Preview - R16: Brazil v Norway

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Preview - R16: Brazil v Norway

East Rutherford: Erling Haaland has feasted on defences throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026, and Norway will need their talismanic striker at his ruthless best if they are to topple Brazil in Sunday's last-16 clash.

Haaland's late winner against Cote d'Ivoire – his fifth goal at the tournament – secured Norway's first victory in a FIFA World Cup knockout game, marking a memorable return to the global stage after a 28-year absence.

Now they are hoping to repeat their famous 1998 group-stage victory over five-time world champions Brazil and earn a place in the quarter-finals.

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Preview - R16: Mexico v England

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Preview - R16: Mexico v England

Ciudad de Mexico: England must confront a fanatical home crowd and the weight of FIFA World Cup history when they enter the lion's den of the Mexico City Stadium for one of the ties of the tournament on Sunday.

A place in the quarter-finals is at stake as the confident co-hosts eye their shot at glory against the Three Lions, who have so far failed to live up to their billing as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Harry Kane rescued England from what would have been one of their worst ever FIFA World Cup defeats to edge past Congo DR in the last 32, the captain scoring twice in the final 15 minutes in Atlanta to secure a nervy 2-1 win and keep the dream of ending a 60-year wait to win a major tournament alive.

Australia's Popovic optimistic despite penalty heartbreak

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Australia's Popovic optimistic despite penalty heartbreak

Arlington: Tony Popovic defended his decision to ask defender Lucas Herrington to take one of his side’s penalties just two days before his 19th birthday in their 4-2 shoot-out loss against Egypt at Dallas Stadium on Friday as Australia exited the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Herrington hit the crossbar with Australia’s fourth spot-kick to allow Hossam Abdelmaguid to roll in the winner following a 1-1 draw after extra time, with Popovic also choosing to replace goalkeeper Patrick Beach moments before the match went to penalties.

The decisions didn't work out but the tactician said Australia had much to savour after a campaign which had numerous positives.

Salah says 'had to do it' after coolest of spot-kicks

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Salah says 'had to do it' after coolest of spot-kicks

Arlington: A nerveless Mohamed Salah said he decided only at the last moment to chip in his penalty under massive pressure to help Egypt into the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16 on Friday.

The former Liverpool superstar and Egypt captain stepped up third in the shootout for his country and scored a "Panenka" as they beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in Texas.

Egypt, who won a FIFA World Cup knockout game for the first time, face Lionel Messi's Argentina next.

Cabo Verde show anything is possible with 'big hearts'

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Cabo Verde show anything is possible with 'big hearts'

Miami: Cabo Verde are an example for other small nations to follow, said defender Pico Lopes, after the islanders came close to pulling off one of the greatest upsets in FIFA World Cup history against Argentina on Friday.

Defending champions Argentina needed a Diney Borges own goal in the 111th minute to win a thrilling last-32 tie after strength-sapping extra-time in Miami.

A tiny archipelago of just over 500,000 people off the west coast of Africa, Cabo Verde held Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws on their first ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

'Inspired millions': Modric praised as international career appears at end

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

'Inspired millions': Modric praised as international career appears at end

Toronto: Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic and Portugal's Roberto Martinez paid tribute on Thursday to Luka Modric, who almost certainly played his last FIFA World Cup match.

After a gut-wrenching 2-1 loss to Portugal in Toronto, Croatia midfielder Modric, 40, shared a long exchange with 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo - two football greats nearing the end of their international playing careers.