Down to Two: Argentina and Colombia Carry Latin America at the World Cup
Latin America · World Cup
Key Facts
- Two left. Argentina and Colombia are the only Latin American sides still in the World Cup.
- Brazil out. Norway knocked out Brazil in the last 16, with Erling Haaland scoring twice.
- Mexico out. England beat Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca, the hosts’ first World Cup defeat there.
- Both play Tuesday. Argentina face Egypt in Atlanta and Colombia play in Vancouver.
- Where to watch. Free fan zones run in Buenos Aires, Bogotá and across the region.
*Argentina and Colombia are Latin America's last two World Cup hopes after Brazil fell to Haaland's Norway and England beat Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca — both sides face last-16 ties on Tuesday.*
Latin America’s World Cup has narrowed to two. A dramatic Sunday knocked out both Brazil and Mexico, leaving Argentina and Colombia to carry the region’s hopes into last-16 ties on Tuesday.
Brazil and Mexico fall
Norway stunned Brazil in the last 16, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to send the five-time champions out. Brazil did not score; Norway’s Erling Haaland scored both goals in the 2-1 win.
The result ended the run of the tournament’s most decorated nation earlier than many expected. For a side that has won the World Cup five times, a last-16 exit lands as a heavy blow.
Hours later, England won 3-2 at a storm-delayed Azteca. They became the first team to beat Mexico in a World Cup at the famous stadium.
Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane converted a penalty, and England held on with ten men. The defeat also ended the hosts’ campaign on home soil, in front of their own crowd.
The last two standing
That leaves Argentina and Colombia as the region’s only survivors, both into the last 16. Argentina, the holders, face Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Colombia play Switzerland in Vancouver the same day. Between them they now carry Latin America’s hopes of a place in the quarterfinals.
Argentina needed extra time to get past Cape Verde in the previous round. It was a tight escape that showed the holders are not yet at their best.
Colombia, by contrast, have looked assured on their run so far. They arrive at the last 16 with quiet confidence rather than nerves.
| Team | Last-16 tie (Tue Jul 7) |
|---|---|
| Argentina | v Egypt, Atlanta |
| Colombia | v Switzerland, Vancouver |
Where to watch on Tuesday
Buenos Aires runs its free Fan Fest at Plaza Seeber. Bogotá and Medellín set up public screens for Colombia’s tie.
Rio and São Paulo fan zones now turn to the neutral’s choice, since Brazil are out. Many fans there will still gather to follow the drama.
Kickoff times fall in the evening across the region, so check yours before heading out. Expect the bars and squares to fill for both matches.
What it means
For expat fans, the region’s run is down to a straight two-team hope. A Latin American quarterfinalist is no longer guaranteed.
Argentina and Colombia must both win on Tuesday to keep two regional sides in the last eight. A single slip would leave just one flag flying for Latin America.
Either way, the knockouts have thinned the field fast, and the quarterfinals begin on Thursday. The tournament now runs to its climax over the following two weeks.
For fans across the region, the coming days carry real weight. Two ties on Tuesday will decide how much of Latin America’s dream survives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Latin American teams are left?
Only Argentina and Colombia remain in the last 16. Brazil, Mexico and Paraguay have joined Uruguay and Ecuador in going out.
How did Brazil go out?
Norway beat them 2-1 in the last 16, with Erling Haaland scoring twice. It was a major upset.
What happened to Mexico?
England beat the hosts 3-2 at the Azteca, Mexico’s first World Cup defeat at the stadium. England held on with ten men.
When do Argentina and Colombia play?
Both play on Tuesday, July 7 — Argentina against Egypt in Atlanta and Colombia in Vancouver. The quarterfinals begin Thursday.
Where can I watch for free?
Buenos Aires’s Plaza Seeber and public screens in Bogotá and Medellín show the ties. Rio and São Paulo fan zones also run.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error
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