World Cup 2026 Quotes Hub — Messi, Mbappé, Haaland & Every Knockout Nation's Squad
The 2026 FIFA World Cup — the first hosted by three nations (United States, Canada and Mexico) and the first with 48 teams — has reached its knockout stage. From June 28 to July 3, the new Round of 32 delivered penalty dramas, giant-killings and history: Paraguay eliminated Germany on penalties, Morocco knocked out the Netherlands, DR Congo and Cape Verde reached a World Cup knockout round for the first time ever, and Lionel Messi — at 39, in his sixth World Cup — dragged Argentina through extra time against Cape Verde.
This hub collects our full World Cup 2026 coverage: for each of the 32 knockout-stage nations, a dedicated article with the regular starting lineup, current clubs, the captain and coach, and verified quotes from that country's stars and legends — from Johan Cruyff to Erling Haaland, from Pelé to Lamine Yamal. As of early July 2026 the Round of 16 is under way (July 4–7), with blockbusters like Portugal vs Spain and Mexico vs England at the Estadio Azteca still to come.
The Round of 16 (July 4–7, 2026)
| Date | Match | City |
|---|---|---|
| July 4 | Paraguay vs France | Philadelphia |
| July 4 | Canada vs Morocco | Houston |
| July 5 | Brazil vs Norway | East Rutherford |
| July 6 | Mexico vs England | Mexico City |
| July 6 | Portugal vs Spain | Arlington |
| July 6 | United States vs Belgium | Seattle |
| July 7 | Argentina vs Egypt | Atlanta |
| July 7 | Switzerland vs Colombia | Vancouver |
All 32 Knockout Nations — Squad & Quotes Guides
South America
- Argentina — Messi, Julián Álvarez & the defending champions
- Brazil — Vinícius Júnior, Neymar & Ancelotti's Seleção
- Colombia — James Rodríguez & Luis Díaz
- Ecuador — Moisés Caicedo's generation
- Paraguay — the giant-killers who beat Germany
Europe
- Spain — Lamine Yamal, Pedri & the European champions
- France — Mbappé & Deschamps's farewell
- England — Bellingham, Kane & Tuchel
- Portugal — Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth World Cup
- Germany — Musiala, Kimmich & a shock exit
- Netherlands — Van Dijk, Gakpo & Cruyff's legacy
- Belgium — De Bruyne's last dance
- Switzerland — Xhaka & a first knockout win since 1938
- Austria — Alaba & Rangnick's pressing machine
- Croatia — Modrić's fifth World Cup at 40
- Norway — Haaland & Ødegaard end a 28-year wait
- Sweden — Isak, Gyökeres & Zlatan's shadow
- Bosnia and Herzegovina — Džeko at 40
North & Central America
- United States — Pulisic & Pochettino at a home World Cup
- Mexico — Santiago Giménez & the quest for the quinto partido
- Canada — Alphonso Davies & Jonathan David
Africa
- Morocco — Hakimi & another knockout run
- Egypt — Mohamed Salah's last World Cup
- Senegal — Sadio Mané & Koulibaly
- Ivory Coast — in Drogba's footsteps
- Ghana — the Black Stars' new generation
- Algeria — Mahrez & the Desert Foxes
- DR Congo — a historic first knockout stage
- South Africa — Bafana Bafana's first knockout appearance
- Cape Verde — the Blue Sharks' fairytale debut
Asia & Oceania
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams played at the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition with 48 teams, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. After the group stage, 32 teams advanced to the new Round of 32 knockout round, played from June 28 to July 3, 2026.
What were the biggest surprises of the 2026 knockout stage so far?
Paraguay eliminated Germany on penalties, Morocco beat the Netherlands in a shootout, and Egypt knocked out Australia on penalties to reach their first-ever knockout win. Debutants Cape Verde and DR Congo both reached the Round of 32, and Cape Verde pushed Argentina to extra time.
Is this Lionel Messi's and Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup?
Messi (39) and Ronaldo (41) are both playing a record sixth World Cup in 2026, and both have suggested it will be their last. Our Argentina and Portugal squad guides collect their most famous verified quotes on dreams, work and legacy.
Related Quote Collections
- Lionel Messi Quotes — Talent and humility in football
- Cristiano Ronaldo Quotes — Ambition and hard work
- Pelé Quotes — The beautiful game
- Diego Maradona Quotes — Genius and rebellion
- Zinedine Zidane Quotes — Elegance and football artistry