Page 5 - Latest Updates on FIFA World Cup

Haaland-led WC run is stirring up soccer pride for Norway fans everywhere

Erling Haaland banged the drum to lead Norway fans in the Viking Row that has become a signature part of the World Cup. After celebrating carrying his nation into the quarterfinals of the tournament for the first time by scoring both goals in a 2-1 win over Brazil on Sunday, his thoughts drifted to the scene back home where tens of thousands of Norwegians partied into the night. And, of course, performing the Viking Row themselves. "Look at the streets in Norway," Haaland said. "I've never experienced anything like it before. I kind of wish that I was in Oslo now celebrating with all the people." Thankfully for his teammates, the Manchester City striker is in the U.S. piling up the goals and making this the best World Cup in the history of Norway's men's national team. This improbable run that took another leap forward by knocking off five-time champion Brazil is stirring up pride in fans at stadiums and in the streets where the games are taking place, and across the Scandinavian

Belgium, UEFA slam FIFA over Balogun decision as Trump claims credit

Furor at the World Cup saw Belgium tackle FIFA's ruling not to enforce a ban from Monday's game of United States forward Folarin Balogun, and U.S. President Donald Trump claim credit for swaying the soccer body's leader. The on-field integrity of soccer's biggest event came under a shocking attack in what seemed a blatant case of political interference. A strict reading of FIFA statutes could see the U.S. suspended from the global game. Trump defended calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino, saying he merely pointed out a "horrible" decision by a referee to issue Balogun a red card last Wednesday for an illegal tackle on a Bosnia-Herzegovina player when the U.S. won in the round of 32. "All I did was ask for a review. I didn't think it was a foul," Trump told reporters Monday at the White House about lobbying Infantino, a close ally, not to impose a one-game ban on Balogun that is mandatory in soccer laws. What has flared into an all-time controversy in the World Cup's 96-year hist

Trump: WC referee's red card call was 'horrible', left outcome to FIFA

President Donald Trump on Monday took credit for getting FIFA to review a red card issued against the United States' star forward Folarin Balogun at the World Cup but said he did not demand an outcome. "All I did was ask for a review," Trump said when asked about it during an unrelated Oval Office event. "I didn't say, You have to do this.'" Trump confirmed that he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked for a second look at the punishment against Balogun in the United States' 2-0 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina last week in Santa Clara, California, near San Francisco. But he said FIFA made the final call to lift Balogun's mandatory one-game ban for a foul tackle, allowing him to play in Monday's round of 16 match with Belgium in Seattle. FIFA's decision to suspend the one-game ban was celebrated by many in the United States but brought condemnation in the international sports world, where some called it an outrageous intrusion. The Belgian soccer federation is challenging .

Fifa dismisses Belgium appeal as Balogun ban row clouds USA World Cup clash

Fifa dismissed Belgium's appeal after suspending Folarin Balogun's one-match ban, clearing the US striker to face Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16

Jude Bellingham double helps England edge Mexico in World Cup classic

Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane converted a penalty as England beat Mexico 3-2 despite Jarell Quansah's red card

'I leave with a clear conscience': Ronaldo confirms last World Cup rumours

On the eve of Portugal's Round of 16 showdown against Spain, the 41-year-old finally said the words the footballing world had long expected to hear.

Trump asks Fifa to review US player's suspension, striker cleared to play

The reversal of Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension is highly unusual. It was the first time since 1962 that FIFA has nullified a suspension for a red card received during the World Cup

Mexico vs England HIGHLIGHTS, World Cup pre-QF: 10-men England beat hosts Mexico 3-2; through to QF

England vs Mexico highlights: A brace from Bellingham followed by a Harry kane penalty made sure the Three Lions book their QF berth on the night.

Did FIFA reverse Balogun's ban at Trump's request? What the rules say

USMNT striker Folarin Balogun, who had been serving an automatic one-match suspension after receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, was unexpectedly cleared to play vs Belgium.

Haaland sends Brazil home as Norway script historic World Cup upset

Erling Haaland scored twice late in New York as Norway beat Brazil 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time

Neymar calls time on Brazil career after Norway ends World Cup dream

Neymar retirement news: After Brazil's 2-1 loss to Norway in the Fifa World Cup 2026 Round of 16 on Sunday, Neymar said he was done with the national team.

FIFA World Cup 2026 pre-QF today's matches, live timings (IST), streaming

Fifa World Cup 2026 today's match: England vs Mexico match is pushed back to 7 pm local time (6:30 am IST) from its scheduled 6 pm local time (5:30 am IST) start.

Mexico fans target England's sleep ahead of FIFA WC 2026 pre-QF clash

The noisy reception came as Thomas Tuchel's side prepares to overcome the twin challenges of playing at high altitude and facing a Mexico side boasting a formidable record at the iconic Azteca Stadium

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil look to end Norway's dream run in New Jersey

With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, this promises to be one of the most intriguing tactical battles of the knockout stage.

France overcomes physical Paraguay challenge in sweltering Philadelphia

In the last 2026 World Cup match in Philadelphia, Paraguay played a style that has been seen many times before at the city's football stadium. La Albirroja's physical approach in their 1-0 loss to France in the Round of 16 looked more like what might be seen on a Sunday in the fall from the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, who play their home games at Lincoln Financial Field. Eagles coach Nick Siranni might have liked what he saw. Les Bleus sure didn't. "I had never played a match like this, with so many hits," France midfielder Manu Kone said. "I mean, cheap shots, shoves in the back. So, yes, it was complicated." Paraguay seemed to target star forward Kylian Mbappe, who converted a penalty kick in the 70th minute. Andres Cubas grabbed Mbappe in the offensive third, resulting in mass confrontation in the 35th minute. Later in the first half, Matias Galarza made contact with Mbappe off the ball, sending him sprawling to the turf. And in the 77th minute, Juan Jose Caceres kicked the Fran

Cape Verde's World Cup breakthrough could redefine its football landscape

Cape Verde's World Cup team walked into its Miami hotel after getting eliminated from the tournament, almost in disbelief at the scene in the lobby. Dozens of people were there, cheering for them. After a loss, no less. Let that be the first sign of how things are going to be very different in many respects for the team, at least for the foreseeable future. Such is the case when a club goes from unheralded - and practically unheard of - to taking Lionel Messi and Argentina to the brink of elimination on soccer's biggest stage, before falling 3-2 in a match that went to extra time. "It's time to rest and think about the future," Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha said. "But I am very, very proud of the team's work, and I hope that in the future we can achieve great things." In other words, he hopes seeds were planted. Cape Verde went 0-1-3 in its four matches at its inaugural World Cup, which won't look great on paper. More than two-thirds of the 48 teams in this tournament won at leas

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.