Beyond the final result, World Cup 2026's knockout rounds produced a run of standout individual moments. Here are the goals and performances that defined the tournament's back half.
Erling Haaland's Double Ends Brazil's Run
In the Round of 16, Erling Haaland scored twice in the final 11 minutes -- in the 79th minute and again in stoppage time -- to beat five-time champions Brazil 2-1 and send Norway into the quarterfinals. It was the single biggest individual contribution of the knockout stage measured against the stakes: eliminating the tournament's most decorated team.
Jude Bellingham's Extra-Time Brace vs Norway
Norway's run ended in the quarterfinal against England, but not before Jude Bellingham produced a double of his own -- equalizing in first-half stoppage time and then winning it three minutes into extra time -- in a 2-1 England win that went the distance.
Ronaldo's First-Ever World Cup Knockout Goal
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout goal from the penalty spot in Portugal's 2-1 Round of 32 win over Croatia -- a landmark moment in a fifth and, by his own account, final World Cup appearance. Portugal's run ended one round later, beaten 1-0 by Spain when substitute Mikel Merino scored in second-half stoppage time.
Mac Allister's Header Sparks Argentina's Extra-Time Win
Alexis Mac Allister headed Argentina ahead in the 10th minute of their quarterfinal against Switzerland, and although Dan Ndoye equalized, Argentina saw out extra time to reach the semifinals -- and eventually the final -- on the back of that early strike.
Ferran Torres Wins the Final
The tournament's last significant moment belonged to Ferran Torres: finishing from close range in the 106th minute after Nico Williams headed a cross back across goal, to win the final 1-0 for Spain against 10-man Argentina. Read the full final recap.
The Numbers
- Kylian Mbappe finished as top scorer with 10 goals -- see the full Golden Boot standings.
- Spain conceded only once all tournament, in the 2-1 quarterfinal win over Belgium -- see the champions recap.
- England beat France 6-4 in the July 18 third-place play-off, the highest-scoring match of the knockout rounds -- see the full recap.