Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simón has set a new World Cup record for most minutes without conceding, surpassing Switzerland's previous record. The team's strong defensive performance, with contributions from players like Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, has been key to their success, allowing them to reach the quarter-finals without conceding a goal.
The World Cup's final day of the last 16 features Argentina facing Egypt and Switzerland playing Colombia. Both Argentina and Egypt are on historic runs, while Switzerland and Colombia aim to advance as dark horses.
Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. The victory was sweetened by overcoming a controversy where US striker Folarin Balogun's red card was overturned after alleged lobbying by Donald Trump, which Belgium deemed unjust.
Socceroo Awer Mabil called "bullshit" Pauline Hanson's claim that the national team embodies her vision of a monocultural Australia, stating the team reflects modern, inclusive Australia. Mabil, born in a Kenyan refugee camp to South Sudanese parents, emphasized the Socceroos' diverse heritage.
Thomas Tuchel lauded England's resilience after Harry Kane's late brace secured a comeback victory against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, setting up a last-16 tie with Mexico. Tuchel compared Kane to a "shark" and expressed pride in the team's determination.
Four people died, three from suffocation, as thousands of fans crowded Mexico City streets to celebrate Mexico's 2-0 World Cup victory over Ecuador. The deaths occurred near the Angel of Independence landmark.
Cape Verde, a small island nation, has achieved a historic feat by reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup 2026, becoming the smallest country to do so. They will face Argentina in the round of 32.
Three people died from suffocation in Mexico City as thousands celebrated Mexico's World Cup victory over Ecuador. A 44-year-old man, a 19-year-old woman, and a 48-year-old woman were among the fatalities near the Angel of Independence landmark.
Mo Salah led Egypt to a historic first World Cup win against New Zealand, moving closer to the national goalscoring record. Despite past near misses and recent injury concerns, Salah's performance is pivotal for Egypt's campaign, with fans hopeful for a deep run in the tournament.
Three people died from suffocation in Mexico City during World Cup celebrations after Mexico's 2-0 victory over Ecuador. Thousands of fans crowded near the Angel of Independence, leading to emergency teams tending to unconscious individuals.
Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia defended his players against "has-been" criticism after their 5-1 World Cup win over New Zealand, which secured top spot in Group G. The team, based in Seattle, is now preparing for a challenging last-16 match against Senegal, with Garcia expressing confidence despite past underwhelming performances.
Gabriel Zakuani, former DR Congo captain, opted out of co-commentating their World Cup match vs. England due to emotional attachment. He played a key role in assembling the squad from the diaspora and believes they can exploit England's defensive weaknesses.
Belgium secured top spot in Group G with a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand. Coach Rudi Garcia defended his players against criticism, highlighting their caliber and a strong unbeaten record. The win sets up a potential last-16 clash with the USA.
Thomas Tuchel has cautioned England against complacency as they prepare to face the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the World Cup last 32. Despite being heavy favorites, Tuchel stressed the importance of maintaining composure and belief when facing a defensively strong opponent, drawing parallels to previous challenging group stage matches.
Iran's football federation has accused a senior US official of "lies" and "mistreatment" after he celebrated their World Cup exit. The federation stated that Iranians are "used to" such remarks and that US officials lack commitment to international law.
The US team prepares for their last-32 World Cup clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina, acknowledging the knockout stage's unpredictability despite being favorites. Players emphasize the need for a high-level performance and sticking to their successful style.
Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann stated he will not resign following their World Cup elimination by Paraguay. Despite criticism, he expressed a desire to continue if the German FA supports him, acknowledging the team's underperformance and the difficulty of facing an ultra-defensive opponent.
After Japan's World Cup exit, midfielder Daichi Kamada stated the national team will never win the trophy unless football surpasses baseball and other sports to become the country's number one sport, citing a current lack of quality.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's national football team, the Leopards, have made history by reaching the World Cup knockout phase, fostering unprecedented national unity across deep political and ethnic divides, particularly in the conflict-ridden east, despite ongoing war and visa challenges for fans.
Unbeaten France face Sweden in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. France were group stage dominant, while Sweden advanced as a best third-placed team. The match takes place at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Chinese referee Ma Ning gained significant attention on social media during a World Cup match between Paraguay and Germany, going viral on Weibo after instructing the main referee to issue yellow cards to both team managers.
Esmir Bajraktarević, born in the US to Bosnian refugee parents, switched international allegiance from the United States to Bosnia and Herzegovina. He will now face his former US teammates in the World Cup last 32, an unexpected match-up enabled by FIFA's expansion.
Lionel Messi scored in his 7th consecutive World Cup match, leading Argentina to a 3-1 win over Jordan. Argentina tops Group J, while Austria and Algeria advance after a 3-3 draw, eliminating Iran.
England secured a last 32 World Cup berth with two late goals against Panama, avoiding an early exit and a potential last 16 clash with Spain. They now face either Senegal or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
