17

2026/06/07

2026/06/02

Historical edge and standout statistics

Portugal holds a strong historical record against Croatia, with seven wins, two draws, and only one defeat in ten meetings. In competitive matches, Portugal are unbeaten across six encounters, winning five and drawing one.

Croatia’s recent record against European opponents at the World Cup has been less positive. After strong early results in past editions, they have gone three matches without a win in such fixtures, starting from the 2018 final defeat to France, followed by a draw with Belgium in 2022 and a loss to England in this tournament’s opening round.

The match also carries significant individual milestones, as Cristiano Ronaldo could extend his World Cup appearance tally to 25, while only Lionel Messi, Lothar Matthäus, Miroslav Klose, and Ronaldo himself would be above Luka Modrić if he plays.

Past H2H Results

UEFA Nations League

UEFA Nations League

International friendlies

Croatia 1 – 1 Portugal

Portugal 2 – 1 Croatia

Portugal 1 – 2 Croatia

2024/11/18

2024/09/05

2024/06/08

Prediction and expected outcome

Portugal come into this last-32 clash as slight favourites, largely due to their strong historical record against Croatia and their unbeaten run in the group stage. Croatia, however, arrive with confidence after recovering from an opening defeat to England and securing their place in the knockout rounds with two wins.

Roberto Martínez’s side have dominated possession throughout the tournament and produced record passing numbers, but they have struggled to convert control into clear attacking output. Cristiano Ronaldo’s lack of goals in World Cup knockout matches adds an extra layer of pressure, even after his group-stage brace against Uzbekistan. Croatia’s ability to reach and progress through knockout rounds in previous World Cups highlights their resilience in these moments.

The match is likely to be tight and tactically disciplined, with Portugal expected to control the ball while Croatia looks to exploit transitions. Both teams have shown inconsistency in attack, which could make chances limited and margins very fine. Croatia’s experience and Portugal’s control suggest a closely fought contest that may be decided by individual moments.

Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Croatia

Expected outcome: A narrow Portugal victory in a competitive match where their possession and technical quality eventually edge out Croatia’s organised and resilient approach, securing their place in the last 16.