Messi: We didn't want to go home

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

Messi: We didn't want to go home

Atlanta: Lionel Messi said his tears after Argentina's dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals were "a release" in what could have been his final international appearance.

The 39-year-old broke down in a rare show of emotion at the end of an incredible last 16 tie in Atlanta that took the defending champions to the brink of a shock elimination.

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R16: Argentina 3-2 Egypt

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

R16: Argentina 3-2 Egypt

Atlanta: Argentina staged a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to avoid a stunning exit at the hands of Egypt and prolong Lionel Messi's FIFA World Cup career with a 3-2 win to reach the quarter-finals on Monday.

The holders looked down and out when goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, either side of Messi having a penalty saved, put the Pharaohs in sight of a historic victory in Atlanta.

However, Cristian Romero's header sparked the comeback as Argentina struck three times in the final 11 minutes plus stoppage time. Messi smashed home the equaliser to score for a ninth consecutive FIFA World Cup game and retake the lead for the Golden Boot with eight this tournament.

Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround with a superb header two minutes into stoppage time.

R16: Switzerland 0 (4)-(3) 0 Colombia

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

R16: Switzerland 0 (4)-(3) 0 Colombia

Vancouver: Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 tie on Tuesday to set up a quarter-final with defending champions Argentina.

The two teams cancelled each other out in the final game of the last 16 -- the last match to be played at the 2026 tournament outside the United States.

Both teams missed spot-kicks before Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel brilliantly saved Cucho Hernandez's effort and Ruben Vargas scored the decisive penalty.

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.

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.

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.