World Cup 2026: Portugal through to face Spain after VAR drama; Salah fit to face Australia
Quick summary
Portugal advanced to face Spain in the World Cup 2026 knockout stage following a dramatic match involving VAR decisions. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah has been declared fit to play for Egypt against Australia.
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Spain looked ominous in beating Austria.
The group stage is something you have to do but the World Cup starts here, Lamine Yamal had insisted, and down on the Pacific that was how it played out. It wasn’t just that Spain defeated Austria to reach the last 16 against Portugal or Croatia, their first victory at the knockout stage since they were champions in 2010; it was that on an enjoyable sunny afternoon they were Spain again. Two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and another from Pedro Porro completed a 3-0 win that was as recognisably theirs as their coach had requested beforehand. “Almost perfect,” Luis de la Fuente called it afterwards.
No wonder Newcastle United are working overtime to wrap up a deal for Johan Manzambi. The secret, if there was such a thing, is well and truly out when it comes to the 20-year-old Freiburg forward who destroyed the Algeria defence to tee up Breel Embolo for Switzerland’s opener in an ominously comfortable victory to reach the last 16.
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What happened
The Guardian's live blog covers key developments from World Cup 2026 knockout-round matches. Portugal booked their place in the next round to face Spain, with the match featuring significant VAR controversy. In a separate fixture, Egypt received a boost with Mohamed Salah declared fit to play against Australia. The blog also touches on other matches involving Switzerland, Argentina, Cape Verde, Colombia, and Ghana as the tournament progresses through its elimination phase.
Chance analysis
Portugal's progression sets up a high-profile clash with Spain, one of the tournament's marquee matchups. The VAR drama suggests contentious officiating that could influence tactical approaches going forward. Salah's fitness is a major boost for Egypt's chances against Australia, as his availability dramatically shifts Egypt's attacking threat. These outcomes reshape the bracket and betting/fantasy implications significantly.
Portugal gain a marquee Spain matchup while Switzerland are eliminated; Egypt receive a significant attacking boost with Salah confirmed fit.
Factor Portugal-Spain as a blockbuster upcoming fixture and account for Salah's full availability boosting Egypt's attacking output against Australia.