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FIFA's unexpected decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, following a call from US President Donald Trump, has sparked controversy. The move, which allows the US striker to play against Belgium, has drawn criticism from the Belgian football association and UEFA, who question the integrity of the tournament.
Turkiye handed the US their first World Cup defeat in a dead-rubber group match, but the focus shifts to the round of 16 where the US face Belgium. FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's red-card ban after President Trump's reported intervention has sparked debate over political influence in football.
FIFA has suspended the one-match ban on US striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium in the World Cup round of 16, after President Trump reportedly lobbied for a review. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from UEFA and the Belgian football federation, who argue it undermines the integrity of the game.
FIFA suspended US striker Folarin Balogun's one-match ban for the World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium, following a reported phone call from President Trump. The decision triggered sharp criticism from Belgian football officials and UEFA, who condemned it as unjust and unprecedented.
FIFA has suspended Folarin Balogun's one-match ban after US President Donald Trump asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card, clearing the striker to play against Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16. The decision has drawn praise from Trump and the US team, but outrage from Belgium and criticism from European football bodies.
The FIFA World Cup round of 16 features high-stakes clashes, including Portugal vs Spain and USA vs Belgium. Opta supercomputer predictions favor Spain and Argentina, while England and Mexico prepare for a historic encounter. Neymar's retirement and FIFA's suspension decision add to the tournament drama.
Iran has begun a six-day funeral for former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli strike in February. The ceremony, expected to draw millions, features public calls for retribution against Donald Trump and highlights regional tensions, including US sanctions and inflammatory rhetoric.
As Morocco and Canada prepare to face off in the World Cup Round of 16, Al Jazeera previews the match, reports coach Mohamed Ouahbi's bold claim that Morocco can win the World Cup, and provides predicted lineups for both teams.
Switzerland advanced to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Algeria on Thursday in Vancouver. Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye scored, and the Swiss will face the winner of Colombia vs Ghana next week.
Belgium staged a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time, sealing a place in the Round of 16. A controversial penalty, awarded after VAR review, ended Senegal's World Cup run, sparking debates about the decision and coach Rudi Garcia's post-match comments.
The United States secured a historic 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance to the World Cup last 16, with Folarin Balogun scoring before being sent off and Malik Tillman adding a late free-kick goal. The win ends a 24-year wait for a knockout-stage victory and sets up a clash with Belgium.
Harry Kane scored twice in the final quarter-hour to give England a 2-1 win over DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32, after Brian Cipenga's early goal had put the Leopards ahead. England will now face Mexico in the last 16, while DR Congo's historic run ends.
The US and European powers have failed to agree on a new high representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Washington backing an Italian diplomat who some say has little knowledge of the country. Russia has criticized the maneuvering, warning that bypassing the UN Security Council undermines the Dayton Agreement.
England meet DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32, with Opta's supercomputer giving the Three Lions a 73.9% chance of winning in 90 minutes. The match follows England's 4-2 win over Croatia and DR Congo's 1-1 draw with Portugal. Other knockout ties include Argentina vs Cape Verde and Belgium vs Senegal.
A deadly heatwave that broke records in western Europe is moving east, with Budapest forecast to exceed 40C and red warnings issued across several countries. The Guardian reports over 1,000 excess deaths in France and 800 in Spain, while scientists link the heat to climate change.
The 2026 World Cup knockout stage kicks off with South Africa vs Canada, while Brazil, Germany, and the Netherlands play on Monday. Canada celebrated a historic first knockout win, Iran exited heartbreakingly, and South Korea's coach resigned.
Canada reached the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup for the first time after Stephen Eustaquio's 92nd-minute goal beat South Africa. Earlier, Canada recorded their first ever World Cup win with a 6-0 victory over Qatar, as Jonathan David scored a hat trick. Coaches, players and political leaders celebrated the historic achievement.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered the Round of 16, with 16 teams advancing from the group stage. Al Jazeera provides the full schedule and highlights Cape Verde's historic debut, while Dawn reports on the co-hosts' success, including Mexico ending a 40-year knockout win drought.
A record-breaking heatwave has spread from Western into Central and Eastern Europe, with Germany recording its highest-ever temperature and Czechia and Slovakia seeing all-time highs. The extreme heat has been linked to dozens of deaths and has prompted power cuts in Ukraine and red alerts across several countries.
TASS reports the full FIFA World Cup round of 16 lineup is confirmed, with Colombia the last team to qualify after a 1-0 win over Ghana. The tournament's expanded 48-team format meant the knockout stage began with a round of 32, and the final is set for July 19.