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Spain return to the top of the FIFA rankings after dethroning Argentina, who remain among four favourites still alive at the World Cup. Al Jazeera assesses the title credentials of the remaining eight teams, from Argentina's unconvincing path to England's character and France's attacking depth.
France and Morocco meet in a World Cup quarterfinal rematch, with Kylian Mbappe in devastating form and Morocco missing top scorer Ismael Saibari. France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed FIFA rejected Michael Olise's yellow card appeal, putting him at risk of missing a potential semifinal.
France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending the Atlas Lions' historic campaign. Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé sealed the win for Les Bleus, who continue their pursuit of a third world title.
Egypt has filed a formal complaint with FIFA over its World Cup round-of-16 loss to Argentina, citing 'double standards' and demanding the removal of the referee. The defeat has sparked viral claims of Argentine favouritism, while FIFA also faces scrutiny over other decisions.
The Board of Peace, established by US President Donald Trump, is planning a pilot humanitarian zone in Gaza, according to an official. The plan faces hurdles, including Hamas's refusal to disarm and the NCAG's inability to enter Gaza, while a leaked draft resolution shows the board seeking legal immunity.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals begin with France facing Morocco in a rematch of the 2022 semifinal, while Spain, Belgium, Norway, and England also feature. Argentina and Switzerland round out the bracket, with Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland among the standout performers.
France faces Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final. Kylian Mbappé's penalty secured France's spot, while Morocco looks to continue their historic run. The match promises an intense battle with key tactical matchups.
France will face Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals at Foxborough Stadium in Boston on Thursday, a rematch of the 2022 semifinal. Morocco will be without star forward Ismael Saibari due to a hamstring injury, while coach Mohamed Ouahbi downplays revenge as motivation. The match pits France's attacking depth against Morocco's compact defense and youthful squad.
Switzerland advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a penalty shootout victory over Colombia, marking their fourth appearance at this stage. They will next face Argentina. The tournament, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, features 48 teams for the first time.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has identified Mohamed Salah as a key threat ahead of Tuesday's World Cup quarter-final against Egypt, describing the forward as a 'top player' who deserves special attention. The match pits two of the tournament's veteran stars, Lionel Messi and Salah, against each other, with both teams vying for a place in the semi-finals.
Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in the 2026 World Cup round of 16, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice. The match was overshadowed by FIFA's decision to lift Folarin Balogun's suspension after a request from US President Donald Trump. Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals.
Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16 with a stoppage-time goal from Mikel Merino, ending Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career. The 41-year-old confirmed his farewell, while Portugal has appointed Jorge Jesus as new coach.
FIFA's decision to suspend a red card given to USA forward Folarin Balogun after an intervention from US President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm of criticism. The move, which was made by FIFA's disciplinary committee, has drawn scrutiny from experts, former officials, and social media users, especially after Belgium eliminated the USA from the World Cup.
France captain Kylian Mbappe has condemned racist comments from Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla, who called him a 'colonised Cameroonian' after his penalty knocked Paraguay out of the World Cup. The French Football Federation has announced it will file a report seeking judicial action, while Amarilla has since apologized but also accused Mbappe of 'gender-based violence.'
Mikel Merino's stoppage-time goal gave Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal, advancing them to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2010 and likely ending Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career. Spain's record-breaking defensive run continues, with goalkeeper Unai Simon extending his clean sheet streak.
Cristiano Ronaldo played his final World Cup match as Portugal fell 1-0 to Spain in the Round of 16, with Mikel Merino scoring in stoppage time. Spain advances to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2010, thanks to a late goal and a perfect defensive record.
Argentina and Egypt meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, with Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah headlining. Argentina edged Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time, while Egypt beat Australia on penalties. France face Paraguay in another last-16 tie.
Carlos Queiroz has resigned as Ghana head coach following the Black Stars' 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the World Cup round of 16. In his farewell, he urged off-pitch reforms, while former GFA president Nyaho-Tamakloe advocated for his retention to ensure continuity.
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.