The Latest Breaking News from the World Cup

World Cup 2026: USA bounced out by Belgium after Balogun furore; backlash against Fifa builds – as it happened

The fallout from USA’s defeat to Belgium gathered pace, with criticism of Fifa growing

The Guardian - UK · Jul 7

Best fans at the World Cup? How Colombia’s support powered the team to success

Néstor Lorenzo’s side face Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday and will be hoping for the same backing that has shocked opponents so far

The Guardian - UK · Jul 7

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Defiant Statement After World Cup Farewell Is Painfully on Brand

The greatest player in Portugal’s history will finish his career without a World Cup title.

Sports Illustrated · Jul 7

Ragged USA crash out of World Cup with last-16 defeat to Belgium

The United States are out of the World Cup after Belgium eliminated the co-hosts in the last 16 at Seattle Stadium on Monday night

The Guardian - US · Jul 7

Mikel Merino comes full circle with Spain in touching tale of fathers and sons

Having battled back from injury to make the World Cup, the matchwinner’s goal was a deserved payoff for unsung sacrifices

The Guardian - UK · Jul 6

Portugal 0–1 Spain: Four Takeaways From Match That Could End Ronaldo’s International Career

A late goal from Spain substitute Mikel Merino decided the World Cup round of 16 match.

Sports Illustrated · Jul 6

Cristiano Ronaldo breaks down in tears as Portugal crash out of World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears after Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup by Spain on Monday evening. Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game in the 91st minute as Portugal suffered World Cup heartbreak. This is almost certain to be Ronaldo’s final World…

The Independent UK · Jul 6

Kemi Badenoch reveals whether she’d support a bank holiday if England win the World Cup

When asked about a potential bank holiday, Ms Badenoch said the ‘private sector would still be working and the public sector would take the day off’

The Independent UK · Jul 6

Will USA’s Folarin Balogun play on Monday against Belgium after red card appeal controversy?

Folarin Balogun was sent off following a VAR review in USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, meaning he was set to serve a one-match ban at the World Cup. However, following an intervention by US president Donald Trump , Fifa announced on Sunday that…

The Independent UK · Jul 6

FIFA chief forced to defend Balogun World Cup reprieve

LOS ANGELES (UNITED STATES) - FIFA chief Gianni Infantino on Monday defended the decision to reprieve US World Cup star Folarin Balogun after Donald Trump said he had appealed directly to the head of world football's governing body over the issue.

Bangkok Post · Jul 6