Lionel Messi looked to the sky, fists clenched, as Argentina’s Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde in Miami on Saturday came to an end. There had been tears in his eyes just a few minutes earlier. Messi’s reaction was not merely one of relief washing over him but that of a survivor emerging from great turmoil. The Blue Sharks had awakened a fear Argentina did not know still existed within them.

President Donald Trump confirmed Monday he asked FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to review the "horrible" decision to hand a red card to star US striker Folarin Balogun, but said he did not request it be overturned.

France and Morocco head into their quarterfinal meeting having provided very different answers.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal will be facing another tough test when they take on in-form Spain in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Dallas Stadium tonight.

FIFA's ruling, which came after the intervention of Donald Trump, permits Balogun to play in the co-hosts' World Cup last 16 match with Belgium later on Monday.

Mexico impressed at this World Cup by winning Group A with a 3-0-0 record (9 points) and a six-goal differential.

The rescinding of USA forward Folarin Balogun's suspension on US president Donald Trump's request shows how much corruption and greed has eaten into the sport's showpiece event.

He is no longer the winger who breezed past defenders at will for Manchester United. Nor is he the unstoppable force Real Madrid relied upon to change a game in an instant.

The twenty-fifth day of the FIFA World Cup 2026 had everything -- heavyweights crashing out and a knockout classic that went down to the wire.

The sweltering Dallas heat will provide the backdrop, but the real temperature will rise when Portugal face an in-form Spain in one of the most eagerly awaited World Cup last-16 clashes tonight.

France star Kylian Mbappe reclaimed top spot after netting his seventh goal of the tournament in the Round of 16 victory over Paraguay. The French forward edges ahead thanks to his two assists, giving him the advantage over Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who also sits on seven goals.

FIFA will allow United States striker Folarin Balogun to play in their World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium on Monday after suspending his ban for a red card in the previous round, citing Article 27 of the world ruling body's Disciplinary Code.

Cristiano Ronaldo admitted this World Cup will be his last and stressed he leaves with no regrets ahead of Portugal's last-16 clash with neighbours Spain in Dallas on Monday.

Kane also questioned one of the game's key decisions after being penalised for the challenge that led to Mexico's second goal from the spot.

Bellingham struck twice in 98 seconds in the first half to condemn Mexico to just a third defeat in 90 matches at the Azteca.

The 34-year-old was moved to tears after the match.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted his side deserved better despite their shock World Cup exit to Norway, saying the painful defeat should become "fuel" for a new era rather than define the beginning of his reign.

Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland said his country's stunning World Cup win against Brazil had been launched by his penalty save during the 2-1 victory.

Argentina possess the quality and experience to advance, but if they once again need a 39-year-old Messi alone to rescue them, they may not be so fortunate this time.

Brazil created opportunities but could not risk applying too much pressure, said coach Carlo Ancelotti after his team lost 2-1 to Norway in a shock World Cup last-16 exit on Sunday.