Page 5 - Shashwat Nishant

FIFA WC: Mbappe delivers as France pass their toughest tactical test yet

A solitary Kylian Mbappe penalty proved enough to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in Philadelphia, sending Les Bleus into the quarter-finals where Morocco awaits.

Morocco ends Canada's dream run to reach FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals

Despite the defeat, Canada's run from World Cup newcomers to Round of 16 participants represents one of the tournament's biggest success stories and offers genuine optimism for them.

Paraguay vs France HIGHLIGHTS FIFA WC: FRA edge past PAR, MAR thump CAN 3-0 to book QF date

Mbappe's penalty helps France secure a quarter final berth in a disruptive game against Paraguay.

England's biggest WC test awaits: Mexico, Azteca and the battle vs altitude

England's last World Cup appearance here ended in quarter-final heartbreak against Argentina, with Maradona writing one of football's most iconic chapters.

World Cup rocked by Tunisia doping controversy as 8 players test positive

The North African side had already endured a miserable tournament, finishing bottom of Group F after heavy defeats to Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands.

Argentina vs Cabo Verde HIGHLIGHTS FIFA WC RO32: ARG through to last 16 with 3-2 win in extra time

Lionel Messi has once again been at the heart of Argentina's success, scoring his seventh goal on the night and providing one as well with the defending champions going through.

Balogun's red card sparks debate as World Cup refereeing faces criticism

While FIFA's Laws of the Game may technically justify the dismissal, comparisons with several similar incidents earlier in the tournament have left many questioning the rules.

Spain send title warning after dismantling Austria to book last 16 berth

After an inconsistent group-stage campaign that included a frustrating draw with Cabo Verde and a narrow victory over Uruguay, Luis de la Fuente's side rediscovered their trademark fluency on the day.

Portugal vs Croatia HIGHLIGHTS FIFA WC: POR edge CRO 2-1 amid VAR drama to book last 16 berth

It is the end of Luka Modric's World cup career as Croatia is disheartened after a late VAR call denies them a chance to take the match to extra time.

FIFA WC 2026 RO32 today's schedule, live timings (IST), streaming

Spain vs Austria (12:30 AM), Portugal vs Croatia (4:30 AM) and Switzerland vs Algeria (8:30 AM)

How five VAR interventions reshaped the World Cup knockout picture

Introduced to eliminate clear and obvious mistakes, VAR once again found itself at the centre of football's biggest debates.

The mastermind behind France's machine: Deschamps eyes perfect WC farewell

First as the captain who lifted the nation's maiden FIFA World Cup in 1998. Then as the coach who restored Les Bleus to the summit of world football in 2018.

Belgium's great escape: Late heroics end Senegal's World Cup dream

Romelu Lukaku ignited Belgium's comeback in the 86th minute, arriving perfectly inside the box to convert Thomas Meunier's low cross and halve the deficit.

FIFA WC 2026: Harry Kane overtakes Pele as England storm into Round of 16

Two moments of individual brilliance from Kane transformed panic into relief, carrying England into the Round of 16, where a daunting meeting with hosts Mexico now awaits.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 schedule, live match time and streaming

The expanded 48-team format has delivered one of the most diverse knockout line-ups in World Cup history.

Football without borders: Why FIFA World Cup has never been more diverse

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has become perhaps the strongest example yet of how migration, family heritage and evolving FIFA eligibility rules have transformed international football.

Iran misses out R32 spot after Austria, Algeria play out thrilling 3-3 draw

For Iran, the tournament ended in heartbreak despite collecting three points, falling victim to VAR, goal difference, and one of the most dramatic stoppage-time goals of the tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2026 HIGHLIGHTS: Argentina beat Jordan 3-1; Colombia-Portugal play 0-0 draw

Portugal held by Colombia to a goalless draw as they will now face Croatia in the next round. Messi scored his 6th goal as Argentina won 3-1 against Jordan.

Why Iran's World Cup controversy is about more than just football

Taremi's criticism was not directed at footballing matters but at the logistical hurdles Iran believes it has faced throughout the competition.

Harry Kane surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo with historic 11th World Cup goal

The striker's towering header in the 68th minute was his 11th World Cup goal, moving him past Gary Lineker's long-standing record of 10.