Nine African teams reach World Cup knockouts but only two advance to last 16
Ninety per cent of Africa’s representatives progressed from the group stage, yet narrow defeats prevented a historic haul of three teams in the last 16.
Weber Backs Tuchel as ‘Perfect Coach’ to Guide England to World Cup Glory
FC Augsburg sporting director Benjamin Weber has backed England to win the World Cup under Thomas Tuchel, calling him the “perfect coach” for the Three Lions ahead of their Round of 32 clash with DR Congo.
Schlotterbeck to miss Japan tour as Dortmund confirm 4-6 week recovery timeline
Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck will wear a protective boot for four to six weeks and miss the club’s pre-season tour of Japan after suffering a medial ligament injury at the World Cup.
Ronaldo penalty and Jota tribute send Portugal into World Cup last 16
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty and wore Diogo Jota’s No. 21 jersey on the anniversary of the Liverpool forward’s death as Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 to reach the World Cup last 16.
Unai Simón breaks Zenga’s 36-year World Cup clean sheet record
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón has established a new World Cup record for consecutive unbeaten minutes, surpassing Walter Zenga’s 36-year-old mark during his side’s victory over Austria.
Batistuta admits he ‘didn’t enjoy playing football’ and has ‘no answer’ on Messi-Maradona debate
Gabriel Batistuta has admitted he ‘didn’t enjoy playing football’ during his storied career and maintains he has ‘no answer’ to the debate comparing Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.
Inter lead race for Chalobah after Chelsea reject Como bid
Inter Milan are considering a formal offer for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah after the England international’s agents approved a move to San Siro.
Australia Prepare Dual Strategies for Egypt Clash
Australia coach Tony Popovic has revealed his squad have trained for scenarios involving Mohamed Salah and alternative Egypt line-ups ahead of their World Cup match on Friday.
Cape Verde exit World Cup after heroic 3-2 thriller against Argentina
The Blue Sharks became the smallest nation ever to contest a World Cup knockout match, pushing defending champions Argentina to the limit before a 3-2 defeat in Miami.
Portugal 2-1 Croatia Analysis: Ronaldo’s First Knockout Goal and Ramos’s Late Header Set Up Spain
Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in Toronto on July 3 EAT to advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, where they will face Spain. Gonçalo Ramos headed a stoppage-time winner after Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty for his first knockout goal of the tournament, cancelling out Ivan Perišić’s second-half opener. Croatia had a potential late equaliser ruled out for offside following a VAR review, ending the 2018 finalists’ campaign in the expanded 48-team tournament’s first knockout round.