On this episode of The Underdog World Cup Show, Chris Horwedel previews the final day of the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 while recapping Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland advancing into the last 16. The show opens with Spain beating Austria 3-0 behind two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and another from Pedro Porro, while Spain’s defense continues its perfect tournament with four straight clean sheets. Chris highlights Lamine Yamal’s influence, Austria failing to put a shot on target, and Spain’s first World Cup knockout win since 2010 before a massive Round of 16 matchup with Portugal.
Portugal’s dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia takes center stage next, with Ivan Perišić giving Croatia the lead, Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his first World Cup knockout goal from the penalty spot, and Gonçalo Ramos winning it in stoppage time. Chris breaks down the VAR drama, Ronaldo becoming the oldest player ever to score in a World Cup knockout match, and the likely end of Luka Modrić’s incredible World Cup career.
Switzerland also makes history, beating Algeria 2-0 in Vancouver for its first World Cup knockout win since 1938. Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye score, Granit Xhaka controls midfield, and Switzerland moves on to face either Colombia or Ghana.
The episode then previews Australia vs. Egypt, Argentina vs. Cape Verde, and Colombia vs. Ghana using odds from oddsmakers. Chris looks at Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush leading Egypt, Australia’s set-piece threat, Lionel Messi and Argentina’s heavy-favorite status against historic Cape Verde, and Colombia’s pressure-based attack against a Ghana team with Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, and Mohammed Kudus.