Late Goals

Argentina survived a major scare against Egypt, scoring three late goals to overturn a two-goal deficit and secure a dramatic 3-2 victory that sends the reigning champions into the World Cup quarter-finals.

The three-time winners appeared to be heading towards a shock elimination after Egypt built a 2-0 lead, but Argentina’s quality and experience proved decisive as they produced a remarkable late comeback at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The defeat ended Egypt’s historic World Cup campaign after the Pharaohs had already achieved a landmark by recording their first-ever victories at the finals.

Egypt started with confidence and took the lead in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim rose highest inside the penalty area to power a header beyond Emiliano Martínez.

The goal gave Egypt belief, and they continued to frustrate Argentina with disciplined defending and quick counter-attacks.

Argentina had a chance to immediately respond after being awarded a penalty, but captain Lionel Messi was denied by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, who produced an excellent save to maintain Egypt’s advantage.

Shobeir continued to be the difference between the two sides, making important saves to keep out efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez as Argentina struggled to break through Egypt’s organised defence.

Despite dominating possession, Argentina went into the interval behind, with Egypt holding onto a deserved lead.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Argentina increasing the pressure while Egypt remained dangerous on the break.

Egypt thought they had doubled their advantage when Mostafa Ziko found the net, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review identified a foul during the build-up. However, Egypt soon found another breakthrough.

Ziko made no mistake in the 67th minute, finishing a well-worked counter-attack involving Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan to put the Pharaohs 2-0 ahead.

The Comeback

Argentina responded by introducing more attacking urgency and began their comeback in the 79th minute when Cristian Romero headed home a Messi cross.

The goal changed the momentum of the contest, and the holders pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

Messi delivered once again in the 84th minute, scoring to bring Argentina level and complete a stunning recovery after they had been on the brink of elimination.

The comeback was completed deep into stoppage time when Enzo Fernández headed in the winning goal, completing one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the tournament.

Egypt continued fighting until the final whistle but could not find another equaliser, ending their impressive run with a narrow defeat.

Argentina will now continue their title defence in the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner between Colombia and Switzerland.

The remaining quarter-final fixtures have also been confirmed, with France facing Morocco, England meeting Norway, and Spain taking on Belgium on Tuesday.

For Egypt, the result was a painful ending to a campaign that showed their growing competitiveness on the global stage. Their performance against the reigning champions demonstrated their ability to challenge the world’s best teams.

The match also continued a recurring theme at this World Cup, with several teams struggling to protect comfortable leads after taking control of matches.

Argentina’s escape against Egypt was another reminder that no advantage is guaranteed in knockout football, where moments of quality can change the outcome in an instant.

No longer applicable

Russian athletes could compete under their national flag at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, ending a ban imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The IOC confirmed that the suspension introduced in 2023 was “no longer applicable”, clearing the way for Russian athletes to return to international competition, provided they meet all relevant anti-doping requirements.

However, the governing body said no decision has yet been made on whether Russian athletes will be permitted to compete under the country’s flag, colours and national anthem at the 2028 Games.

The IOC added that it would continue its existing measures against Russia, including not organising Olympic events in the country or inviting Russian government and state officials to IOC events.

Russian athletes previously competed as neutral athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Milan Winter Olympics.

Only 32 athletes from Russia and Belarus were approved to compete in Paris, where they won a combined five medals.

The participation marked a significant reduction from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, when Russia sent more than 300 athletes and finished the Games with 71 medals.

Standing condemnation

Russia welcomed the IOC’s latest decision, describing it as a step towards separating sport from politics.

“The IOC is sending a clear signal: the Olympic movement must remain free from politics,” Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev said on Telegram, adding that Russia intends to enter qualification events for the Los Angeles Games.

Despite lifting the suspension, the IOC reiterated its condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

It said it continues to oppose the war but believes an athlete’s opportunity to compete internationally should not automatically be restricted because of the actions of their government.

The decision comes amid continuing debate across international sport over Russia’s return to competition.

In May, World Athletics rejected an IOC recommendation to lift restrictions preventing Belarusian athletes and teams from competing under their national flag.

The IOC has not announced when it will decide whether Russia will compete under its national symbols at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Stoppage-time

Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2010 after substitute Mikel Merino struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner to defeat Portugal 1-0 in a tense Round of 16 clash at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday.

Merino’s composed finish in the first minute of added time finally separated two evenly matched sides after 90 minutes dominated by defensive discipline rather than attacking flair.

The result ended Portugal’s campaign and with it Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest to win the World Cup, while Spain advanced to face either Belgium or the United States in the last eight.

Spain arrived in Dallas with history within reach. Luis de la Fuente’s side had already become the first European nation since Switzerland in 2006 to keep clean sheets in each of their opening four World Cup matches.

Their 3-0 victory over Austria also made them the first team since Germany in the 2014 World Cup final not to face a single shot on target in a knockout match.

Sunday’s victory completed a sixth consecutive World Cup clean sheet stretching back to Qatar 2022, setting a new tournament record.

The match also symbolised football’s changing generations. When Ronaldo made his World Cup debut for Portugal in Germany in 2006, Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal had not yet been born.

The 18-year-old is 23 years younger than the Portuguese captain, who praised him before kick-off as “a player with a lot of future” and “many talents.”

The fixture renewed one of international football’s fiercest rivalries. Their last World Cup meeting, in Russia in 2018, produced a memorable 3-3 draw inspired by Ronaldo’s hat-trick.

This encounter, however, unfolded as a far more cautious affair, with neither side willing to take unnecessary risks.

Tribute

There was an emotional moment before kick-off when Portugal paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota during the national anthem, his image appearing on the stadium’s giant screens.

Watching from the stands were former Portugal captain Pepe, Spain legend Carles Puyol and CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

Spain enjoyed more possession from the outset but found Portugal’s organised defence difficult to break down.

The first clear opportunity arrived in the ninth minute when Dani Olmo released Mikel Oyarzabal through on goal, only for the forward to slide his effort wide with Diogo Costa beaten.

Portugal responded through Ronaldo, who appealed in vain for a penalty after a tussle with Rodri inside the penalty area before forcing Unai Simón into a routine save from distance.

Despite Rodri appearing to tug Ronaldo’s shirt, referee Anthony Taylor waved play on and VAR did not intervene.

As Spain settled into their rhythm, Yamal began to influence proceedings, forcing Costa into two excellent saves, while Alex Baena and Marc Cucurella repeatedly found space down the left flank without producing the decisive final pass.

Portugal remained patient, looking to strike on the counter-attack. João Félix combined well with Pedro Neto to create Ronaldo’s best chance of the half, but the veteran forward could only direct his effort straight at Simón.

The closest either side came before the interval arrived three minutes before half-time. Portugal worked a clever short corner to Nuno Mendes, whose fierce left-footed strike took a slight deflection off Pedro Porro before crashing against the crossbar, preserving Spain’s remarkable defensive record.

The match resumed with the same tactical caution that had defined the opening period. Portugal suffered a major setback in the 56th minute when the outstanding Mendes was forced off injured.

The Paris Saint-Germain full-back had largely contained Yamal in one of the contest’s key individual battles, and his departure immediately gave Spain greater freedom down the right.

Spain continued searching for an opening. Pedri saw a powerful effort blocked by Renato Veiga before Yamal forced Costa into another excellent save with a curling free-kick.

Roberto Martínez introduced Rafael Leão, Bernardo Silva and Francisco Conceição in an attempt to inject life into Portugal’s attack, but Spain remained the more threatening side as the match edged towards extra time. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 91st minute.

Merino, introduced from the bench, timed his run perfectly between Portugal’s central defenders before calmly sliding the ball beyond Costa to spark wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.

Portugal suddenly abandoned the caution that had characterised much of their performance.

Bernardo Silva came agonisingly close to forcing extra time when he headed narrowly over from close range before Bruno Fernandes delivered one final free-kick into the area. João Neves threw himself at the cross but could only send his diving header inches wide.

Those late chances came too late to rescue Portugal after a performance in which they created too little despite the wealth of attacking talent available.

Spain, meanwhile, once again demonstrated the defensive resilience that has become their trademark under De la Fuente. Simón recorded another clean sheet behind a defence that has now gone six consecutive World Cup matches without conceding, an unprecedented achievement in the competition’s history.

The victory also extended De la Fuente’s remarkable record on the biggest stage. The Spain coach is now unbeaten in his first 12 matches across the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship, joining Aime Jacquet and Louis van Gaal in achieving that feat.

It was not the thrilling spectacle many expected from two European heavyweights. Instead, it was a contest decided by patience, discipline and a single moment of quality.

For Spain, that was enough to keep their World Cup dream alive. For Portugal and Ronaldo, it marked the end of another campaign that promised much but ultimately fell one goal short.

England reached the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after surviving an inspired second-half fightback from co-hosts Mexico to secure a 3-2 victory at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday, with Jude Bellingham’s first-half brace proving decisive in one of the tournament’s most compelling knockout ties.

The result sends Thomas Tuchel’s side into a last-eight meeting with Norway, who earlier eliminated Brazil, but only after England sustained a red card, two VAR interventions and a great deal of pressure from a Mexico side that threatened to force extra time until the final whistle.

Mexico controlled much of the opening half in front of a partisan home crowd, pressing England high and forcing the visitors into long spells without possession.

Raúl Jiménez tested Jordan Pickford with a powerful diving header that required an outstanding reaction save, while England struggled to establish any rhythm against the hosts’ intensity. Yet England needed only one opportunity to change the momentum.

Their breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute after Pickford launched a quick transition. Declan Rice carried the ball through midfield before releasing Bukayo Saka on the right, whose inviting cross found Bellingham arriving unmarked to head beyond goalkeeper Raúl Rangel.

Before Mexico had recovered, England struck again. This time Harry Kane provided the final pass, slipping Bellingham into the penalty area, where the midfielder calmly finished to double England’s lead just 98 seconds after opening the scoring.

The quickfire double transformed a match Mexico had largely controlled and made Bellingham the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score twice in a FIFA World Cup match at the Azteca.

Restoring Belief

Mexico, however, refused to let the contest slip away. A set-piece deep into first-half stoppage time exposed uncertainty inside England’s penalty area, allowing Julián Quiñones to volley home and reduce the deficit before the interval.

The goal restored belief among the hosts and ensured England entered the second half with only a one-goal advantage despite their clinical finishing. The contest became increasingly chaotic after the restart.

England’s task grew significantly harder when Jarell Quansah was sent off following a VAR review that upgraded his initial yellow card to a straight red for his challenge on Jesús Gallardo.

Reduced to ten men with more than half an hour remaining, England appeared set for an extended defensive battle. Instead, they found another decisive moment.

Anthony Gordon raced onto a through ball before being brought down by Rangel inside the penalty area, giving Kane the opportunity to restore England’s two-goal cushion.

The captain calmly converted from the spot, placing his effort beyond the Mexican goalkeeper to make it 3-1. Mexico responded almost immediately.

Following another VAR review, the referee awarded the hosts a penalty after Kane’s attempted clearance caught Brian Gutiérrez inside the area. Jiménez confidently converted, reducing the deficit to one goal and setting up a tense final 20 minutes.

“We had to fight and we had to find something. The occasion, the team, everything against us, we found a way.”
— Harry Kane

From then on, England were forced almost entirely into defence. Mexico poured forward, repeatedly delivering crosses into the penalty area and earning a succession of corners as England’s back line, marshalled by Marc Guéhi and later reinforced by defensive substitutions, absorbed wave after wave of pressure.

Pickford remained composed throughout, commanding his area and making several crucial interventions as the hosts searched for an equaliser.

The pressure intensified when 11 minutes of stoppage time were added. Jiménez came closest to forcing extra time when a dangerous cross flashed across the six-yard box, but the striker could not direct his effort on target.

England survived the closing barrage before finally clearing the danger to secure their place in the last eight.

“We had to fight and we had to find something,” Kane told BBC Sport after the final whistle. “The occasion, the team, everything against us, we found a way.”

England’s performance was far from sterling, but it underlined qualities that often define successful tournament sides.

Outplayed for significant periods, reduced to ten men and confronted by one of the tournament’s most intimidating atmospheres, they remained clinical when chances arrived and resilient when the match demanded defensive discipline.

Now, those qualities will be tested again in the quarter-finals against Norway, whose victory over Brazil has already established them as one of the competition’s surprise packages.

England, however, travel to Miami knowing they have already negotiated one of the World Cup’s sternest examinations.

Erling Haaland scored twice in the final 11 minutes as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 on Sunday to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, ending the five-time champions’ hopes after a dramatic clash at MetLife Stadium.

Brazil dominated long spells of the contest and squandered a first-half penalty before Haaland delivered the decisive blows, heading Norway in front in the 79th minute before firing home a spectacular second in the 90th.

Neymar pulled one back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but it came too late to rescue Brazil’s campaign.

Norway’s victory ranks among the biggest in the country’s football history and sets up a quarter-final against either Mexico or England. For Brazil, the defeat extends another painful World Cup story.

They arrived among the favourites after edging Japan in the previous round but were undone by missed chances, inspired goalkeeping from Orjan Nyland and the clinical finishing of one of the tournament’s outstanding players.

Open contest

The opening exchanges hinted at an open contest. Norway thought they had taken the lead inside four minutes when Patrick Berg swept home after Brazil failed to clear a corner, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

Brazil quickly settled and began to dictate possession through Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro, while Vinicius Junior repeatedly tested Norway’s defence down the left. Their biggest opportunity came in the 13th minute.

Referee pointed to the spot after Kristoffer Ajer clipped Matheus Cunha inside the penalty area, with the decision confirmed after a video review.

Guimaraes stepped up looking to give Brazil the lead, but Nyland guessed correctly, diving low to his right to push away the midfielder’s penalty and preserve the deadlock. The save proved a turning point.

Brazil continued to create openings but lacked the composure that has defined their greatest World Cup teams.

Gabriel Martinelli fired wide from a promising position before Alisson had to react sharply at the other end to deny Martin Odegaard after clever work from Haaland.

The match remained finely balanced heading into the interval, with Brazil enjoying more possession but Norway looking increasingly dangerous whenever they broke forward.

Carlo Ancelotti introduced fresh attacking options after the restart, sending on Endrick before later turning to Neymar in an attempt to unlock Norway’s disciplined defence. Instead, Nyland continued to frustrate Brazil.

The goalkeeper produced outstanding saves to deny Endrick, Rayan and Guimaraes as Brazil’s attacks became increasingly desperate. Norway, by contrast, never abandoned their game plan.

Odegaard controlled the tempo whenever his side regained possession, while Haaland remained a constant threat despite receiving limited service. The breakthrough finally arrived 11 minutes from full time.

Andreas Schjelderup found space on the left and delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, where Haaland rose above Gabriel to power a header beyond Alisson and spark wild celebrations among the Norwegian supporters.

Brazil suddenly found themselves chasing the game. As they committed numbers forward in search of an equaliser, spaces began to open. Haaland exploited one of them perfectly.

Golden Boot

Collecting the ball outside the penalty area in the 90th minute, the striker shifted onto his stronger foot before drilling an unstoppable low strike into the bottom corner, leaving Alisson rooted to the spot and effectively ending Brazil’s resistance.

The goal was Haaland’s seventh of the tournament, drawing him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.

It also made him the first European player since Christian Vieri at the 1998 World Cup to score in each of his first four World Cup matches.

Brazil were handed one final opportunity when Leo Ostigard was penalised for catching Casemiro inside the area during stoppage time.

Neymar calmly converted the resulting penalty in the 100th minute, but Norway safely negotiated the remaining minutes before the final whistle confirmed one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

The statistics reflected Brazil’s frustration as much as Norway’s resilience. The South Americans created enough chances to progress but failed to convert them, while Nyland delivered one of the best performances of the tournament.

Norway’s reward is a first appearance in the World Cup quarter-finals, achieved through organisation, discipline and ruthless efficiency when the defining moments arrived.

For Brazil, the journey ends earlier than expected. For Haaland and Norway, however, the dream of a first World Cup title remains alive.

Resolutely

Morocco booked their ticket in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with a clinical 3-0 victory over Canada at NRG Stadium on Saturday, scoring all three goals after the break to punish a Canadian side that failed to convert an impressive first-half performance into goals.

Azzedine Ounahi struck twice before substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a late third as Morocco became the first team to secure a place in the last eight. The Atlas Lions will now face the winners of France and Paraguay in the quarter-finals.

The final scoreline did not reflect the balance of the first half. Canada dominated possession, pressed aggressively from the opening whistle and created the better chances, but Morocco defended resolutely and goalkeeper Bono produced two important saves to keep the match level before half-time.

Canada made an energetic start and immediately pushed Morocco onto the back foot. Richie Laryea won the game’s first corner inside five minutes before Jonathan David tested Bono from a tight angle.

Moments later, the Moroccan goalkeeper was called into action again, making an outstanding save to deny Tani Oluwaseyi after Canada forced a turnover high up the pitch.

The North Americans continued to control proceedings during the opening half-hour, winning a series of corners and keeping Morocco largely confined to their own half.

Morocco did not register an attempt on goal until after the first hydration break, highlighting Canada’s early dominance.

Morocco’s afternoon suffered another setback in the 23rd minute when Ismael Saibari was forced off through injury. He was replaced by Rahimi, whose introduction would later prove decisive.

Despite Canada’s control, clear-cut chances became less frequent as the half progressed. Morocco gradually settled into the contest, slowing the tempo and frustrating their opponents.

Physical

The match also became increasingly physical. Referee Michael Oliver showed six yellow cards before the interval as challenges flew in from both sides, including cautions for Achraf Hakimi, Richie Laryea, Jonathan David, Azzedine Ounahi and Bilal El Khannouss.

The teams went into the break level at 0-0, with Canada left to wonder how they had failed to make their first-half superiority count. Meanwhile, Morocco needed only five minutes after the restart to seize control.

Awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area following a foul by Luc De Fougerolles, Hakimi rolled the ball into the path of Ounahi, whose precise right-footed effort curled beyond Maxime Crépeau and into the bottom corner to give Morocco a 50th-minute lead.

It was Morocco’s first shot on target of the match and dramatically changed the momentum.

Canada responded positively and continued to commit players forward in search of an equaliser. Jesse Marsch, the Canadian coach, introduced experienced striker Cyle Larin before later sending on Jacob Shaffelburg and Promise David to increase the attacking threat.

The pressure created several dangerous moments, but Morocco remained organised defensively. Bono commanded his penalty area confidently, while the back line dealt effectively with crosses and set-pieces.

Canada believed they might have a penalty just after the hour when Tajon Buchanan went to ground under a challenge from Redouane Halhal, but the assistant referee had already raised the flag for offside, ending any possibility of a spot-kick review.

Decisive Second Gaol

As Canada continued to push forward, Morocco found increasing space on the counter-attack.

The decisive second goal arrived in the 82nd minute. Morocco broke quickly after winning possession deep inside their own half.

Brahim Diaz carried the attack before cutting inside and slipping a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Ounahi, who powered his finish beyond Crépeau to complete his brace and put Morocco firmly in control.

Canada continued to fight until the closing stages, with Jonathan David sending a free-kick over the crossbar and Buchanan narrowly missing with an ambitious long-range effort that almost caught Bono off his line.

Rahimi nearly added a third when his header struck the crossbar, but the substitute would not be denied.

Eight minutes into stoppage time, Brahim Diaz again provided the assist, threading another intelligent pass into Rahimi, who calmly slotted past Crépeau to complete a convincing victory and seal Morocco’s passage into the quarter-finals.

The result was harsh on Canada, whose energetic first-half display deserved greater reward.

However, Morocco demonstrated the clinical finishing and defensive discipline often required in knockout football, converting their opportunities while denying Canada any route back into the contest.

Morocco now become the first nation to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will await the outcome of France’s meeting with Paraguay to discover their next opponents.

Canada, meanwhile, exit the tournament after a spirited campaign that included their first appearance in the knockout stages of an expanded World Cup.

High Tempo

Colombia booked their ticket in the Round of 16 after a 1–0 victory over Ghana in the early hours of Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The result sets up a Colombia clash with Switzerland on July 7 in Vancouver.

The match kicked off at 02:30 BST and began at a high tempo, with Ghana’s Thomas Partey testing from distance early on, while both sides were disrupted by early injuries.

Colombia lost striker Jhon Córdoba to a groin problem, while Ghana defender Marvin Senaya also went off with a hamstring injury inside the opening minutes.

Colombia struck the only goal in the 14th minute when Jhon Arias converted from close range after a cross from Luis Suárez, who had been introduced early as a substitute for the injured Córdoba.

The goal gave Colombia control of possession and territory for much of the contest, with Ghana struggling to build sustained attacks and failing to register a shot on target.

Luis Díaz went close on several occasions, including a missed opportunity shortly after the opener and another effort saved by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi. Colombia also had a second goal ruled out for offside early in the second half.

At the break, Colombia led 1–0 and continued to dominate the game after the halftime recess. James Rodríguez was introduced before being replaced by Richard Ríos as Colombia reinforced midfield control. Meanwhile, while substitute Juan Quintero added creativity and nearly extended the lead with a long-range effort.

Today’s performance was below average, no sense of urgency. We did not have men in the box.
—Asamoah Gyan

Ghana introduced Inaki Williams, Abdul Fatawu and others in search of an equaliser, but they continued to struggle in the final third.

Thomas Partey and Antoine Semenyo both attempted efforts from distance, but Colombia’s defence remained solid and goalkeeper Camilo Vargas was not seriously tested.

Former Ghana international Asamoah Gyan, speaking on SuperSport, criticised the Black Stars’ performance.

“Today’s performance was below average, no sense of urgency. We did not have men in the box,” Gyan said.

Colombia saw out six minutes of added time comfortably to clear their way forward. Despite the narrow scoreline, they were the better side throughout and never looked in danger of losing control of the match.

Incredible Vizinha

Defending World Cup champions Argentina survived a spirited challenge from African debutants Cape Verde, requiring extra time to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory on Friday and book their ticket for the competition’s Round of 16.

Lionel Messi scored the opening goal and later delivered the corner that led to the decisive own goal as Argentina ended Cape Verde’s remarkable campaign.

Argentina eventually surged back six minutes into the second period of extra time when Messi’s corner caused confusion inside the penalty area, with defender Diney Borges inadvertently turning Cristian Romero’s header into his own net.

The goal finally broke the resistance of a Cape Verde side that refused to be intimidated despite facing one of football’s most decorated nations.

Messi had given Argentina the lead in the 29th minute after latching onto a long pass from Lisandro Martínez.

The Argentine captain controlled the ball brilliantly with the outside of his left foot before firing into the roof of the net beyond veteran goalkeeper Vozinha for his seventh goal of the tournament.

Cape Verde, however, continued to play with belief. Having already impressed during the group stage with draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, the Blue Sharks once again showed discipline, organisation and determination. Their persistence paid off just before the hour mark.

Captain Ryan Mendes broke down the right flank before delivering a low pass into the penalty area where Deroy Duarte controlled with his left foot before calmly finishing past Emiliano Martínez to level the score at 1-1.

The equaliser stunned the majority of the crowd, who had expected Argentina to progress comfortably. Instead, Cape Verde continued to frustrate the South Americans, with Vozinha producing a performance that will be remembered long after the tournament.

The 40-year-old repeatedly denied Messi during the second half. He rushed off his line to block a point-blank effort from the Argentine captain in the 63rd minute before producing a superb fingertip save to push away one of Messi’s trademark free kicks ten minutes later.

He was called into action again in stoppage time, reacting sharply to keep out another Messi free kick through a crowded penalty area, before making yet another outstanding save early in extra time to deny the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner from the edge of the box.

Despite Vozinha’s heroics, Argentina regained the lead just two minutes into extra time. Defender Lisandro Martínez collected possession on the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a powerful strike into the roof of the net to make it 2-1. Once again, however, Cape Verde refused to surrender.

In the 103rd minute, left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral curled a magnificent effort into the top corner to draw the Blue Sharks level for a second time and reignite hopes of an extraordinary upset.

With penalties looming, Argentina finally found the breakthrough they desperately needed.

Messi’s dangerous corner into the six-yard area was met by Cristian Romero, whose header deflected off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges before crossing the goal line to restore Argentina’s advantage at 3-2.

Cape Verde still had one final opportunity to force a penalty shootout, but Lopes Cabral’s well-struck free kick was brilliantly saved by Emiliano Martínez in the closing minutes as Argentina held on to secure qualification.

Although their World Cup journey came to an end, Cape Verde departed Miami with their reputation significantly enhanced.

Ranked 67th by FIFA World before the tournament, the Blue Sharks became the only one of the four World Cup debutants to progress beyond the group stage and pushed the defending champions to extra time in a display full of courage and resilience.

The team’s result guarantees Cape Verde prize money of $11 million from FIFA, but perhaps more importantly, the Blue Sharks leave the tournament having firmly put their little on the map for those who knew little or nothing about it.

Front foot start

Switzerland advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Algeria 2-0 in match played on Friday at BC Place.

Goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye secured a controlled and disciplined performance from Murat Yakin’s side, who continued their strong run in the tournament with another convincing victory.

Algeria began the match on the front foot and applied early pressure, creating the first clear opportunity when Ibrahim Maza delivered a low cross into the penalty area, but Houssem Aouar was unable to direct his effort on target.

Shortly after, Algeria appealed for a penalty when Ramiz Zerrouki went down under pressure from Manuel Akanji while chasing a through ball, but the referee allowed play to continue.

Despite Algeria’s bright start, Switzerland struck first in the 11th minute with a meaningful opening attack.

Johan Manzambi broke forward down the left flank before cutting the ball back for Breel Embolo, who finished from close range to give Switzerland the lead.

The goal shifted momentum, with Switzerland growing into the contest and controlling possession through midfield, led by Granit Xhaka. Algeria, meanwhile, continued to threaten but struggled to create clear chances in the final third.

Switzerland almost doubled their advantage before halftime when Denis Zakaria met a Ruben Vargas delivery, but his header went narrowly wide of the post.

The second half began in devastating fashion for Algeria. Just 48 seconds after the restart, Algeria failed to clear a cross from Denis Zakaria, allowing Dan Ndoye to fire a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Following the goal, Algeria introduced Amine Gouiri, Jaouen Hadjam, Anis Hadj Moussa and Hicham Boudaoui in an attempt to change the course of the match.

The changes added urgency, and Riyad Mahrez came closest to reducing the deficit, but his close-range effort was blocked inside the area.

Switzerland remained compact and organised defensively, limiting Algeria’s attacking threat for the remainder of the match, while Fabian Rieder missed a clear chance to extend the lead after being played through on goal.

The result extended Switzerland’s impressive tournament run, marking three consecutive World Cup victories for the first time in their history, while they have now also scored in six successive World Cup matches for the first time ever.

For Algeria, the World Cup campaign is over. Switzerland will now face either Ghana or Colombia in the Round of 16 as the tournament continues.

Portugal scored in stoppage time on Thursday to defeat Croatia 2-1 and become the 12th team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16—the outcome of a dramatic encounter at Toronto Stadium.

Portugal dominated possession during the opening half but were unable to find a breakthrough against a disciplined Croatian defence.

Bruno Fernandes forced two early saves from Dominik Livaković, while Renato Veiga, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leão all went close before the interval, which ended goalless.

Croatia took the lead eight minutes after the break when Ivan Perišić met Josip Stanišić’s cross with a first-time finish beyond Diogo Costa. Portugal responded quickly and thought they had equalised through Ronaldo, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Their pressure eventually paid off in the 68th minute after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) advised referee Espen Eskås to review a challenge by Nikola Vlašić on Renato Veiga inside the penalty area. Ronaldo converted the resulting penalty to level the score.

The match remained evenly poised as both teams searched for a winner. Mateo Kovačić struck the post for Croatia before Costa produced an important save, while Portugal continued to press in the closing stages.

Gonçalo Ramos settled the contest in the third minute of added time, turning home from close range to give Portugal the lead. Croatia appeared to have forced extra time when Joško Gvardiol found the net later in stoppage time, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

The victory sends Portugal into the Round of 16 as the tournament’s 12th qualified team, where Roberto Martínez’s side will face Spain. Croatia exit the competition, their World Cup campaign effectively dead-ended in Toronto by Ronaldo and team mates.

Stronger start

In a dramatic knockout tie decided by a late penalty, Belgium defeated Senegal 3-2 at Lumen Field on Wednesday, earning their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

The match, played in front of a crowd of 66,925, swung repeatedly across 131 minutes of action, with Senegal leading 2-0 before Belgium staged a late comeback and ultimately secured victory in extra time.

Senegal made the stronger start, controlling early possessions and creating the first clear chance in the 13th minute when Ismaïla Sarr broke through on goal. Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced an important save to keep the match level.

Belgium responded through Leandro Trossard, but Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw was alert to deny him from close range as the African side continued to dictate the tempo.

The breakthrough came in the 25th minute. Sadio Mané delivered a dangerous cross into the box, Pape Gueye’s effort was saved by Courtois, and Habib Diarra reacted quickest to finish from close range and put Senegal 1-0 ahead.

Belgium struggled to build rhythm in midfield and were forced into changes, including the withdrawal of Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, as they searched for attacking control.

Commanding Position

Senegal doubled their lead in the 51st minute. Moussa Niakhaté provided the assist for Ismaïla Sarr, who finished clinically to make it 2-0 and put Senegal in a commanding position.

Belgium responded by introducing Romelu Lukaku, Nicolas Raskin and Dodi Lukebakio, increasing their physical presence in attack but still finding Senegal well organised defensively.

For much of the second half, Senegal remained in control, limiting clear chances while threatening on the counter-attack through Sarr.

Belgium’s clearest opening before the late turnaround came when Youri Tielemans fired into the side net from a tight angle.

As the match entered its closing stages, Belgium increased pressure significantly, committing more players forward and forcing Senegal deeper.

Reversal

The comeback began in the 86th minute when Romelu Lukaku reacted quickly inside the box to turn in a low cross from Thomas Meunier, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

Three minutes later, Belgium completed the equaliser. Leandro Trossard delivered an in-swinging cross from the right, and goalkeeper Mory Diaw failed to deal with it under pressure. Youri Tielemans headed into an empty net to make it 2-2.

Senegal were forced into sustained defending in stoppage time as Belgium pushed for a winner, but the match finished level after 90 minutes and moved into extra time.

Extra time began cautiously after the frantic end to regulation, with both sides initially reluctant to commit forward. Tensions rose briefly when referee Héctor Sorto interfered with play, while chances remained limited in the early stages of the additional period.

Belgium came closest when Dodi Lukebakio struck the crossbar in the 118th minute after a loose ball fell to him inside the box, but his effort clipped the top of the woodwork and went over.

The decisive moment came in the 121st minute after a Video Assistant Referee review awarded Belgium a penalty. Youri Tielemans stepped up and calmly converted, sending his effort into the top corner to complete the comeback and put Belgium 3-2 ahead.

Senegal pushed forward in the closing moments, with a free-kick from distance and a late cross into the box, but Thibaut Courtois held firm to secure Belgium’s victory.

Belgium, with the upsetting win, will face next the winner of USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For Senegal, it was a painful exit after a performance that put them in control for long periods before late defensive lapses and the penalty decision turned the tie.

Belgium, meanwhile, will take confidence from their resilience in overturning a two-goal deficit in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament so far.

Early shock

England recovered from an early shock on Wednesday to defeat DR Congo 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice and sending his side into the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

The victory sets up an encounter with Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on 5 July, while DR Congo’s impressive World Cup campaign came to an end despite a spirited display that pushed one of the tournament favourites to the limit.

DR Congo stunned England after just seven minutes. Captain Chancel Mbemba started a flowing move before Brian Kipenge Cipenga finished clinically beyond Jordan Pickford for his first international goal.

The striker, who plays in Spain’s second division, calmly converted after a well-worked attacking move to give the Leopards an early lead.

The goal lifted the African side, who continued to threaten on the counter-attack. Yoane Wissa had an opportunity to double the advantage but England’s defence recovered in time to frustrate the Brentford forward.

England struggled to find their rhythm during the opening stages and midfielder Jude Bellingham was shown a yellow card in the 15th minute after bringing down a DR Congo player as the Africans continued to press aggressively.

Although England enjoyed more possession, clear-cut chances were limited. Their best opening of the first half came in the 29th minute when Bellingham forced an outstanding save from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, whose performance kept DR Congo in front.

England increased the pressure as the half progressed. Harry Kane was denied by excellent defending from Axel Tuanzebe before Marcus Rashford saw another promising attack stopped by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who repeatedly frustrated the English forwards.

DR Congo remained dangerous whenever they broke forward. Wissa came closest to extending the lead in the 42nd minute when his effort struck the post after another dangerous attack created from the right flank.

England appealed twice for penalties before half-time. Rashford was brought down following a challenge from Noah Sadiki that resulted in a free-kick but no penalty, while Kane also went to ground after contact with Tuanzebe.

Referee Adham Makhadmeh waved play on both occasions, with the Video Assistant Referee also declining to intervene.

Mpasi continued his outstanding performance deep into first-half stoppage time, producing successive saves to deny both Bellingham and Kane and preserve DR Congo’s lead at the interval.

Greater urgency

England returned after the break with greater urgency but still struggled to break down DR Congo’s disciplined defence. Rashford fired over from distance before Bellingham again tested Mpasi, whose one-handed save was among the best of the evening.

Thomas Tuchel responded by introducing Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon in place of Rashford and Noni Madueke shortly after the hour mark in an attempt to increase England’s attacking threat.

DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre also refreshed his side, introducing Meshack Elia, whose decisive goal against Uzbekistan had helped secure the Leopards’ place in the knockout stage.

England’s persistence finally paid off in the 74th minute. Declan Rice and Gordon combined to create space for Kane, who finished confidently to level the score and shift the momentum firmly in England’s favour.

England then continued to dominate possession and pinned DR Congo deep inside their own half as Saka and Elliot Anderson stretched the African defence.

DR Congo still carried a threat on the break. Elia had a chance to restore the lead, but Rice tracked back well to make a crucial defensive intervention.

England completed the turnaround five minutes from time. Sustained pressure from Bellingham and Gordon created another opening for Kane, who struck his second goal of the match to put England ahead for the first time.

Speaking after the match, Kane said England’s determination had been key to their comeback.

“The pressure was higher but we managed to stick together and never give up. I just want to enjoy with the fans and all the players because most of the time these big games you can’t enjoy, but we want to enjoy this win.”

The result sends England into the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on 5 July.

For DR Congo, elimination ends a memorable campaign in which they reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in decades and demonstrated the progress made under Desabre since his appointment in 2022.

Morocco now remain Africa’s only representatives left in the tournament following the exits of South Africa, Ivory Coast and DR Congo.

Morocco booked on Tuesday their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in a game that played into extra time.

The Atlas Lions came from behind after Cody Gakpo had given the Dutch the lead before Issa Diop struck a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to send the match into extra time.

The Netherlands made the brighter start and controlled possession for much of the opening half, but Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced a series of important saves to deny Crysencio Summerville and keep the scores level.

Morocco gradually grew into the contest and created chances of their own, with Bart Verbruggen called into action to keep out efforts from Neil El Aynaoui and captain Achraf Hakimi as the teams went into the interval goalless.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 72nd minute when Cody Gakpo finished off a swift Dutch counterattack, giving Ronald Koeman’s side a 1-0 advantage. Morocco refused to give up and continued to push forward in search of an equaliser.

Their persistence paid off when substitute Chemsdine Talbi picked out Issa Diop, who fired home in the 90+1st minute to level the match at 1-1 and silence the Dutch supporters.

Neither side could find a winner during the additional 30 minutes despite Morocco enjoying more possession and creating the better opportunities.

Verbruggen made another outstanding save to deny Soufiane Rahimi, while Bounou remained composed whenever the Netherlands threatened. The tie was eventually decided in a penalty shootout.

Teun Koopmeiners and Wout Weghorst converted for the Netherlands, but Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all missed their spot-kicks.

Morocco converted three of their penalties through Soufiane Rahimi, Chemsdine Talbi and Ismael Saibari. And although Achraf Hakimi and Neil El Aynaoui failed from the spot, the Atlas Lions had done enough to secure a memorable victory.

Morocco will now face Canada in the Round of 16 as they continue their bid for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Brazil beat Japan at NRG Stadium on Monday to qualify for the next round of the FIFA World Cup. Gabriel Martinelli scored in stoppage time as Brazil came from behind to win 2-1.

Japan had led 1-0 at halftime after Kaishu Sano scored from a counterattack in front of 72,220 spectators.

Brazil made a change at the start of the second half, bringing on 19-year-old Endrick for Lucas Paquetá as they pushed for an equaliser.

Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made several saves to keep his side ahead, including frustrating Vinícius Júnior after a solo run that ended with a shot hitting the post.

Brazil then equalised in the 56th minute when Casemiro scored following a move involving Gabriel Magalhães.

Japan continued to threaten on the counterattack, with Ayase Ueda forcing a save from Alisson Becker, while both teams made multiple substitutions as the match progressed.

Brazil increased pressure in the closing stages, with Vinícius Júnior and Endrick both missing chances as Japan defended deep.

Martinelli scored in the 95th minute after a late attacking move involving Bruno Guimarães, allowing Brazil to become the latest side to book their ticket for the Round of 16.

Next, Brazil will face the winner of Norway versus Ivory Coast. Japan’s defeat put an end to their World Cup Campaign and the Asians will now be heading home.

South Africa reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history, defeating South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey on Wednesday. Thapelo Maseko struck in the 63rd minute, turning in a cross from Tshepang Moremi, to seal a result that no one had predicted.

Bafana Bafana had entered their final Group A match needing a win and delivered it, finishing second behind Mexico. South Africa now travel to Inglewood, California, to face Canada in the round of 32 on Sunday.

The result ends a painful record: South Africa had been eliminated at the group stage in 1998, 2002, and when they hosted in 2010.

South Korea must now wait to see whether they advance as one of the eight best third-placed finishers.

Brazil and Morocco Through As Scotland’s World Cup Ends in Miami

Brazil defeated Scotland 3-0 in Miami to top Group C, with Vinícius Júnior scoring twice in a dominant display. Morocco beat Haiti 4-2 in Atlanta simultaneously to finish second in the group.

Scotland, who had beaten Haiti in their opener before losing to Morocco, were eliminated after eight World Cup appearances without ever advancing beyond the group stage.

Brazil and Morocco both advance to the round of 32, with the Atlas Lions continuing Africa’s strong showing in the expanded tournament. Scotland’s hopes of breaking their long-standing World Cup record ended in the Florida heat.

FIFA Hands Madibo Five-Match Ban For Tackle That Broke Koné’s Leg

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee issued a five-match suspension to Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo on Wednesday for the tackle that fractured the tibia and fibula of Canada’s Ismaël Koné during Canada’s 6-0 win over Qatar in Vancouver on 18 June.

The committee cited serious foul play; the decision is subject to appeal. Madibo, who was shown a straight red card at the time, later visited Koné in hospital.

Qatar were eliminated from the tournament on Wednesday after losing to Bosnia-Herzegovina, meaning the ban rolls over to future FIFA competitions.

The punishment is among the stiffer issued at a World Cup, though it falls short of the nine-match ban given to Uruguay’s Luis Suárez in 2014.

Switzerland Edge Canada to Win Group B; Canada Face South Africa on Sunday

Switzerland beat Canada 3-1 on Wednesday to finish top of Group B, with goals from Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas among the scorers.

Canada, who had crushed Qatar 6-0 in their previous match, finished second and now face South Africa in the round of 32 on Sunday in Inglewood, California. Bosnia-Herzegovina took third place in the group after beating Qatar 3-1.

Canada’s historic group-stage campaign—their first World Cup wins—ends with a meeting against a Bafana Bafana side that has just pulled off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

Mexico complete perfect group stage with 3-0 win over Czechia

Mexico finished their Group A campaign unbeaten with a 3-0 victory over Czechia in Mexico City on Wednesday, extending their record to three wins from three.

Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa came on as a substitute in the 78th minute, giving the 40-year-old a World Cup appearance at a sixth tournament—a milestone for Mexico’s long-serving shot-stopper.

The co-hosts top Group A and move into the round of 32, where they will face Czechia again—the same opponents they have just beaten—in a second-round tie in Mexico City.

So, the story of that Somali referee. Where best to start it? Well, he had completed the paperwork, had the visa, had with him in his luggage the documentation of a career that speaks for itself.

And his was the career. And it began with him refereeing matches in a country still rebuilding after decades of conflict. All the way, it took him high up to the status of national icon, first Somali official ever selected for a World Cup.

Commendable. But none of it mattered on Saturday 6 June, the day when Omar Abdulkadir Artan landed at Miami International Airport on a connecting flight from Istanbul.

It didn’t matter simply because Artan was back on a plane to Turkey, eleven hours later, his World Cup effectively over before it even began.

The official explanation—to which we will return later—eventually arrived, but it explained almost nothing.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a skimpy statement that Artan had been denied entry because he was “determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns.”

What those concerns were, CBP did not say.
Hard therefore for Artan to know clearly what they were.

The Somali sports official told the New York Times he had been questioned for eleven hours about why he had travelled to the United States and about Somali politics and the militant group al-Shabab.

He told the paper he had shown his interrogators his FIFA credentials and photographs from his refereeing career. All to no effect.

“I think that they have a problem with my country,” Artan speculated, understating his case, playing down the fact that he had nothing to hide and nowhere to hide it. And how could he have had, indeed?

The fellow had been named Africa’s best male referee in 2025, had become in January 2024 the first Somali to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations, and had been selected as one of FIFA’s 52 referees for the 2026 World Cup after what FIFA itself described as a three-year vetting and selection process.

Artan held a diplomatic passport. He held a very valid visa, issued by U.S. authorities the week before he travelled.

It was quickly evident to him that the CBP was operating on the basis of a foregone conclusion.

The CBP wasn’t checking to make sure his documentation was in order. They had him marked, and the checking was just a matter of going through the motions. A formality.

Grave Anomaly

What followed Artan’s expulsion was not delayed clarification. It was a sequence of contradictions in an unbroken exercise of confusion, of obfuscation.

First in that sequence came the vague gesture toward gravity. The performance of solemnity in the matter.

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House’s FIFA Task Force, told reporters that Artan had been denied entry for “very good reasons,” declining to specify what those reasons were.

“Anyone who is communicating with bad actors that plan harm against the United States of America are not gonna be admitted entrance,” Giuliani said.

Then, speaking to CBS News, he sharpened the allegation: Artan had been in contact with “some very bad people,” and the communication occurred immediately before he set out for the United States.

A separate, anonymous administration official told ESPN that the referee was refused admission due to “association with suspected members of terror organisations.”

No evidence for that claim has been produced. CBS News reported plainly that the administration has yet to release any set of documented facts to support the incriminatory finding.

And so, a man was sent home from the doorstep of the tournament that was supposed to define his career, on an allegation serious enough to imply terrorism, and the country making that allegation can simply decline to show its hand.

And that is the anomaly at the centre of Artan’s story. Of course, mistakes and expulsions are not rare at busy airports in any ordinary day, let alone during a global tournament.

But here, the anomaly rests in the fact that an accusation grave enough to end a career was made and then left to hang, unproven and unexplained, as though the saying of it were sufficient.

Now, if Artan isn’t in cahoots with al-Shabaab or any other terror organisation, one should look for the true motives of his discourteous treatment in what officials had left unsaid.

Travel Restrictions

Somalia sits on a list of 39 countries facing US travel restrictions ranging from partial limits to outright bans under the current administration.

President Trump has a documented history of hostility toward the country specifically. Trump, as Al Jazeera and others reported, targeted both Somalia and the Somali-American community with inflammatory rhetoric, at one point calling the community “garbage.”

Against that backdrop, rights advocates did not see an isolated vetting failure. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, reacting directly to Artan’s case, was made obvious and was prosecutorial in its rebuke.

“Our nation should not ban anyone from our shores simply because of their race or their ethnicity,” said the Council. “That’s especially true of a coach or referee or anyone else coming to participate in the World Cup.”

International sports lawyer Khayran Noor told Al Jazeera that human rights organisations and advocacy groups have repeatedly raised concerns regarding immigration enforcement practices and the treatment of migrant communities in the US.

Asked the obvious question that no official answer addressed, a Somali member of parliament, Ilham Gasser, chose to expose with bluntness: if Artan truly had terror links serious enough to bar him, why were those concerns not identified during the visa process he had already completed?

A relevant question that goes beyond Artan’s case, showing a pattern of a kind: Iraq’s forward Aymen Hussein was held for hours at Chicago O’Hare; his team’s photographer was turned away outright. All of that was somehow anticipated.

A coalition of roughly 90 human rights organisations had warned FIFA months before the tournament that non-citizens in the United States, or those expressing political opinions the administration does not share, faced heightened risk of denial of entry, detention, or deportation.

The coalition described conditions in immigration detention facilities as “cruel” and “inhuman.” And Artan’s case was simply the one with the highest profile and the least plausible deniability—a man invited by the sport’s own governing body, accredited, vetted, and turned away anyway.

Which raises the bigger question that should have been asked of football’s governing body long before it was asked of CBP: what, exactly, had FIFA promised on Artan’s behalf or on behalf of anyone else in a similar situation?

Broken Assurances

The promise was specific, and it was made years in advance as part of the bidding process for the 2026 tournament, in compliance with FIFA’s own guidelines.

They required host governments to commit to what one legal analysis describes as a visa-free environment or facilitated visa procedures applied without discrimination by nationality for players, officials, media, and fans.

The U.S. government, for its part, gave FIFA assurances years ahead of the tournament that “eligible athletes, officials and fans from all countries around the world” would be able to attend.

A referee accredited by FIFA to officiate at the tournament is, by any reasonable reading of that commitment, exactly the kind of person it was designed to protect.

When the moment came to enforce it, FIFA did not enforce it. And the organisation’s statement on Artan’s case was a curious study in cavalier detachment:

“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present,” the statement said.

“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”

President Gianni Infantino, asked directly about the case, called it “unfortunate” and added: “We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organisation.”

It is a strange thing for the president of a sports organisation to say about a referee his own organisation spent three years selecting. It is a stranger thing still set against FIFA’s own published commitments.

Flexible Doctrine

Since 2016, FIFA’s Statutes have included Article 3, which stipulates that FIFA is fully committed to respecting human rights and to meeting its responsibilities under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

The commitment exists because FIFA was shamed into adopting it; shamed by the Ruggie report that produced it.

The report was commissioned, as Human Rights Watch has documented, under pressure following corruption revelations and serious human rights abuses during preparations for the 2018 Russia World Cup and the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.

FIFA pledged, ahead of this tournament specifically, that the 2026 World Cup would be different from those two. It adopted the UN Guiding Principles, published a Human Rights Policy, and said this would be the first World Cup with a genuine human rights strategy.

The pattern, in other words, is not new. Well, it is the pattern.

Qatar made promises about labour conditions and FIFA’s own human rights committee later concluded the organisation had “a responsibility” to compensate the families of migrant workers who died building World Cup infrastructure — compensation that has, to date, not been paid.

Russia hosted a tournament that doubled as a platform for the Kremlin while a crackdown on civil society continued around it.

Each time, the explanation offered was a variation on the same theme: football and politics do not mix, and FIFA is a sporting body, not a political one. Each time, the doctrine has proven flexible enough to permit almost anything except the one thing it might cost FIFA something to enforce.

That flexibility looks rather different when set against Infantino’s own conduct over the preceding year. He has, in the words of one investigation, made being close to Trump a top priority.

Infantino lavished the U.S. president with praise, trophies, and a medal, and made pilgrimages to Mar-a-Lago and to the Trump National Doral golf club. And in August 2025, he presented Trump with a gold replica World Cup trophy in the Oval Office, calling it “for winners only.”

That gesture. One senior football official—granted anonymity to discuss the dynamics—described it as a snub of the idea that the trophy belongs to the sport rather than to any individual.

At the official December draw in Washington, Infantino presented Trump with a newly invented honour, the FIFA “Peace Prize,” which Human Rights Watch later described in a headline as FIFA’s “sportswashing peace prize.”

Defending the closeness of the relationship at a meeting in Northern Ireland, Infantino said plainly: “I think it is absolutely crucial for the success of a World Cup to have a close relationship with the president.”

Crucial enough, it turned out, that when an accredited referee from a country the president has called “garbage” was detained for eleven hours and sent home on an unproven terror allegation, the closeness produced nothing.

Not a phone call. Not a public objection. Not even, in the end, an explanation of why FIFA’s own pre-tournament guarantee of fair treatment for officials evaporated the moment it was tested.

Harder Than Outrage

FIFA might have stayed quiet. But Omar Artan did not have that luxury, and chose, instead, something harder than outrage.

Two days after he was put on a plane back to Istanbul, the referee landed in Mogadishu to a welcome that NPR described as resembling a hero’s reception.

It was so large that, as NBC News observed, although Somalia is not competing at this World Cup, the scenes at the capital’s airport looked like the country had won the trophy itself.

The Somali Sports Ministry, soaked in the moment, expressed “deep regret” over his treatment; the Somali Football Federation pledged its full support; and, as one widely shared social media post put it, thousands filled a Mogadishu stadium simply to receive him.

What Artan said when he finally spoke in public carried none of the bitterness the moment would have justified.

“What happened has happened and it was fate,” he told reporters on arrival. “I am grateful for the support FIFA gave me.” To his own federation, he had already struck the same note days earlier:

“Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career. I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future.”

And to the young Somalis watching a man who had been turned away at the very threshold of his life’s biggest assignment, he offered not despair but instruction:

“I will attend the next World Cup. We should strive for our country and defend it. We should never be disappointed. I love my country, and I encourage young people to continue pursuing their goals.”

There was no shout in any of it. No demand for an apology, no accusation levelled back at the country that had detained him for eleven hours and offered no reason. And it is precisely that absence of bitterness that did the most damage to the official story.

A man who had genuinely done what the anonymous administration source implied—associated with people plotting harm against the United States—does not, as a rule, respond to his exposure by thanking the people who exposed him and urging children to keep dreaming.

Artan’s composure was not merely dignified; it was evidentiary. It made the unproven allegation against him look smaller every time he declined to dignify it with anger.

It made the racial reading of his treatment—articulated plainly by CAIR, implied by the Somali parliamentarian’s unanswered question—look correspondingly larger. He did not need to argue that the decision was unjust.

His refusal to be embittered by it argued the point for him, in the court that actually mattered: international public opinion, where FIFA’s silence and the administration’s unproven claims were being weighed against a man behaving exactly as someone who has nothing to hide would behave.

Quite Revenge

Artan’s case will be remembered, in time, as one entry in a longer ledger. It sits alongside the documented heavy-handedness of immigration enforcement toward undocumented migrants of colour under the current U.S. administration.

It sits alongside the cases—reported across multiple outlets during this same period—of U.S. citizens caught up in mistaken-identity enforcement actions, and alongside an administration that has, separately, advanced the claim of a “white genocide” in South Africa.

White genocide? An inflammatory framing that inverts the actual history of apartheid so completely that it functions less as policy than as provocation. But that might be a digression.

But here is the point. An accredited football referee, expelled from the world’s largest sporting event on an allegation never substantiated, fits a pattern that critics did not have to invent. They only had to point at it.

But the more precise vindication—the one that did not require political argument at all—arrived from within football itself. Days after the United States sent him home, Europe’s governing body did the opposite.

UEFA announced it had appointed Artan to officiate the 2026 Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, in Salzburg in August—the European confederation’s own marquee fixture. And UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin did not hedge.

“Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football,” Ceferin said.

“Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination.”

Set the two developments beside each other and the contrast does the arguing: One government, citing unproven and unreleased intelligence, decided that a vetted, accredited match official could not be trusted to set foot in the country. And one continental confederation, weeks later, decided that the same official was trustworthy enough to be handed one of European football’s biggest fixtures.

The vindication was not symbolic in the diminished sense of the word—a consolation prize, a participation medal.

It was the sport answering, in its own currency, the question the United States had refused to answer in any currency at all: is this man, in fact, fit to officiate football’s biggest stages?

UEFA’s answer arrived within days.
Washington’s has still not arrived.

Ultimately, Omar Artan will not officiate at this World Cup. As he said, he intends to be at the next one, and given what he has already done, there is no obvious reason to doubt him.

What he has already secured, before that next World Cup arrives, is something less measurable than an assignment and considerably harder to take away.

And it is that the public record now shows a man who was accused without evidence, expelled without explanation, and met that treatment with a composure his accusers never had to demonstrate themselves.

That, in the end, is the quiet revenge. Not anger returned for anger. Just a man, asked to prove he belonged, who simply kept being exactly who he already was. Meanwhile, he let everyone else’s behaviour speak for itself.

For more than an hour, Ivory Coast stood on the verge of one of the biggest results of their World Cup history.

Against a Germany side packed with talent and emboldened with the status of a football giant, the Elephants defended bravely.

They attacked fearlessly and held a precious lead through captain Franck Kessié. But football’s biggest stages are often decided by the finest margins.

And on this dramatic night at Toronto Stadium, substitute Deniz Undav emerged from Germany’s bench to score twice and snatch a 2-1 victory that secured the Europeans a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage.

The result was cruel on an Ivory Coast side that had spent much of the evening frustrating Germany and threatening a famous upset in front of 44,315 spectators.

Favourites

Germany entered the match as the favourites and knowing that victory would guarantee qualification from Group E.

But they immediately discovered they would be facing an African side unwilling to play the role of underdog.

Kai Havertz fired narrowly wide inside the opening minute before Ivory Coast responded through the lively Yan Diomandé, whose direct running troubled Germany throughout the contest.

The opening exchanges produced a fast and entertaining battle, with both teams creating opportunities.

Germany looked dangerous through Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané, while Ivory Coast relied on the pace and confidence of Diomandé to stretch the German defence.

The Europeans thought they had taken control of the contest midway through the first half, only for frustration to follow.

A German goal from a corner was ruled out after Alexander Pavlović was judged to have fouled goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, who was proving difficult to beat. The decision gave Ivory Coast renewed belief. Then came the breakthrough.

Chaotic

After 29 minutes, a chaotic attacking sequence involving Diomandé created confusion inside the German penalty area.

The ball eventually fell kindly to captain Franck Kessié, who reacted quickest to fire home and send the Ivorian supporters into celebration. It was a captain’s goal on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

The former AC Milan midfielder not only gave Ivory Coast the lead but inspired belief that the Elephants could take a major step toward the knockout rounds.

Germany’s frustration deepened before halftime when another goal, this time involving Havertz, was disallowed following a foul in the build-up.

The tournament heavyweights headed into the break trailing and searching for answers. Julian Nagelsmann, the coach, found them on his bench—a couple of substitutions.

Germany emerged for the second half with renewed urgency and increased attacking pressure. The introduction of Undav and Jérémy Leweling changed the rhythm of the match as Germany pinned Ivory Coast deep inside their own half.

Still, the Elephants resisted. Fofana produced several important interventions, while Kessié continued to lead by example in midfield. Yet the pressure finally told.

Reversal

In the 67th minute, Undav announced his arrival. The substitute found space inside the penalty area and finished confidently to bring Germany level at 1-1, silencing much of the growing Ivorian optimism.

The equaliser transformed the contest—now, Germany sensed victory while Ivory Coast suddenly found themselves defending deeper and deeper. Even then, the African side remained dangerous.

Simon Adingra came close to restoring the lead late in the match but could not convert a promising opportunity that would have changed the story of the night.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Germany continued to push forward. Then came the decisive moment. In the fourth minute of added time, Undav struck again.

The forward finished clinically to complete his brace and complete Germany’s comeback, breaking Ivorian hearts after a performance full of courage and determination.

For Ivory Coast, defeat was painful. But despite leaving Toronto empty-handed, the Elephants showed they belong on football’s biggest stage.

They pushed one of the tournament favourites to the limit, led for much of the evening, and came within minutes of a result that would have echoed across Africa.

Achraf Hakimi stood on the edge of the pitch at Gillette Stadium in Boston, the noise rising around him, the floodlights cutting through the evening air.

For a moment before kickoff, he paused, then stepped forward into another night where football and everything beyond it collided.

Earlier that day, a French appeals court confirmed that the Morocco captain will stand trial over rape allegations dating back to 2023.

Hakimi denies the accusations. The Versailles appeals court ruled that the case should proceed to trial, but no date has yet been set.

The announcement was of the kind that does not stay confined to courtrooms. By the time he emerged in that World Cup setting against Scotland, the legal process had already followed him across borders, across headlines, and across expectations. It could not be ignored, certainly not by Hakimi.

Speaking up

Before the match, he addressed the moment in a brief social media statement. He spoke of waiting for the chance to respond in court and described the case as a distortion of his reality. It was the only time he spoke publicly that day.

When the match began, the stadium carried a split mood. Every touch of the ball brought reaction—some sections of the crowd voicing disapproval, others offering applause. The swaying mood of the crowd might have had nothing to do with the case.

After all, Scotland’s fans were rooting for their own side, and jeers on their part were mostly sporting rivalry.

Regardless, the sound rose and fell with Hakimi’s movement down the right flank, where he continued to operate as one of Morocco’s most important outlets.

On the pitch, Morocco stayed composed. A 1-0 victory over Scotland followed their opening 1-1 draw against Brazil, results that quietly strengthened their position in Group C.

But even as the scoreline settled the match, it could not settle the atmosphere surrounding their captain.

At full time, Morocco’s coach Mohamed Ouahbi kept his words brief. There was no attempt to expand beyond the football itself.

“Hakimi was extraordinary,” he said, before reiterating that the squad remained focused on the tournament.

Inside the Moroccan camp, the message has been consistent since the court ruling: unity around their captain, and separation between the legal process and the tournament itself.

And one might wonder why the armband was handed over to a man with unresolved court issues in the first place.

Well, Hakimi’s presence in this team is not just functional. It is symbolic. He has been central to Morocco’s modern football identity, part of the side that reached the 2022 World Cup semi-finals in Qatar—the first African nation to do so, a campaign that reshaped how the world viewed Moroccan football. Since then, his role has evolved further.

He has become one of the defining figures in the national setup, part of a leadership core that now carries far greater expectation than before.

That evolution has continued through a period of transition—strong qualifying runs, a difficult Africa Cup of Nations campaign, and shifts in coaching leadership that have tested stability.

Now, that football journey runs alongside a legal one that remains unresolved. But what are the basic facts of the case?

Game on

Achraf Hakimi is accused of raping a 24-year-old woman at his home near Paris in February 2023, allegations he has consistently denied.

The woman, whose identity has not been made public, reported the alleged incident after the two reportedly connected through Instagram.

Hakimi has described the accusation as “false,” consistent with the position his lawyer, Fanny Colin, previously stated: “The accusations are false. He is calm and is making himself available to the authorities.” There is no indication of a prior romantic relationship between Hakimi and the accuser.

Rachel-Flore Pardo, the accuser’s lawyer, has said the move to trial is “fully consistent with the evidence in the file.”

Now, the Versailles appeals court has ruled that the case should proceed to trial, but the timeline remains open—no date has been set. For Morocco, the immediate reality remains the tournament.

A draw against Brazil and victory over Scotland have placed them in a strong position to reach the knockout stage. Yet the narrative surrounding their captain no longer fits neatly inside the boundaries of football alone.

As the team continues its campaign, Hakimi continues to lead it—moving between pressure and expectation, between stadium noise and silence, between the demands of the pitch and the weight of what waits beyond it.

When he walked off the field in Massachusetts, the game was over. But the story around him was not. And for Achraf Hakimi, neither side of that story is standing still.

At Gillette Stadium, Morocco produced another defining World Cup moment, edging Scotland 1–0 in a match shaped by a lightning-fast goal, tactical authority, and relentless defensive resilience that keeps the Atlas Lions flying high in Group C.

The game was decided by an instant spark. Just 71 seconds in, Ismael Saibari punished Scotland with a composed finish after a brilliant assist from Brahim Díaz, sending Morocco into early celebration and immediately putting the Scots under pressure they never fully escaped.

That early strike set the tone for Morocco’s control. They dictated possession, dictated tempo, and dictated territory.

With Azzedine Ounahi and Neil El Aynaoui orchestrating midfield operations, Morocco repeatedly broke Scotland’s rhythm, forcing them into rushed clearances and long, hopeful passes.

Scotland simply could not settle. Every attempt to build forward was met by Morocco’s structured pressing machine.

Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui shut down wide lanes, while the backline remained compact, calm, and fully in control of danger zones.

Morocco came close to doubling their lead in the first half. A sweeping attacking move sliced through Scotland’s shape in the 9th minute, but the final touch never arrived.

Bilal El Khannouss also had a golden chance later on, yet Morocco could not find the second goal to kill the match.

Scotland’s first half was defined by frustration. They barely threatened in open play, struggled to connect passes in the final third, and failed to produce meaningful shots on target.

Morocco’s defensive discipline ensured Yassine Bounou had a quiet opening 45 minutes.

After the break, Scotland returned with urgency. Steve Clarke’s side pushed higher, played more direct, and tried to overwhelm Morocco physically.

Substitutions injected energy, and for brief spells, Scotland pinned Morocco deeper than before. But Morocco never lost control.

Even under pressure, they stayed compact, absorbed pressure intelligently, and broke up Scotland’s rhythm at crucial moments. Every Scottish attack met a wall of discipline, organisation, and clear-headed defending.

As the match entered its final stages, Scotland threw everything forward—crosses, set pieces, long balls, second phases—but Morocco refused to break. Every clearance mattered. Every interception counted. Every duel was contested like a final.

Six minutes of added time only intensified the drama, but Morocco’s defensive leadership stood firm.

The Atlas Lions managed the closing moments with maturity, slowing the game, clearing danger, and protecting their narrow lead until the final whistle.

Leading

When it all ended, it was another statement victory for Morocco—built on a record-breaking early goal and a collective performance full of discipline, control, and tactical intelligence.

Now, Morocco lead Group C with 4 points, firmly in control of their qualification destiny. Scotland remain just behind on 3 points, still alive in the race but under pressure as the group tightens.

All eyes now turn to Brazil vs Haiti, a match that could shake the standings again and reshape the battle for knockout qualification.

Group C is alive. Tight. Unforgiving. And Morocco are setting the pace. And Morocco now become the second team from Africa to win a game in this tournament after Ivory Coast.

Morocco Beat Scotland To Move Closer To The Knockouts

Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 in Foxborough on Friday night, Ismael Saibari scoring inside the first minute and the Atlas Lions holding on through sustained late Scottish pressure.

Scott McTominay and John McGinn both had penalty appeals waved away as Scotland chased an equaliser.

The result leaves Morocco on four points in Group C, while Scotland — who held Brazil in their opener — now need a result against the five-time champions on 24 June to keep alive their hopes of a first-ever World Cup knockout appearance. Morocco close the group against Haiti.

Mexico Become First Team Through To The Knockout Stage

Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara on Thursday to win Group A with a match to spare, the first side to confirm their place in the last 32.

Luis Romo struck three minutes into the second half after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled a cross under pressure, and Raúl Rangel kept out a late double chance to preserve the lead.

The result sends Mexico into their round-of-32 tie at home in Mexico City. South Korea remain second, with the group’s final placings still to be settled when they meet South Africa, and Mexico face Czechia, on Wednesday.

Koné’s World Cup Over After Successful Surgery On Broken Leg

Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné has undergone successful surgery to repair a fractured tibia and fibula sustained in Thursday’s 6-0 win over Qatar, the Canadian federation confirmed on Friday.

Koné is expected to make a full recovery but will miss the rest of the tournament. He was hurt by a tackle from Qatar’s Assim Madibo, who was sent off, in a match Canada had already turned into a rout through Jonathan David’s hat-trick.

Nathan Saliba, who replaced Koné and scored Canada’s fourth, held up his teammate’s shirt in tribute.

Canada, level on four points with Switzerland, face the Swiss in Vancouver on Wednesday for the group lead.

Bafana Bafana’s Fate Still In Their Own Hands After Czechia Draw

South Africa’s 1-1 draw with Czechia in Atlanta on Thursday — Sadilek’s early goal cancelled out by a Mokoena penalty — leaves Bafana Bafana third in Group A on one point, still able to advance.

Mokoena’s booking in that match means a suspension for the deciding game, in which South Africa face South Korea on 24 June.

A win against South Korean could be enough to reach the last 32 for the first time since they hosted in 2010. Mexico have already secured top spot in the group with a game to spare.

Bafana Bafana Salvage Point As Mokoena Penalty Pegs Back Czechia

South Africa rescued a 1-1 draw with Czechia in Atlanta on Thursday after Teboho Mokoena converted a penalty in the 83rd minute to cancel out Michal Sadilek’s sixth-minute opener.

Sadilek struck early after a slick combination with Alexandr Sojka, but Thapelo Maseko’s long-range effort struck the hand of Pavel Sulc late on and Mokoena — who had been seen wiping away tears during the national anthem, thinking of his late grandfather — sent his spot-kick low past goalkeeper Matej Kovar.

Both sides now have one point from two matches, leaving their round-of-32 hopes in the balance. Mokoena will miss the South Korea decider, however, after collecting his second yellow card of the tournament.

All-Female Referee Trio Make World Cup History In Atlanta

American official Tori Penso became only the second woman to take charge of a men’s World Cup match when she refereed the Czechia–South Africa Group A game in Atlanta on Thursday, assisted by her compatriots Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt.

The trio are the only all-female on-field officiating crew appointed for the 2026 tournament, following the precedent set by France’s Stéphanie Frappart in Qatar in 2022.

Penso, 39, became the first woman to referee a Major League Soccer match in two decades in 2020 and took charge of the 2023 Women’s World Cup final between Spain and England.

Of 170 officials appointed by FIFA for the 2026 tournament, only six are women. Penso said ahead of the match that she had once thought such an appointment was impossible.

Switzerland Go Top Of Group B With Four-Goal Rout Of Bosnia

Switzerland moved to the top of Group B with a 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Los Angeles on Thursday, with Johan Manzambi scoring twice to seal a comfortable win after a late red card left Bosnia with ten men.

The Swiss, who opened with a 1-1 draw against Qatar, lead the group on four points. Canada, who met Qatar in Vancouver later on Thursday, are the only side who can overtake them on the same points tally.

Bosnia, after also drawing their opener with Canada, face elimination pressure heading into the final group fixtures.

Canada Thrash Nine-man Qatar 6-0 in Historic First World Cup Win, But With a Wrinkle

Canada recorded their first victory in men's World Cup history with a 6-0 demolition of Qatar at BC Place in Vancouver on Thursday, the biggest winning margin ever recorded by a CONCACAF nation at the tournament.

Jonathan David scored a hat-trick — the first by any player on home soil since Geoff Hurst for England in 1966 — while Cyle Larin, Nathan Saliba and a Mohamed Manai own goal completed the rout.

Qatar finished the night with nine men after red cards for Homam Ahmed in the 33rd minute and Assim Madibo in the 51st.

The result was overshadowed, however, by a serious injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné. Koné was stretchered off in the second half after a challenge from Madibo left him with an apparent lower-leg injury, his left leg placed in an air cast as he was taken from the pitch.

Messi Matches Klose’s World Cup Record With Hat-trick in Argentina Win

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0, matching Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals.

The 38-year-old became the first player to appear in six World Cups, and also Argentina’s oldest World Cup scorer and the tournament’s oldest hat-trick scorer, a mark he took from Cristiano Ronaldo.

The performance, in his 200th international appearance, fell exactly 20 years after his World Cup debut against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006.

It and made him the first player to score in five consecutive World Cups. Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland also scored braces on the same night, for France and Norway respectively.

DR Congo Earn Historic First World Cup Point in Portugal Draw

DR Congo claimed their first-ever World Cup goal and point with a 1-1 draw against Portugal at Houston Stadium, 52 years after their only previous appearance, as Zaire, in 1974.

João Neves headed Portugal ahead after six minutes from Pedro Neto’s cross; Yoane Wissa equalised with a header in first-half stoppage time, set up by Arthur Masuaku.

The result is the more striking for a squad whose preparations were disrupted by an Ebola outbreak at home, which forced the cancellation of a planned training camp in Kinshasa in favour of bases in Belgium and Spain.

Cristiano Ronaldo, playing his sixth World Cup, could not find a winner for Portugal.

Kane Double Sees England Beat Croatia 4-2 in Group L Thriller

Harry Kane scored twice as England opened their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Arlington, Texas.

His first goal came from a retaken penalty, after the video assistant referee ruled that Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic had come off his line for the original save; the penalty itself followed a challenge by Luka Modrić on Noni Madueke.

Croatia twice drew level, through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, before Jude Bellingham restored England’s lead just after half-time and Marcus Rashford added a fourth.

The result leaves England level on points with Ghana at the top of Group L after the first round of fixtures.

Ghana’s Stoppage-time Winner Sends Black Stars Level With England

Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in Toronto with a stoppage-time winner from substitute Caleb Yirenkyi, who converted a low cross from Brandon Thomas-Asante in the 95th minute.

The result puts the Black Stars level on points with England at the top of Group L after the opening round of fixtures, with Croatia and Panama yet to register.

Panama had long spells of control and were denied a penalty when VAR ruled a challenge on Cristian Martínez inside the box had been clean.

Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi received treatment for an apparent injury in the second half but was able to continue.

FIFA Bans Themba Zwane For Three matches, Ruling Him out of Group Stage

South Africa midfielder Themba Zwane has been banned for three matches by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, an increase on the automatic one-match suspension that follows any red card.

The committee ruled that his sending-off against Mexico, for raising an arm into Roberto Alvarado’s face, amounted to serious foul play.

The decision, which is subject to appeal, rules the 36-year-old out for the rest of South Africa’s group campaign, including Thursday’s must-win meeting with Czechia in Atlanta.

Head coach Hugo Broos had argued after the match that the original card was “too soft” a sanction. South Africa lost their opening match 2-0 to hosts Mexico.

Senegal Collapse in World Cup Opener, As France’s Mbappé Sets New Record

France beat Senegal 3-1 in their Group I opener on Tuesday, with two second-half goals from Kylian Mbappé taking him past Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading scorer.

Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, finishing from Michael Olise’s pass, before substitute Bradley Barcola doubled the lead within two minutes of coming on, converting an Adrien Rabiot through-ball in the 82nd.

Senegal pulled a goal back through substitute Ibrahim Mbaye in stoppage time — at 18, the youngest African scorer at this World Cup — before Mbappé settled it with an immediate reply.

The goal was his 58th for France, moving him past Just Fontaine as the country’s leading World Cup scorer with 14.

Renard Back As Tunisia Coach After Sacking of Lamouchi Amid Tournament

The Tunisian Football Federation has appointed Hervé Renard as head coach for the remainder of the 2026 World Cup, replacing Sabri Lamouchi a day after Tunisia’s 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their Group F opener.

Renard, who masterminded Saudi Arabia’s win over Argentina at the 2022 tournament, takes charge for Tunisia’s remaining games against Japan and the Netherlands.

The federation had first signalled an interim move to Mondher Kebaier, who coached the side from 2019 to 2022, before confirming Renard’s appointment late on Monday. Lamouchi, in the post since January, lasted five matches.

Iran say they were ordered out of US hours after World Cup opener

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said his squad was told to leave Los Angeles for their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, immediately after Monday’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand, cutting short planned recovery time.

Ghalenoei did not say who gave the order, calling the decision “very strange. Captain Mehdi Taremi said FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the Iran dressing room after the match.

Taremi and Ghalenoei also said several of the federation’s senior staff, including its president, had been denied US visas ahead of the tournament — part of a difficult build-up Ghalenoei said had contributed to players cramping during the game.

Cape Verde claims World Cup wonder-point as Spain held to goalless

Cape Verde, the third-smallest nation by population ever to reach a World Cup, held European champions Spain to a goalless draw in their Group H opener at Atlanta on Monday.

Spain fired 27 shots without scoring — by some distance their busiest performance without a goal at the tournament.

The Spanish effort were thwarted throughout by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who made seven saves and was the standout figure in a stubborn Cape Verdean defence.

“This means everything for our country,” said coach Pedro Leitão Brito of the surprise draw afterwards. Lamine Yamal came on for the final twenty minutes but could not break the deadlock.

Araujo Rescues a Point for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia

Uruguay came from behind to draw 1-1 with Saudi Arabia in Miami on Monday, with all four Group H sides now opening their campaigns with draws.

Abdulelah Al-Amri put the Saudis ahead just before the half-hour mark, reacting first to a rebound after goalkeeper Fernando Muslera had parried Mohamed Kanno’s header.

Uruguay dominated the second half but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who made nine saves, before Maxi Araujo forced home a close-range equaliser with around ten minutes left.

Saudi Arabia, semi-finalists in their conviction that a knockout berth is within reach for the first time since 1994, will take real encouragement from the point.

Belgium’s Lukaku Denies Egypt a Historic First World Cup Win

Egypt came within 24 minutes of a first-ever World Cup victory before Romelu Lukaku’s introduction off the bench forced a Belgian equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Seattle on Monday.

Emam Ashour put Egypt ahead in the first half with a strike from distance — set up by Mohamed Salah, marking his goal involvement on his 34th birthday.

Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne hit the post with a free kick before Lukaku, on for just 22 seconds, forced Mohamed Hany into turning Thomas Meunier’s cross into his own net.

The result leaves Egypt’s wait for a first World Cup win stretching to 92 years since their 1934 debut.

Iran Holds New Zealand to a Draw in four-goal Group G Thriller

Iran twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with New Zealand in a high-tempo Group G opener at Los Angeles on Monday.

Elijah Just put the Asian and Oceanian debutants in front in the 7th minute and restored their lead in the 54th, either side of an Iranian equaliser from Ramin Rezaeian.

Mohammad Mohebbi levelled for a second time in the 64th minute to secure the point, with the match described by ESPN as among the most open of the tournament so far on either side of the ball.

FIFA Clears Official After White-Supremacist Gesture Row

FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee has found no evidence of a breach of its disciplinary code by video assistant referee Shaun Evans.

The Australian official was filmed making an “OK” hand gesture during broadcast coverage of Germany’s opening match against Curaçao on Sunday.

The gesture has been adopted in some far-right circles as a white-power symbol; the reason why the Fare network, FIFA’s discrimination-monitoring partner, called for Evans’s removal from the tournament.

Evans said the movement was an involuntary, subconscious twitch and that he had not intended to communicate any message. FIFA said it had taken his statement into account in clearing him.

Partey refused Canadian entry, to miss Ghana’s World Cup opener

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the Black Stars’ opening Group L match against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday 17 June after the Canadian government refused his visa application.

FIFA confirmed the Villarreal player would be unable to travel from Ghana’s base in the United States to Canada, adding that it plays no part in host nations’ immigration decisions and that the host government determines who is admitted.

Partey, 32, is on bail in the United Kingdom facing seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault, all of which he denies; his trial has been listed for 2027.

Because Ghana’s remaining group fixtures — against England on 23 June and Croatia on 27 June — are staged in the United States, he is expected to be available for both.

Substitute Larin Earns Canada a Historic first World Cup point

Canada claimed the first World Cup point in their history as substitute Cyle Larin rescued a 1-1 draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina in their Group B opener at BMO Field, Toronto, on Friday.

Larin, on the pitch barely two minutes, finished from inside the box in the 78th minute after a pass from fellow replacement Promise David, cancelling out Jovo Lukić’s first-half header.

Bosnia had led since the 21st minute, when Lukić met a corner flicked on by Sead Kolasinac and headed in from close range for his first international goal.

Co-hosts Canada, without the injured Alphonso Davies, dominated possession but were repeatedly frustrated — Jonathan David among those to waste clear openings, with two further efforts cleared off the line — until Larin’s intervention.

The result gave Canada their first point in three World Cup appearances, having lost all three matches in both 1986 and 2022, and made Larin only the second Canadian ever to score at the tournament.

Morocco face Brazil as Africa’s Standard-bearers Open Group C

Morocco, the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final, begin their 2026 campaign against Brazil in Group C at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Saturday 13 June.

The Atlas Lions — built around Achraf Hakimi, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and forward Ayoub El Kaabi — carry the continent’s hopes against a Brazil side under Carlo Ancelotti that arrives among the tournament favourites.

The sides last met competitively at France ‘98, when Brazil won 3-0. Morocco’s run to the last four in 2022 has reshaped expectations since.

Picture: Morocco supporters in full voice, or Hakimi leading the side out — fan-and-flag atmosphere suits the “continent’s hopes” framing better than a posed team shot.

FIFA defends Guadalajara Attendance Figure Amid Empty Seats

FIFA has defended the official attendance for South Korea’s 2-1 win over Czechia at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, after rows of empty seats were visible during the opening-day fixture. The governing body recorded a crowd of 44,985 at the 45,664-capacity venue, the second-smallest at the tournament.

Reporting by The Athletic indicated the number of vacant seats well exceeded the shortfall implied by that figure, with gaps noted around premium areas. FIFA said its published numbers reflect tickets scanned and spectators within the stadium footprint rather than visual assessments of seat occupancy, and that some ticketed fans were on the concourses during play.

Picture: A wide stand-level view showing patches of empty seating, or a generic ticketing/turnstile motif — illustrates the gap between figure and footage without lifting a rights-encumbered match image.

Mexico defeats South Africa in World Cup opening match. One referee’s revenge. FIFA’s president on the defensive. A jersey ruled too political. This is Day 1 of the World Cup, all in one place.

Mexico vs South Africa: Full-time Update

Mexico opened the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 2-0 win over South Africa in their Group A tie at the Estadio Azteca, goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez sealing a comfortable night for the co-hosts.

Quiñones struck in the ninth minute, pouncing on a defensive error to score the tournament’s first goal — fitting form from the man who took the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League Golden Boot with 33 goals for Al-Qadsiah, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. Jiménez doubled the lead, opening his own World Cup account at a fourth tournament. Mexico controlled possession and tempo throughout, while South Africa rarely threatened.

The night unravelled for Bafana Bafana with two red cards — to Themba Zwane and Sphephelo Sithole — reducing them to nine men. Mexico finished with ten themselves after César Montes was dismissed late on, but the result was long settled. Three red cards made it the most ill-tempered World Cup opener on record.

It was also Mexico’s first win in a World Cup opening match at the eighth attempt.

Friday (Day 2): Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina — Toronto (BMO Field); USA v Paraguay — Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium).

Mexico takes lead in opening match

Mexico have taken an early lead against South Africa in their Group A encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Julián Quiñones finding the breakthrough.

The goal came after sustained pressure from Mexico, who have controlled possession in the opening stages and punished a South African defensive lapse.

South Africa, who started the match with high energy and pressing intensity, will now need to respond after conceding early.

This is their first World Cup appearance since 2010 and their first qualification since 2002, and the early setback is not the start they were after on their long-awaited return.

Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams leads a side built on a strong domestic core, with the bulk of the squad drawn from the South African league.

Mexico, with Raúl Jiménez leading the line, remain in control of the tempo as they look to build on their advantage.

The revenge of Somalia’s Omar Artan

UEFA has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, which is to be played in Salzburg on 12 August.

The high-profile assignment is a notable mark of confidence in Artan from European football’s governing body.

It comes shortly after Artan was refused entry by a FIFA World Cup host country on political grounds, despite holding official accreditation tied to his match duties. An Iraqi photographer, also accredited, was turned away in the same manner.

The contrast between UEFA’s appointment and the World Cup refusal throws the earlier incident into sharper relief, and keeps live the concerns it raised over the consistency of access protocols for accredited personnel and over compliance with tournament regulations.

FIFA orders Haiti to redesign jersey over Battle of Vertières artwork

FIFA has instructed kit supplier Saeta to modify the design of Haiti’s national team jersey after objecting to its original artwork.

The shirt depicted the Battle of Vertières of November 1803, a decisive engagement in the Haitian Revolution that led to independence on 1 January 1804 and the founding of the world’s first Black republic.

Saeta said the design was intended as a tribute to Haiti’s independence struggle and national heritage.

FIFA ruled that the imagery constituted a political message and required modifications under competition regulations governing team apparel.

The decision has renewed debate over FIFA’s interpretation of rules on political expression, and over where historical symbolism ends and political messaging begins.

Infantino Invokes Host-nation Sovereignty Amid Governance Questions

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has faced questioning from a BBC journalist over the governance and operational control of the tournament.

Asked whether he was embarrassed by recent developments and whether he had lost control, Infantino suggested it would not be appropriate for FIFA to dictate whom a host country admits to its territory.

FIFA’s president pointed to the sovereignty of host nations over entry policy while defending FIFA’s role in organising the competition.

His remarks have drawn fresh attention to comments he made in 2017, when he said that a country to which people could not gain access would be unsuitable to stage a World Cup.

The contrast between that position and current circumstances has intensified scrutiny of FIFA’s governance approach.