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.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3183277

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3183279

R16: USA 1-4 Belgium

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

R16: USA 1-4 Belgium

Seattle: Belgium brought the United States' FIFA World Cup 2026 party to a shattering halt on Monday, thrashing the tournament co-hosts 4-1 to set up a quarter-final showdown with Spain.

Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, Hans Vanaken punished a goalkeeping howler, and substitute Romelu Lukaku added a fourth to settle a last-16 clash that had been overshadowed by the pre-match uproar surrounding US striker Folarin Balogun.

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.

Kane, Bellingham applaud England's resolve

Mon, 06 Jul, 2026

Kane, Bellingham applaud England's resolve

Ciudad de Mexico: Captain Harry Kane said he was proud that England had found a way to win a nerve-jangling FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 match against Mexico on Sunday.

The Three Lions were on the back foot for a third of the match after defender Jarell Quansah was sent off for a high challenge.

Norway's win over Brazil beyond Haaland's dreams

Mon, 06 Jul, 2026

Norway's win over Brazil beyond Haaland's dreams

East Rutherford: Norway striker Erling Haaland said the 2-1 win over Brazil in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday was something he'd "never dreamed of".

Haaland scored both goals as Norway reached the quarter-finals for the first time, taking his haul for the tournament to seven – level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.

Ancelotti promises Brazil will bounce back

Mon, 06 Jul, 2026

Ancelotti promises Brazil will bounce back

East Rutherford: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said Sunday's painful FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 exit at the hands of Norway should be used as "fuel" for the future as he insisted their disappointing tournament is "the start of a new cycle".

Erling Haaland scored two late goals for Norway in a match which hinged on an early penalty by Brazil's Bruno Guimaraes which was saved. Neymar's successful spot-kick in injury time was scant consolation.