The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached the Round of 16, and the action has been nothing short of thrilling. European teams dominated the stage, leaving only Argentina and Morocco as the non-UEFA nations still in the running. Morocco, despite not needing Ismael Saibari against Canada, will miss him if they hope to match their 2022 semifinal achievement. The Atlas Lions showed they don't have to be at their best to win, and Soufiane Rahimi's emergence gives them an alternative to Saibari up front. England raised its game at the height of Mexico City, while Mexico hoped to deflate the Three Lions with thin air and high-decibel home-field support, but couldn't keep pace with Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon. Argentina is vulnerable, with defensive weaknesses and an overdependence on Messi, who had a penalty kick saved but eventually came through against Egypt. France might have been submarined by Paraguay's ultra-defensive tactics, but it was not the first time. The Golden Boot race is on, with Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland leading the way. The USA's elimination by Belgium exposed the team's limitations, but also served to motivate the Red Devils and Romelo Lukaku to show off a Trump-inspired dance step. Spain recorded shutout No 5 with a 1-0 victory over Portugal, while Brazil, Italy, and Germany all crashed out early. The World Cup continues to be a stage for upsets, surprises, and the emergence of new stars. As the tournament progresses, the stakes will only get higher, and the rivalries will only get wilder. It's anyone's game, and the drama is far from over.
