Ronaldo says his last World Cup is over but Portugal decision can wait

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup ended with a Spanish sting in the tail, courtesy of Mikel Merino's last-gasp winner that earned a 1-0 round-of-16 win on Monday, but he was unwilling to make a hasty call on his international future.
7 July 2026

Portugal coach Martinez steps down after World Cup exit to Spain

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said he was leaving his role after Spain beat his side 1-0 in the World Cup last 16 on Monday, calling the defeat the end of a cycle for the team.
7 July 2026

The lurking giant

Much like seafaring 8th-century Norse warriors who raided and conquered across continents, this modern-day Viking delivered two clinical blows late in the game to alter his nation's football history
7 July 2026

Spain march on as Merino's late strike ends Ronaldo's World Cup dream

Substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner to put Spain in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Portugal and end Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career on Monday.
7 July 2026

Attitude over altitude

They say it is difficult to breathe at 7,350 feet. England climbed higher on the night. By the final whistle, they were on cloud nine, having left the football world breathless.
7 July 2026

Argentina and the curse of comfort

Lionel Messi looked to the sky, fists clenched, as Argentina’s Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde in Miami on Saturday came to an end. There had been tears in his eyes just a few minutes earlier. Messi’s reaction was not merely one of relief washing over him but that of a survivor emerging from great turmoil. The Blue Sharks had awakened a fear Argentina did not know still existed within them.
7 July 2026

Trump confirms he asked FIFA boss for review of Balogun red card

President Donald Trump confirmed Monday he asked FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to review the "horrible" decision to hand a red card to star US striker Folarin Balogun, but said he did not request it be overturned.
6 July 2026

France reveal frailties, Morocco show resolve

France and Morocco head into their quarterfinal meeting having provided very different answers.
6 July 2026

Ronaldo, Yamal headline heavyweight Portugal-Spain clash

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal will be facing another tough test when they take on in-form Spain in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Dallas Stadium tonight.
6 July 2026

FIFA have 'crossed a red line' in Balogun reprieve: UEFA

FIFA's ruling, which came after the intervention of Donald Trump, permits Balogun to play in the co-hosts' World Cup last 16 match with Belgium later on Monday.
6 July 2026

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre stepping down, assistant Rafa Marquez stepping up

Mexico impressed at this World Cup by winning Group A with a 3-0-0 record (9 points) and a six-goal differential.
6 July 2026

War, wealth and a World Cup in Trumpland

The rescinding of USA forward Folarin Balogun's suspension on US president Donald Trump's request shows how much corruption and greed has eaten into the sport's showpiece event.
6 July 2026

Ronaldo vs Yamal: A clash of generations

He is no longer the winger who breezed past defenders at will for Manchester United. Nor is he the unstoppable force Real Madrid relied upon to change a game in an instant.
6 July 2026

From Brazil's heartbreak to England's heartbeat: Day 25 thrills

The twenty-fifth day of the FIFA World Cup 2026 had everything -- heavyweights crashing out and a knockout classic that went down to the wire.
6 July 2026

Heavyweights collide in Dallas

The sweltering Dallas heat will provide the backdrop, but the real temperature will rise when Portugal face an in-form Spain in one of the most eagerly awaited World Cup last-16 clashes tonight.
6 July 2026

Haaland lights up Golden Boot race

France star Kylian Mbappe reclaimed top spot after netting his seventh goal of the tournament in the Round of 16 victory over Paraguay. The French forward edges ahead thanks to his two assists, giving him the advantage over Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who also sits on seven goals.
6 July 2026

What is Article 27 of FIFA's Disciplinary Code that allows red-carded Balogun to play?

FIFA will allow United States striker Folarin Balogun to play in their World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium on Monday after suspending his ban for a red card in the previous round, citing Article 27 of the world ruling body's Disciplinary Code.
6 July 2026

Relaxed Ronaldo admits time is up

Cristiano Ronaldo admitted this World Cup will be his last and stressed he leaves with no regrets ahead of Portugal's last-16 clash with neighbours Spain in Dallas on Monday.
6 July 2026

'I've lost my voice': Kane revels in England's Azteca epic

Kane also questioned one of the game's key decisions after being penalised for the challenge that led to Mexico's second goal from the spot.
6 July 2026

Ten-Man England triumph in Azteca thriller, reach quarterfinals

Bellingham struck twice in 98 seconds in the first half to condemn Mexico to just a third defeat in 90 matches at the Azteca.
6 July 2026