Updated July 6, 2026, 2:14 p.m. ET
Editor’s note: Follow for live updates of every World Cup game today
Day 26 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the third day of the round of 16. Two high-profile matches are on the slate.
The Iberian Derby between Portugal and Spain gets things underway in Arlington, then the USMNT close the night against Belgium in Seattle.
These teams will battle it out for a spot in the quarterfinals.
All times Eastern and accurate as of Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
World Cup round of 16: Portugal vs Spain
Time/TV: 3:00 PM ET on Fox at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
Why watch: Two pre-tournament favorites and regional rivals square off in what promises to be an intense matchup. In any other tournament, you’d expect a match like this to take place in the semifinals or even the final. Yet here we are, blessed with a heavyweight clash this early in the knockout stage. One of two things is guaranteed happen. Either Cristiano Ronaldo’s career-long journey of trying to win the World Cup ends or a huge favorite in Spain crashes out early. The stakes don’t get any higher for a matchup at this stage of the competition.
Why it could disappoint: Everyone knows Spain love to possess the ball and play a patient game to try and pick apart their opponents. If there isn’t an early goal on either side, this one could plod along at a very slow pace until the deadlock is broken.
World Cup round of 16: USA vs Belgium
Time/TV: 8:00 PM ET on Fox at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington
Why watch: As if the stakes weren’t already high, the controversial Folarin Balogun ruling has thrown a stick of dynamite into the fire. Both sides will be playing with heightened emotions on what is already an extremely tight matchup. Throw in the incredible atmosphere of Seattle and this match could be absolute cinema from first kick to the last.
Why it could disappoint: From an American perspective, you don’t have to look too far into the past to see how the wheels could fall off. Belgium was absolutely dominant in a 5-2 friendly win in March. They have to have a slight psychological edge after a showing like that. If the Red Devils get off to a strong start, it could lead to another bad day for the USA and the millions watching around the country.
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