5 best moments of World Cup’s round of 16: From Messi magic to Azteca insanity
5 Best Moments of World Cup: Round of 16
5 best moments of World Cup s - The 5 best moments of World Cup history often emerge from the round of 16, where underdogs rise and legends are cemented. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals approach on Thursday, July 9, fans can look back at the extraordinary drama that unfolded during this crucial stage. Before France and Morocco meet again in what promises to be a thrilling rematch of their 2022 semifinal clash, let us celebrate the finest encounters from the round of 16. Over four days, spectators witnessed an incredible array of emotions—triumph, heartbreak, and moments that will be remembered forever.
While some matches produced memorable setbacks, this compilation focuses on the brilliance that defined the 5 best moments of World Cup competition at this stage. Each encounter brought something unique to the tournament, from penalty shootouts to last-minute comebacks.
Switzerland's Historic Victory Over Colombia
After two hours of tense, goalless football, this match descended into a dramatic penalty shootout. The pressure mounted as both sides fought for quarterfinal glory. In the decisive fifth round, Switzerland's Rubén Vargas stepped forward while Colombia's goalkeeper Camilo Vargas guessed the wrong way. The Swiss striker converted, securing a 4-3 win and sending his nation to its first quarterfinal in 72 years—a milestone achievement for Swiss football.
Merino's Golden Moment in Spain's Triumph
As Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career appeared to reach its conclusion, it was Mikel Merino who delivered the decisive blow. The Spanish midfielder came on in the 84th minute and made an immediate impact. Seconds into stoppage time, Merino received a clever pass from Ferran Torres and beat Portugal's Diogo Costa to score the winning goal. This victory not only propelled Spain forward but also provided a fitting farewell for one of football's greatest icons.
Erling Haaland then announced himself on the world stage with a masterclass against Brazil. The Norwegian striker, standing at 6-foot-5, proved too much for the Seleção defense. After a tight contest that remained scoreless for nearly 80 minutes, Haaland headed home Andreas Schjelderup's cross. He doubled his tally ten minutes later, leading Norway to a stunning victory over the five-time champions and earning recognition as a Golden Boot favorite.
Messi and Argentina produced another unforgettable display in their epic comeback against Egypt. The defending champions found themselves trailing 2-0 after Mostafa Ziko's 67th-minute strike. But Argentina refused to yield. Christian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute, and four minutes later, Lionel Messi equalized, bringing his World Cup goal tally to 21. Enzo Fernandez sealed the victory in second-half stoppage time, sending the pro-Argentina crowd in Atlanta into raptures. Messi was visibly emotional as the final whistle blew.
Perhaps the most chaotic match of all was England's encounter with Mexico at the legendary Estadio Azteca. The Three Lions held on for nearly 45 minutes against a dominant Mexican side before the drama truly began. Jude Bellingham had given England a 2-0 lead with two goals just two minutes apart, but Julián Quiñones responded in the 42nd minute. When Jarell Quansah received a red card, the tension reached fever pitch. This match, played in the same stadium where Maradona scored both his "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" in 1986, became the defining "where-were-you-when" moment of the 2026 World Cup.
These five encounters represent the 5 best moments of World Cup history, showcasing why the round of 16 remains one of the most exciting stages of any tournament.