Winners and Losers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now moving at a fair old pace.ย
Round of 16 fixtures are complete in a week that will forever be remembered for Florent Balogun's red card being overturned, Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance, and another magical moment from Lionel Messi.
All that, and more, in this round's winners and losersโฆ
Winner: Jude Bellingham
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The English press drummed up a feeling of inevitability heading into the clash with Mexico at the Azteca. El Tri's home record and the altitude were wheeled out as two reasons Thomas Tuchel's side would return home defeated. It didn't turn out that way, with England's 3-2 win ranking among the nation's best.
England played excellently and impressively adapted to different game states, especially after Jarrell Quansah's red card. This slide could easily celebrate Jordan Pickford, Anthony Gordon, or Harry Kane. But it's Jude Bellingham, the man who scored both first-half goals after the team soaked up pressure, who deserves the special mention.
Bellingham is one of the world's most decisive attacking midfielders when he's allowed to run forwards, as we've seen with England and Real Madrid. Both of his goals came from perfectly-timed runs into the box. Then there was the certain-goal saving tackle right before halftime, which turned out to be as important as either strike.
English fans and media are quick to turn on their players when things go wrong, so it's important to acknowledge the moments when things go well. Jude's leadership, work ethic, and guts are the defining traits of this team right now. Not bad, considering many questioned whether he should start over Morgan Rogers a few weeks ago.
Loser: Gianni Infantino and FIFA
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Put it this way: the FIFA President has opened Pandora's box of inquiry and controversy after bowing to pressure from US President Donald Trump and "suspending" Folarin Balogun's red card, which allowed him to play against Belgium.
Balogun's red card could have been overturned via the normal appeal process. It backfired, and it should have repercussions. For an organization that supposedly keeps politics separate from the play on the pitch, it's a massive own goal.
Winner: Erling Haaland
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Seven goals in four World Cup matches is a spectacular opening salvo at the big dance for Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker's brace in the 2-0 win against Brazil highlighted his best qualities: one beautiful header after physically dominating Gabriel, and one nonchalant belter from the edge of the box.
The Norway striker had struggled for touches in the run-up to those moments, but it didn't matter, because Norway's tactics were absolutely spot on and kept Brazil out of the game.ย
Stรฅle Solbakken knew the Selecao had zero legs in a midfield propped up by a creaking Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes, who can't roam as much as he does for Newcastle because of the gaps it leaves. Solbakken knew that keeping the ball would leave Brazil vulnerable as the game went on. Norway's 66% possession was no fluke.
We had Carlo Ancelotti as a winner in the last round for his tactical switches that led Brazil to victory over Japan. He failed to adapt to Norway and, more worryingly, made things worse when replacing Matheus Cunha with Endrick, who missed a huge chance. Maybe Joao Pedro would have been worth including in the squad.
At the other end was Haaland, his wonderfully authentic personality making him a huge hit with viewers who may have never seen him before. A winner on and off the pitch this week.
Loser: The Co-Hosts
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Will the tournament lose a little something now that all three co-hosts are eliminated?ย
Canada, Mexico, and the USA succumbing in one fell swoop at the Round of 16 stage was a crushing return to reality. Canada never stood much hope against an excellent Morocco side, but Mexico and the USMNT will feel they could have done more against England and Belgium, respectively, two sides that stepped up in difficult circumstances.
The new format perhaps skewed progress a little bit, as some fairly easy groups then made way to winnable Round of 32 ties for each host that wouldn't have existed in previous iterations.ย
That said, all three nations had spells of excellent play, were well supported, and should be positive about the future. It's just a shame nobody could sustain a really deep run to kick off a proper fairytale.
Winner: Lionel Messi
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Lionel Messi was playing terribly against Egypt.ย
His missed penalty was poor and worryingly predictable. The Argentina icon was also easily shut out of the game and didn't seem to have the buzz about his play that we've seen at this World Cup.
It looked like Messi would join Cristiano Ronaldo in bowing out from international football after a disappointing climax, with Argentina 2-0 down heading into the last 10 minutes.
He found some life, and by god, did it make a difference. Messi's cross for Cristian Romero's goal gave Argentina hope. His ridiculous finish to equalise ranks among the most important goals of his career. Enzo Fernรกndez's brilliant header to complete the comeback was shortly followed by the final whistle, and with it, Messi was in tears.
Those tears were relief. There were tears of escaping. Tears for one more match. Another opportunity to create a moment that will live with football fans forever. Both he and Argentina need to improve if the next lot of tears isn't to signal the end.
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