Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Switzerland advanced to the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Algeria on Friday morning. The victory over Algeria marked Switzerland’s first knockout victory in the World Cup since 1938.
Breel Embolo opened the scoring for Switzerland in the 11th minute when he connected to a perfect cut-back and shot from close range.
Dan Ndoye doubled Switzerland’s lead in the first minute of the second half. Algerian defense failed to clear Denis Zakaria’s cross from the right and the ball fell on the path of Ndoye, who steered a low shot into the bottom corner.
Switzerland will meet the winner of the match between Ghana and Colombia in the last 16.
Portugal 2-1 Croatia
Portugal came from behind to edge Croatia 2-1 and set up a Round of 16 clash against Spain.
Croatia took the lead in the 53rd minute when he controlled Josip Stanisic’s superb pass across the goal and fired a powerful low shot past the Portugal goalie.
Portugal equalized in the 68th minute through Cristiano Ronaldo who confidently converted from the spot. Portugal were awarded the penalty after the video assistant referee concluded that Renato Veiga was brought down inside the Croatian box.
With extra time looming, substitute Gonçalo Ramos snatched the winner for Portugal in the 94th minute. He rose highest in the Croatian box to head home Rafael Leão’s whipped cross from the left.
Although Croatia equalized after a few minutes, the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review, much to Portugal’s relief.
Spain 3-0 Austria
European champions Spain produced a dominant display to defeat Austria 3-0 and book their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead in the 36th minute when he swept home Marc Cucurella’s low cross inside the box from 12 yards.
Spain doubled their advantage in the 66th minute when Álex Baena picked out Pedro Porro with a precise pass. The Tottenham defender surged into the box and headed past the Austrian goalie.
Cucurella and Oyarzabal combined again for Spain’s third goal. Cucurella sent a perfect through ball to Oyarzabal who slid home his second goal of the match and fourth in the tournament.
