A monumental VAR controversy overshadowed Portugalâs dramatic 2-1 World Cup knockout victory over Croatia, sparking furious allegations of corruption from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The former striker, working as a media pundit, fiercely condemned the decision to disallow an injury-time Croatian equaliser, suggesting governing bodies engineered the outcome.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that star forward Neymar is finally fit enough to feature for a full 90 minutes at the World Cup. The Italian tactician also candidly admitted that the country's all-time leading goalscorer is deeply unhappy with his restricted substitute role.
England were met with boos from Mexico supporters after arriving for their World Cup last-16 tie, having delayed their journey in a bid to protect Thomas Tuchel's tactical plans. The FA has also tightened security measures amid concerns over disruption, fan intimidation and the challenging conditions awaiting the Three Lions.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has questioned Cristiano Ronaldo's role in the Portugal national team, claiming the veteran forward is being picked out of nostalgia rather than merit. The former Sweden striker believes Goncalo Ramos has shown Portugal should move on after scoring the winner against Croatia.
Egyptâs coaching staff utilised meticulous modern analytical methods to mastermind their historic World Cup knockout triumph over Australia in Dallas. Minutes before the penalty shootout commenced, players gathered around a laptop screen to study specific footage of Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe facing Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan.
Lionel Scaloni admitted it would have been "crazy" for Argentina to lose his 100th match in charge after the Albiceleste survived a huge scare against Cape Verde. Lionel Messi and his teammates needed extra time to progress, with their manager praising his players' resilience after a gruelling clash.
Mohamed Salah successfully executed an audacious Panenka penalty to guide Egypt into the World Cup last 16 following a dramatic shoot-out victory against Australia. The talismanic forward held his nerve from 12 yards after a tense 1-1 draw in Dallas, scripting an iconic piece of footballing history for his triumphant North African nation.
Colombia secured their passage to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana on a sweltering night in Kansas City. A solitary strike from Jhon Arias proved the difference as Los Cafeteros successfully navigated a physical encounter to keep their tournament dreams alive.
Thomas Tuchel has some big decisions to make in his England side as they head into their round of 16 game with Mexico in Mexico City. England may be the higher-ranked side, here, but they're not clear favourites. The Azetca - as it is usually known - is a truly horrible place for visiting teams. Mexico have lost just two competitive games there ever. The altitude, the heat, the humidity, the tens of thousands of passionate home fans: everything seems to be going against England here.
There will be some added intrigue for Arsenal fans during Brazil's clash with Norway in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. While much of the focus will undoubtedly be on superstar attackers Vinicius Jr and Erling Haaland before kick-off on Sunday, one significant subplot is the battle between present and potentially future Gunners midfielders.
Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
FIFA have dramatically abandoned a controversial proposal to bring forward Englandâs World Cup round-of-16 clash against Mexico after fierce pushback from both football associations. The world governing body initiated emergency talks regarding a sudden schedule change, sparking widespread anger among team officials before completely reversing their decision.
Lionel Messi laughed off the physical treatment he received from Cape Verde after Argentina edged into the World Cup last 16. The Albiceleste captain joked that his opponents "kick the crap" out of him before asking for shirts and selfies, while also admitting his side fell below their usual standards.
Cristian Romero scored an extra-time winner, Lionel Messi grabbed a goal, but Argentina were given a real scare by Cape Verde in an uncomfortable 3-2 win to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. Argentina surrendered the lead twice, and needed extra time to finally gain daylight from a Cape Verde side that, in truth, deserved so much more.
Sources tell GOAL that Martin Odegaard is not set to leave Arsenal for Galatasaray this summer, with reports of a potential Emirates exit described as âcompletely false.â The midfielder is expected to play a key role in the Gunnersâ Premier League title defense, though his focus remains on Norwayâs World Cup run rather than recent transfer rumours.
Mexico take a perfect defensive record into a blockbuster World Cup clash with England as JuliĂĄn QuiĂąones chases history and Javier Aguirre eyes another statement win.
Chelsea FC have signed Japan international midfielder Manaka Matsukubo from the National Women's Soccer League's North Carolina Courage. The 21-year-old joins the Blues on a five-year contract after a standout season in which she won the NWSL Midfielder of the Year award, adding another rising star to Chelsea's midfield ahead of the new campaign.
Use the Kalshi promo code GOAL to claim a $15 bonus ahead of the Argentina vs. Cape Verde World Cup Round of 32 match. Kickoff is at 6:00 PM EDT. (7/3)
The second-smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup overcame the one percent chance of making it out of the group stage and their fans are starting to dream.
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