England edge DR Congo as Belgium reach last 16
Pochettino says Balogun’s VAR red was ‘never a red card’ after scoring in USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia. The striker is suspended for the last-16 vs Belgium, with no appeal possible under FIFA rules.
Belgium’s World Cup lineup graphics win praise, featuring retro cassette-tape themes and creative motifs that boost fan engagement during the tournament.
Liverpool player criticised for poor World Cup form amid club’s summer reset under Andoni Iraola.
Spain set to stick with core for the last-16 vs Austria. Right-back choice between Marcos Llorente and Pedro Porro, Dani Olmo favoured as 10. Nico Williams out, Yeremy Pino and Víctor Muñoz available.
Aston Villa make an approach for Ecuador’s Pedro Vite after his standout World Cup displays, with Pumas valuing him at about £9m and Racing Club also interested.
Rudi Garcia hails captain Youri Tielemans, who equalised then converted a 125’ penalty after VAR as Belgium came from 0-2 to beat Senegal 3-2 AET and reach the last 16 in Seattle.
Portugal and Croatia report no injuries or suspensions for their round-of-32 tie. Predicted XIs include Ronaldo for Portugal and Modric, Perisic, Budimir for Croatia at BMO Field.
Predictions: Morocco beat Canada, France ease past Paraguay, Brazil edge Norway, Mexico draw England, USA beat Belgium. Commentary highlights France’s attack and Ancelotti’s in-game tweaks.
Ecuador’s Moises Caicedo ranked second for expected assists per game at the World Cup, hinting at a more advanced creative role on his return to Chelsea.
Lucha libre culture surges alongside the World Cup in Mexico, with masked fans crowding arenas and streets despite stadium mask restrictions, adding colour to the tournament atmosphere.
After a 2-1 round-of-32 loss to Brazil, Japan are set to keep Hajime Moriyasu, with the JFA planning a one-year extension ahead of the Asian Cup. Japan again exited without a World Cup knockout win.
Mbappé has trained in Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 ‘Scorpion’ ahead of the World Cup knockouts, sharing the boots on social media.
Golden Boot race: Messi 6, Mbappé 6; Haaland 5, Kane 5; Dembélé 4, Vinícius Júnior 4. Messi surpassed Klose’s 16, Mbappé starred vs Sweden, Kane decisive vs DR Congo.
Holders Argentina face debutants Cape Verde in the round of 32. Opta rates Argentina 81% to win. Messi has 6 goals and a seven-game scoring streak. Cape Verde advanced unbeaten with three draws.
Mexico chase a fifth straight clean sheet to surpass England’s 1966 run when they face England. Raul Jimenez, with six past Pickford, has scored twice this World Cup and targets more at Estadio Azteca.
Canada weigh starting Alphonso Davies for the last-16 vs Morocco. Laryea likely keeps his spot, Shaffelburg pushes Millar on the left. Predicted XI includes David and Oluwaseyi up front.
England edge DR Congo 2-1 as Kane nets late brace, Rice says he is ‘good as gold’. Belgium stun Senegal 3-2 AET with Tielemans’ 125’ VAR penalty. USA beat Bosnia 2-0, Balogun scores then sees red, Tillman seals it.
Guide for England fans on coping with the 1am UK kick-off vs Mexico in the last 16: stay up through Brazil-Norway, nap before KO, or catch up early, plus tips to handle Monday.
Man United contact Ismaila Sarr’s camp after his 4 goals and 2 assists for Senegal at the World Cup. Palace want a hefty fee, Juventus also keen; Sarr mainly plays off the right.
Newcastle still want Man City’s James Trafford as No 1 despite signing Ewen Jaouen. Talks not formal yet, Nick Pope likely to leave only if a replacement arrives.
Axel Tuanzebe sets ambitions for DR Congo after their World Cup milestone, outlining hopes to build on the achievement.
Opinion piece notes Trump’s low-key stance during the World Cup despite record attendances, contrasting football’s diverse, diaspora-rich tournament with his usual rhetoric.
Ipsos poll shows US World Cup run excites fans but has not sparked a nationwide boom. Only ~20% identify as soccer fans, 17% are very excited for the tournament, and views on Fifa are mixed.
Arsenal set a World Cup record with six different assist makers in 2026: Ødegaard 3, Gyökeres 2, Saka 2, Gabriel 1, Rice 1, Trossard 1. Trossard’s came in Belgium’s tie with Senegal.
