Q-finals: The Match-ups

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

Q-finals: The Match-ups

Kansas City: The FIFA World Cup 2026 is down to just eight teams, with a heavyweight line-up set to do battle in the quarter-finals from Thursday.

We take a look at the match-ups, all of which will be played in the United States.

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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.

England's Kane calls for calm

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

England's Kane calls for calm

Kansas City: Harry Kane said England need to "calm down" after the emotionally draining win over Mexico that took them through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.

Thomas Tuchel's 10-man team won 3-2 on Sunday after a memorable backs-to-the-wall performance against the co-hosts.

England, back at their training base in Kansas City, are enjoying some downtime ahead of Saturday's quarter-final against Erling Haaland's Norway in Miami.

Belgium's Onana ruled out with ACL injury

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

Belgium's Onana ruled out with ACL injury

Los Angeles: Belgium's Amadou Onana will miss the remainder of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during his country's last-16 win over co-hosts the United States, the Belgian Football Federation announced on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old Aston Villa midfielder was forced off early in Belgium's 4-1 victory over the US in Seattle on Monday.

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.