Spain sink Portugal, Belgium rout USA, secure quarter-final spots — Pajhwok

KABUL, July 7 (Pajhwok): Spain and Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after registering victories over Portugal and the United States in their Round of 16 matches. Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in a closely contested encounter on Monday. After a goalless first half and sustained pressure from both sides, Spain scored the decisive goal late in the match to seal a hard-fought victory and book a place in the last eight. In the other Round of 16 fixture, Belgium produced a commanding display to defeat the United States 4-1. Belgium took control of the match with an attacking performance, as Charles De Ketelaere struck twice, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added a goal each. Malik Tillman scored the United States’ only goal, but it was not enough to prevent elimination. With the victories, Spain and Belgium have secured quarter-final berths and will face each other in the next stage of the tournament.