5 best moments of World Cup's round of 16: From Messi magic to Azteca insanity

The quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup kick off Thursday, July 9 when France takes on Morocco in a rematch of a 2022 World Cup semifinal.

But, before we turn our attention to what might lie ahead, we take a look back at the mayhem that was the round of 16. It was a four-day span that provided more than its share of drama … both good and bad. We're here to focus on the good.

These are the top five best moments from the 2026 World Cup's round of 16:

5. Switzerland-Colombia shootout drama

For 120-plus minutes, this game was a real dud (especially when compared to the Argentina-Egypt epic-ness that preceded it). But then it came down to the one-on-one, shooter-vs.-goalkeeper with quarterfinal-spot-on-the-line tension that makes shootouts so compelling.

This penalty shootout between Colombia and Switzerland in Vancouver came down to the fifth round and the final kicker, Rubén Vargas, who had Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas (no relation) guessing the wrong way. Switzerland won the shootout, 4-3, and advanced to its first quarterfinal in 72 years.

4. Super-sub sends Spain to quarterfinals

In what will go down as the final World Cup match of legend of the game Cristiano Ronaldo, it was the slightly lesser-known Mikel Merino who decided the heavyweight showdown between the Iberian Peninsula rivals.

Merino came into the match for Spain in the 84th minute, then six minutes later was the game's hero. Just seconds into second-half stoppage time, Merino collected a nifty pass from Ferran Torres and beat Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa for the game-winning goal.

3. Erling Haaland heroics sparks stunner

Brazil had to be sacrificed so the fun and delight that is Erling Haaland and upstart Norway could remain in the World Cup spotlight for at least another round.

Haaland is having an all-time World Cup performance, a tour-de-force effort that has Norway experiencing World Cup heights never before enjoyed by the nordic nation. In a tighyly contested match that was deadlocked at 0-0 for nearly 80 minutes, Haaland finally struck. The 6-foot-5 matchup nightmare got his head on a cross from Andreas Schjelderup to get Norway on the board. Then, 10 minutes later, Haaland sealed Norway's spot in the quarterfinals with a second goal. Norway pulled off a shocker over the five-time World Cup champions behind the heroics of their Golden Boot contender Haaland.

2. Messi and Argentina rally for epic win

This match had it all … non-stop action, an underdog attempting to spring an upset against the reigning world champs, a dramatic comeback, controversy and, of course, the soccer G.O.A.T.

Down 2-0 to Egypt after Mostafa Ziko's goal in the 67th minute, it looked as if it was curtains for the defending World Cup champions. Instead, Lionel Messi and Co. executed an epic comeback. Christian Romero pulled Argentina within one in the 79th minute, and then just four minutes later Messi scored the equalizer (the goal extended Messi's World Cup record to 21). Then, in second-half stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez scored the winner, sending the largely pro-Argentina crowd in Atlanta into a frenzy.

The match took such an emotional toll on Messi that the all-time great was overcome with emotion following its conclusion.

1. Insanity at the Azteca

This game was a chaotic mess; an instant classic and the biggest where-were-you-when match of this World Cup so far. Where do we even begin with this thriller?

England fans had to endure nearly 45 minutes of watching their team bunker down on defense and let Mexico take shots on goal as the Three Lions perilously held onto a 3-2 lead. England held on, but the match had plenty of pregame, in-game and postgame craziness.

For starters, the Estadio Azteca was where Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal — and, not to mention, the "Goal of the Century" — took place when Argentina knocked England out during the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup. There was that history for England, plus the reputation of near-invincibility that Mexico enjoys at the Azteca; its altitude and fan fervor making it a fortress for El Tri. That's a lot of lore to overcome.

In the game, Jude Bellingham scored two goals two minutes apart to put England up 2-0. However, Mexico immediately stormed back, getting on the board in the 42nd minute on a goal from Julián Quiñones. The final moments of the first half was a precursor of things to come for England as Mexico pelted the goal with Three Lions keeper Jordan Pickford playing his finest game so far in this World Cup.

The tide of the game seemed to change when England's Jarell Quansah was red-carded off the pitch in the 54th minute. However, Harry Kane put England back up by two goals with a penalty kick in the 60th minute. After that, it was all Mexico. Raúl Jiménez scored his own penalty kick in the 69th minute, and it seemed Mexico was going to find at least the equalizer … but it didn't. Pickford and Co. were resolute in defense as England held on for what will go down as one of its most famous wins in its history.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 best moments of World Cup's round of 16: From Messi magic to Azteca insanity