Matthäus Backs Kimmich to Remain Germany Captain Despite World Cup Exit
Lothar Matthäus has defended Joshua Kimmich’s role in the Germany national team after Dietmar Hamann urged the midfielder to step down following their early World Cup exit.
FIFA World Cup
Manzambi ruled out of Switzerland’s World Cup last-16 clash with Colombia
SC Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi will miss Switzerland’s World Cup round of 16 match against Colombia after suffering a knee injury in training, while teammates Rubén Vargas and Djibril Sow face fitness tests.
Ronaldo’s World Cup career ends as Juventus pursue Pellegrino and defensive targets
Cristiano Ronaldo has concluded his World Cup career as Italian clubs navigate a busy transfer market, with Juventus targeting defender Pellegrino and Napoli preparing to offload 25 players.
Belgium thrash USMNT 4-1 to reach World Cup quarter-finals
Charles De Ketelaere scored twice as Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in the World Cup Round of 16. The Red Devils will face Spain in the quarter-finals.
United States 1-4 Belgium Analysis: De Ketelaere’s Double, Freese’s Error and Garcia’s Clinical Reality Check
Belgium eliminated the United States 4-1 in Seattle to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals against Spain, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice in the first half, Malik Tillman’s temporary equaliser proving insufficient, Matt Freese’s costly error gifting Hans Vanaken Belgium’s third, and Romelu Lukaku sealing the result in stoppage time.
Portugal 0-1 Spain Analysis: Merino’s 91st-Minute Strike, Lamine’s Pressure and Ronaldo’s Final Exit
Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in Arlington to advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals against Belgium. Substitute Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the 91st minute, finishing a move involving Ferran Torres just six minutes after entering the pitch. The tight Iberian derby saw Diogo Costa produce multiple saves for Portugal and Unai Simón deny Cristiano Ronaldo, but Spain’s patient possession under Luis de la Fuente ultimately broke through late, ending Ronaldo’s World Cup career and eliminating Portugal after their Group K second-place finish and Round-of-32 win over Croatia.
Colombia’s ‘Yellow Fever’ Sweeps North America Ahead of Switzerland Clash
Thousands of Colombia supporters have traversed North America ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup quarter-final against Switzerland in Vancouver, with opposing managers admitting the ’12th man’ has shocked teams.
Mexico 2-3 England Analysis: Bellingham’s Double, Quansah’s Red Card and Tuchel’s Azteca Survival
England defeated Mexico 3-2 at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday evening to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage bracket quarter-finals, surviving over 35 minutes with ten men after Jarell Quansah’s red card. Jude Bellingham scored twice in the first half to capitalize on Mexico’s high defensive line, before Harry Kane converted a penalty following Anthony Gordon’s foul by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel. Mexico rallied late through Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez after the 54th-minute dismissal forced Thomas Tuchel into a defensive reshuffle, but England held on to set up a last-eight clash with Norway.
Mexico exit World Cup but earn plaudits as ‘best host’ after England thriller
Mexico’s World Cup journey concluded with a last-16 defeat to England, yet president Claudia Sheinbaum has hailed the co-hosts as the ‘best host in the world’ following memorable scenes across the nation’s three tournament venues.
Paris prosecutor opens criminal probe into senator over Mbappé racist abuse
The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened a criminal investigation into Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla following racist comments she made about France captain Kylian Mbappé on social media.