World Cup news

Comprehensive match preview of USA vs Belgium at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this Round of 16 clash in Seattle.

Mexico’s historic World Cup run ended in heartbreak at the Azteca, as Julián Quiñones starred and Raúl Jiménez gave El Tri hope before Jude Bellingham powered England to a thrilling 3-2 win.

England produced one of their greatest World Cup performances to beat Mexico 3-2 on Sunday and book a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 tournament. Jude Bellingham scored twice in the first half while Harry Kane kept himself in the Golden Boot race with a penalty as the Three Lions held on for victory despite playing the bulk of the second half with 10 men following a red card for Jarell Quansah.

The narrative is centered around one particular player, but Monday's Round of 16 game will need to be a team effort from the USMNT

Belgium manager Rudi Garcia said he was stunned to learn that United States men's national team striker Folarin Balogun will be available for Monday's World Cup clash. The Belgian federation has since said it will explore every possible avenue to challenge FIFA's decision, with both Garcia and the FA framing their opposition as a defense of football.

The U.S. have their star striker back, and head into a fixture against top European opposition in a far better place than many might have imagined.

Brazil's wait to win their sixth World Cup will stretch to 28 years after they were eliminated from the 2026 tournament by Norway on Saturday. Erling Haaland's late double secured a 2-1 win for the Scandinavians, who took advantage of Bruno Guimaraes missing an early penalty to win through to the quarter-finals for the first time.

American soccer's top stars found out about Sunday's news the same way everyone else did, and now they're looking forward to benefitting from it in their Round of 16 match.

USMNT striker Folarin Balogun has had his one-game ban suspended, and is eligible to play in his country's Round of 16 game against Belgium Monday night. The Monaco forward was supposed to be ruled out of the fixture after picking up a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, FIFA unilaterally stepped in and pushed his suspension back.

Dayot Upamecano has dismissed speculation linking Michael Olise with a move to Real Madrid, insisting the Bayern Munich winger is staying put. The France defender's comments come amid reports suggesting Los Blanco could make a record-breaking €223 million bid for the 24-year-old.

Three USA vs Belgium predictions for their World Cup last-16 encounter on Tuesday morning, including value on the goalscorer pick.

A friendly high five came with a not-so-friendly reminder: Brazil's fans know exactly how many stars are on their shirt.

The retired South African star has sensationally claimed that Broos has reached the end of the road with the national team. Despite the Belgian coach guiding the side back to global relevance, Modise insists that the recent World Cup exit has exposed clear tactical ceilings.

Barcelona star Gavi has offered a staunch defence of Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting that those who choose to write off the legendary forward are doing so from the outside. As Spain prepare for a heavyweight World Cup showdown against Portugal, the midfield engine believes the veteran remains a match-winning threat.

Lamine Yamal's 'EGO' headband became one of the biggest talking points of the 2026 World Cup after Spain's win over Austria. The accessory sparked widespread debate, with many wondering whether it was a fashion statement or a message aimed at critics questioning the Barcelona star's confidence.

Jamie Carragher believes Harry Kane deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or based on his performances over the past year. However, the former Liverpool defender argues that the award is likely to go to Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappe if Argentina or France lift the World Cup, leaving England’s captain at a disadvantage.

Former Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has admitted he would have struggled to maintain his composure during France’s ill-tempered World Cup victory over Paraguay. The Swedish legend praised Les Bleus for keeping their cool in the face of relentless physical provocation during the knockout encounter.