World Cup 2026 round-up: Cristiano Ronaldo and Mikel Oyarzabal star as Spain and Portugal advance

Cristiano Ronaldo and Mikel Oyarzabal stole the headlines as Portugal and Spain booked their places in the FIFA World Cup last 16, while Switzerland made history with their first World Cup knockout victory in 88 years.

Ronaldo's second-half penalty helped Portugal edge Croatia in a dramatic encounter before Gonçalo Ramos struck a stoppage-time winner.

Oyarzabal's brace inspired Spain to a commanding victory over Austria. 

Switzerland also advanced after defeating Algeria to complete another memorable day of Round of 32 action.

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Oyarzabal leads Spain's statement performance

Spain delivered arguably one of their most complete performances of the tournament, comfortably defeating Austria 3-0 to continue their pursuit of World Cup glory.

Oyarzabal opened the scoring before Pedro Porro doubled the advantage after the break, with Oyarzabal adding his second late on to complete an impressive display from the reigning European champions.

Despite the convincing scoreline, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente believes there is still room for improvement.

"We knew it would be an important match, especially in this knockout stage,” he said, quoted on Sky Sports. “In every aspect, we were almost perfect.

"But there are still a few little things to improve. We can always do better. Every match is going to be more difficult than the last."

Oyarzabal was equally pleased to help his side progress.

"I'm happy to help the team and get through to the next round,” the Spain star said.

"We're happy to qualify. It doesn't matter who we face in the next round."

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Ronaldo keeps Portugal's dream alive

Portugal survived one of the most dramatic matches of the Round of 32 to eliminate Croatia 2-1.

Ivan Perišić gave Croatia the lead before Cristiano Ronaldo calmly converted from the penalty spot to restore parity.

With extra time looming, substitute Gonçalo Ramos emerged as Portugal's hero, scoring deep into stoppage time before Croatia were denied a dramatic equaliser following a VAR review.

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Dalić slams officiating 

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić criticised the officiating after the match.

"The refereeing was very bad,” he said. "VAR kills emotions, it kills everything within you."

Portugal boss Roberto Martínez defended the decision.

"There is no bad decision or lucky decision,” Martinez asserted. “It was a clear moment."

Ramos stars late

Meanwhile, Ramos embraced another decisive contribution.

"It's difficult because it's a game if you don't win, you go home,” Ramos said.

"I love those types of moments. I want to be in the big moment."

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Spain and Portugal set up blockbuster showdown

The victories mean Iberian rivals Spain and Portugal will now meet in one of the standout fixtures of the Round of 16.

With Oyarzabal in outstanding form and Ronaldo continuing to deliver on football's biggest stage, the meeting promises to feature two of Europe's strongest attacking sides as they battle for a place in the quarter-finals.

Switzerland end 88-year wait

Switzerland also enjoyed a landmark evening in Vancouver, defeating Algeria 2-0 to record their first World Cup knockout-stage victory in 88 years.

Goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye secured a deserved win and booked Switzerland's place in the Round of 16, where they will meet either Colombia or Ghana.

After decades of frustration in the knockout stages, Switzerland finally ended one of the tournament's longest-standing records with a composed performance that underlined their growing confidence.

Another heavyweight clash awaits

As the knockout rounds continue, the World Cup is increasingly becoming a stage for football's biggest names.

Ronaldo extended Portugal's hopes of another deep tournament run, Oyarzabal announced himself as one of Spain's leading attacking threats, and Switzerland created a piece of national football history.

Attention now turns to what promises to be one of the tournament's marquee ties, with Spain and Portugal set to renew one of international football's fiercest rivalries for a place in the quarter-finals.

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