Cabo Verde's World Cup success sparks debate on national identity, with some identifying as Portuguese and others embracing African roots, a complexity rooted in its history as a Portuguese colony and slave trading hub.
FIFA has moved VAR officials inside stadiums for all remaining 2026 World Cup matches following criticism of officiating. The change aims to enhance operational reliability, with on-site officials acting as a safeguard against technical issues.
FIFA has moved VAR officials into stadiums for all remaining 2026 World Cup matches following criticism of officiating. The change aims to improve operational reliability by having on-site officials as a backup to remote operations in Dallas.
Egyptians across the nation gathered in coffee houses and fan zones to watch their national football team's World Cup round-of-16 match against Argentina. Despite a 2-3 loss, fans expressed pride in the team's historic performance, their best ever in the tournament, and lauded coach Hossam Hassan's support for the Palestinian people.
South Korea's football chief Chung Mong-gyu resigned Monday, a week after the national team failed to reach the World Cup knockout stage. His departure follows criticism from President Lee Jae-myung and coach Hong Myung-bo's resignation, after the team secured only three points in their group.
The Royal Belgian Football Association has appealed FIFA's decision to overturn the red-card disqualification of US striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the Last 16 match against Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Seattle.
Brazil and Norway are locked at 0-0 at halftime in their World Cup knockout match in New Jersey. Both teams have had significant chances, including a missed penalty by Brazil's Bruno Guimarães and a crucial save by Alisson Becker from Martin Odegaard. Norway has dominated possession.
Mexico has reached the World Cup Round of 16 with four wins and no goals conceded. They broke a knockout stage losing streak dating back to 1986 and will now face England at the Azteca Stadium.
Cristiano Ronaldo, despite numerous records, has never scored or assisted in a World Cup knockout match. With this potentially being his last World Cup, the upcoming match against Croatia presents a final opportunity to break this nearly two-decade-long "curse."
Harry Kane scored two late goals to give England a 2-1 comeback win over Congo DR, moving him level with Erling Haaland and one goal behind leaders Messi and Mbappé in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race. Kane also surpassed Pelé's World Cup goal tally.
Folarin Balogun scored the opening goal in the US's 2-0 World Cup victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, securing their place in the last 16. However, Balogun was later sent off with a straight red card for an incident deemed violent conduct, casting a shadow over the celebratory win.
The United States secured a 2-0 victory against Bosnia in the World Cup, advancing to the last 16 despite playing with 10 men. Folarin Balogun scored and was later sent off, with Malik Tillman sealing the win with a free kick. This marks the US's first knockout-stage win in 24 years.
The United States men's national soccer team secured a 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup, advancing to the knockout stage after a 24-year drought. Despite a red card for Folarin Balogun, Malik Tillman sealed the win with a late free kick. The USA will face Belgium next.
Hundreds of England fans in Bristol watched their team narrowly beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a World Cup knockout match. Despite a tense game with moments of shock and frustration, fans expressed hope for England's progression, celebrating Harry Kane's winning goal.
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.
England captain Harry Kane is one goal away from equaling Sir Geoff Hurst's World Cup knockout stage record as England prepares to face DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 in Atlanta. DR Congo makes history reaching the knockout rounds for the first time.
The World Cup 2026 knockout stages are being played under severe heat, impacting player performance. Argentina, Portugal, Spain, and Brazil face the highest risk of heat-related impairment, with only three stadiums climate-controlled.
The World Cup 2026 knockout stage is underway, featuring intense matches like England vs. DRC and Belgium vs. Senegal. Several teams have advanced to the last 16, while others are eliminated. Records are being broken, and unexpected predictions are emerging, including a Ghanaian spiritualist's forecast of a Cape Verde victory over Argentina.
England coach Thomas Tuchel views the World Cup knockout stage as "the third chapter" of his mission to win the trophy. After topping their group, England face DR Congo in Atlanta, with defensive frailties highlighted as a key concern. Injuries to key players like Reece James and Jarell Quansah leave Djed Spence as the main right-back option.
Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 in Mexico City, with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, to advance to the World Cup round of 16, ending a 40-year drought in the knockout stage and sparking widespread celebrations.
Mexico and Ecuador begin their knockout stage campaign at the Estadio Azteca following a weather delay. Both teams have announced their starting XIs, featuring key players like Enner Valencia for Ecuador and Raúl Jiménez for Mexico.
Kylian Mbappe has set a new record, becoming the sole leader in goals scored during World Cup knockout stage matches with his ninth goal. He previously shared the record with Brazilian legends Leonidas and Ronaldo.
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.
