World Cup: Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland Advance

Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland advance in the World Cup! Spain secured a 3-0 victory over Austria, setting the stage for a showdown with Portugal on July 6.

By Liam Tremblay — 3 July 2026 — 3 min read

Spain’s dominant performance

Spain delivered a strong performance in their World Cup match against Austria, securing a 3-0 victory. This result has led to the impression that the tournament may not be a straightforward path for France. Coach Luis de la Fuente stated that the performance should serve as a foundation for future games. Spain will face Portugal in Dallas on July 6.

The team’s victory meant that de la Fuente remains undefeated in major tournament knockout matches. Spain’s performance against Austria was described as one of the most complete of the tournament, with the team preventing any shots on target and maintaining 65 percent possession. Mikel Oyarzabal, who plays for Real Sociedad, was noted for his contribution.

Pablo Zabaleta, a member of the FIFA Study Group, suggested that Spain’s ability to maintain possession could be a key factor in defending against France if the teams meet in the semi-finals. Spain previously won the Euros in 2008 and the World Cup in 2010. The win marked Spain’s first knockout goal in this tournament since Andres Iniesta‘s goal in the 2010 final.

Portugal’s hard-fought victory

Portugal advanced in the tournament after a 2-1 win against Croatia in Toronto. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal in a World Cup knockout stage match, an equalizer from a penalty. Ronaldo had an earlier goal disallowed for offside. Despite scoring, Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute by coach Roberto Martinez, a decision that surprised Ronaldo.

Goncalo Ramos ended up the hero with a winner against the run of play to keep Portugal in the competition. His header likely brought the curtain down on Luka Modric’s World Cup career. Modric, a midfielder for Milan, won the Ballon d’Or after leading Croatia to the final in 2018 and helped his country reach the semi-finals four years later.

Croatia’s coach, Zlatko Dalic, expressed regret over Modric’s final World Cup match ending in a defeat, acknowledging Modric’s quality and leadership. Croatia had two goals disallowed late in the game, first from Petar Sucic and then Josko Gvardiol, before an on-field review confirmed Portugal’s victory.

Ronaldo celebrates his first World Cup knockout goal Credit: nytimes.com

Switzerland’s progression and rising star

Switzerland became the third European nation to progress from Thursday’s matches, defeating Algeria 2-0 in Vancouver. Early goals in each half from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye secured their win. Switzerland will remain in Vancouver to play either Colombia or Ghana on July 7.

A notable player for Switzerland has been Johan Manzambi, a midfielder who wears the No. 9 jersey. Manzambi plays out wide for Switzerland due to the presence of Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler in the midfield. Initially a substitute, the player’s impact led to pressure on coach Murat Yakin to include him in the starting lineup.

In the match against Algeria, he set up Embolo’s goal. Manzambi, a member of the Freiburg team that reached the Conference League final, is considered one of the most sought-after young players in the tournament.