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.
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.
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.
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.
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi criticizes the 48-team format as his unbeaten team faces the Netherlands in a highly anticipated second-round match, 30 years after a historic World Cup encounter between the two nations.
South Africa's Bafana Bafana, under Belgian coach Hugo Broos, qualify for the World Cup knockout stages for the first time, overcoming a near-disastrous qualification blunder and exceeding expectations with a team built from local league players.
Five teams have secured knockout stage spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with three more to be decided based on points and goal difference; The Athletic's model predicts likely advancements
South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana, led by 74-year-old coach Hugo Broos, prepares to face Canada in the World Cup's last-32 phase, seeking to build on their historic group stage qualification.
England confirms knockout stage place in World Cup with 4 points from 2 games, ahead of final group match against Panama; potential opponents in last 32 include DR Congo, Senegal, or Group J's third-placed team
Belgium secured their place in the World Cup knockout stages with a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver. Goals from Trossard (2), De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Saelemaekers propelled Belgium to the top of Group G.
Cape Verde, the smallest nation by population to reach the World Cup knockout stages, drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia to secure a historic spot. Coach Bubista emphasized their achievement as an example for smaller countries, stating "nothing is impossible" and they will face Argentina with pride and determination.
England has secured a spot in the World Cup knockout stages before their final group game against Panama. With four points from two matches, they are guaranteed at least a third-place qualification spot. Uruguay's loss to Spain confirmed their advancement.
Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni has decided to bench captain Lionel Messi for their final Group J match against Jordan to manage his workload. Messi, who has scored all five of Argentina's goals so far, will start on the bench but is expected to feature later in the game.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has joined Notts Outlaws for the T20 Blast 2026 season as a domestic player after obtaining British citizenship, allowing Nottinghamshire greater team selection flexibility and opening more opportunities for Amir in English domestic cricket.
South Africa secured a historic spot in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages with a 1-0 win over South Korea. Coach Hugo Broos, 74, became the oldest manager to win a World Cup match. Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup's group stage concluded for Groups D, E, and F, with Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Australia securing spots in the knockout rounds. Several matches featured dramatic late goals and unexpected results.
Ecuador's coach Sebastian Beccacece celebrated an emotional 2-1 victory against Germany, securing a spot in the World Cup knockout stages for the second time in history. Beccacece, who had faced pressure to resign, praised his team's fighting spirit after a turbulent campaign.
The Socceroos prepare for a crucial World Cup match against Paraguay, while rescuers race to save thousands trapped after a devastating earthquake in Venezuela. In Australia, Karl Stefanovic has left Nine following criticism over a podcast, and a new political party, Community Strong Australia, has launched.
Canada lost 2-1 to Switzerland in Vancouver, forcing them to play South Africa in Los Angeles for the World Cup knockout stages. Coach Jesse Marsch admitted star player Alphonso Davies was used as a decoy and was not fit to play, despite earlier guarantees.
Morocco overcame a significant challenge from Haiti, coming from behind twice to secure a 4-2 victory in the FIFA World Cup. Substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine scored late goals, ensuring Morocco's progression to the round of 32 and ending Haiti's tournament hopes.
