The World Cup‘s round of 16 has come to an end, and what drama it delivered. We were treated to an upset of a tournament favorite, and one of the biggest names in the game had to watch from the bench … as his team advanced without him — and looked better than they have all tournament.
Be sure to check in with ESPN throughout the tournament as we bring you the latest from Qatar. Here’s what you might have missed from Tuesday’s World Cup happenings, and a look ahead to what’s coming later in the week.
– World Cup news, features, previews and more
– Stream FC Daily and Futbol Americas on ESPN+
Spain eliminated, Portugal move on — without Ronaldo
For the second straight World Cup, Spain have been knocked out on penalties in the round of 16. Four years ago it was at the hands on hosts Russia; on Tuesday, it was Morocco who ended the hopes of La Furia Roja — and more specifically, it was Madrid-born Achraf Hakimi who converted the game-winning spot kick.
After Pablo Sarabia began Spain’s shootout with an effort cannoning back off the woodwork, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou stole the show. The Sevilla No. 1 proceeded to make saves on Carlos Soler (who had converted each of his past nine penalties in regulation across all competitions) and Sergio Busquets, setting up Hakimi to deliver the dagger to the country of his birth.
The Atlas Lions become the fourth African team to make a World Cup quarterfinal, joining Ghana in 2010, Senegal in 2002 and Cameroon in 1990. All three were defeated, and Morocco have a tall task ahead of them if they’re to end that run, as they’ll face a Portugal team looking better than ever.
– World Cup bracket: Spain eliminated in last 16
Way-too-early look at USMNT’s depth chart for 2026 World Cup
How will the US player pool take shape for the 2026 World Cup? Here is a position-by-position breakdown.
Why Brazil’s dancing goal celebrations: Rehearsed on TikTok, performed on the pitch
Some may call them disrespectful, but Brazil don’t care. Neymar & Co. are going to keep on dancing every time they score a goal at the World Cup.
News and notes
Spain coach Luis Enrique took full responsibility for his team’s shocking World Cup exit at the hands of Morocco on Tuesday night in Qatar’s Education City Stadium. “The responsibility is mine,” he said after the match. “I chose the first three penalty takers, who were those I thought were the best specialists on the pitch. We didn’t even get to the fourth. Bounou is a spectacular goalkeeper in this aspect, he has a high percentage in going the right way. He was great.”
Cameroon football federation president and former star player Samuel Eto’o has apologised for being involved in a “violent altercation” with a man outside a World Cup stadium on Tuesday. Eto’o had paused to pose for photos with fans near Stadium 974 after Brazil’s 4-1 win over South Korea in the round of 16. Footage circulating on social media showed him then reacting to comments by a man holding a camera. The former Barcelona and Internazionale forward was initially held back by people in his entourage then got clear and appeared to aim a kick at the man, who fell backward to the ground.
Contrary to what some are suggesting, sources tell ESPN’s Adriana Garcia that Ronaldo has not signed with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Reports in Spain claimed Ronaldo will join the team on Jan. 1 for a a 2½-year €200-per-season contract, but sources say Ronaldo is focused on the World Cup and does not plan to make a decision until after he is finished with the tournament.
