Belgium did not need extra motivation, says Garcia

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

Belgium did not need extra motivation, says Garcia

Seattle: Rudi Garcia said Belgium had only focused on themselves heading into their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 tie against the United States on Monday.

The buildup to the match had been overshadowed by US striker Folarin Balogun's red card issue but head coach Garcia said he had not needed that to stir his players up, with Belgium cruising to a 4-1 win to set up a quarter-final against Spain.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3183283

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3183285

Pochettino: It wasn't our day

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

Pochettino: It wasn't our day

Seattle: United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino said he was disappointed and frustrated by the backlash over Folarin Balogun's ban but insisted it was no excuse for his side's FIFA World Cup 2026 exit at the hands of Belgium on Monday.

Striker Balogun was cleared by FIFA to play in the co-hosts' pivotal Round-of-16 clash despite having earned a red card in the previous game.

De la Fuente thrilled with Spain's depth

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

De la Fuente thrilled with Spain's depth

Arlington: Luis de la Fuente hailed Spain's depth after his side edged Portugal 1-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 tie on Monday.

Substitutes Ferran Torres and Mikel Merino came on to great effect, with the latter slotting home the former's pass in the first minute of added time to settle the tight affair at the Dallas Stadium.

Ronaldo 'won't make rash decisions'

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

Ronaldo 'won't make rash decisions'

Arlington: Cristiano Ronaldo said that he won't rush into a decision about his future following Portugal's exit to Spain in his last FIFA World Cup match on Monday.

The 41-year-old Portugal great said on the eve of the last-16 encounter, which his team lost 1-0, that this was his final FIFA World Cup.

Norway dance to Haaland's beat in surreal run

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

Norway dance to Haaland's beat in surreal run

East Rutherford: Erling Haaland led Norway's now-famous "Viking Row" celebrations by banging the drum in front of their massed supporters after the win over Brazil - and the team is dancing to his beat after reaching a first-ever FIFA World Cup quarter-final.

In Norway's first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1998, head coach Stale Solbakken - a midfielder in that squad - has guided his country on a historic run, inspired in large part by the man he calls the "world's best goalscorer".

Born just weeks after Norway's last major tournament appearance ended at Euro 2000, Haaland is now driving his country towards unprecedented heights on the biggest stage.

Bellingham tells England to believe

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

Bellingham tells England to believe

Mexico City: Jude Bellingham told his England teammates they can be world champions after leading by example in a 3-2 win over Mexico that will go down as one of the Three Lions' best ever FIFA World Cup triumphs.

The odds were stacked against Thomas Tuchel's men as they entered the lion's den of the Mexico City Stadium, where Mexico had only lost twice in 89 previous matches and never in 10 outings at the FIFA World Cup.
 On top of facing down a passionate 80,000 crowd, England also had to cope with playing at high altitude and over 45 minutes a man down after Jarell Quansah's red card.

But by that point, Bellingham's first half double, scored just 98 seconds apart, had given the visitors something to hold on to. The Real Madrid midfielder stooped to silence the home crowd to open the scoring.

Bellingham then charged forward to convert Harry Kane's cross for his fourth goal of the tournament.