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Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has cast doubt over his international future after the team's defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. He said he would use the aftermath of the loss to consider what comes next. Writing on Instagram after Argentina returned to Buenos Aires on Monday, Martinez spoke of the disappointment of missing out on a second straight World Cup title and questioned whether it was time to step away from the national team. "We dreamed of winning the World Cup again, of bringing the trophy back to Argentina and making history once more," he wrote. "It's hard to put this pain into words. Now it's time to think about many things, about how to move forward. And maybe it's also time to ask whether my moment to step aside has come." Martinez made no attempt to point fingers after the defeat. Instead, he apologized to Argentina supporters, saying he had given everything he could for the team. "I'm truly sorry," he wrote. "I tried to give everything I had to help my country and my teammates." The 33-year-old was one of Argentina's best players during the tournament. In the final, he produced 11 saves but could not keep out Ferran Torres, whose extra-time goal gave Spain a 1-0 victory. Thousands of supporters welcomed the squad home in Buenos Aires despite cold and rainy weather, applauding the players after their run to a second consecutive World Cup final. Martinez made his Argentina debut in a World Cup qualifier against Chile in June 2021 and quickly established himself as the team's first-choice goalkeeper. He played a central role in Argentina's Copa América and World Cup triumphs and has become one of the senior figures in Lionel Messi's squad. Martinez stopped short of announcing his retirement, but his comments left open the possibility that the World Cup final could prove to be his last appearance for Argentina.

This is how good Spain was at the World Cup: Not even Lionel Messi had any answers. And when it was over, Spain walked off with the trophy. Messi simply walked off in tears. Spain is back atop the soccer world for a second time, after Ferran Torres’ first goal of this year's World Cup — unquestionably the goal of his life — gave his country a 1-0 win over now-dethroned champion Argentina in the final on Sunday. “It was a goal scored by 47 million people,” Torres said, referring to Spain’s population. Maybe not by them — but certainly for them. The goal came with Argentina down to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in regulation following a reckless tackle. Tempers flared then, and flared again after the final whistle with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and players from both sides engaging in what appeared to be some pushing and shoving. In the end, Spain denied Messi a second straight title in what he has indicated was his final World Cup match. Torres, a second-half substitute, pounced on a bouncing ball in the box and used his left foot to bury a shot just under the crossbar in the 106th minute. From there, the airtight defense that dominated opponents throughout the tournament came through one final time. Spain — which also won the title in 2010 — allowed only one goal in eight matches in this World Cup run, setting a record for fewest goals allowed by a champion. “I feel pride, to be honest,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who at 65 is now the oldest man to lead a team to a World Cup title. "Accompanying them on this journey is an honor.” Spain gets a World Cup 1st This title, combined with the Women's World Cup won by Spain in 2023, makes the European nation the first to hold both the men’s and women’s titles simultaneously. And in the streets of Madrid — probably many other places in Spain as well — countless people spilled into the streets, celebrating Sunday's victory long into the wee hours of Monday morning. The score indicates this match was close, but only one team was in command. Spain took the game’s first 20 shots on goal before Argentina — desperate for an equalizer — got its first attempt off in the second half of extra time. Spain took nine of the game’s first 10 corner kicks, and only a World Cup final-record 12 saves by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez gave the 2022 champions a shot at going back-to-back. “Dibu was nothing short of exceptional,” de la Fuente said, referring to Argentina's keeper by his nickname. Spain is now unbeaten in its last 38 matches — 29 wins, nine draws — and is the outright holder of the longest such streak by any European men's team ever. Italy went 37 matches (28 wins, nine draws) from October 2018 through September 2021, before Spain ended that streak. And for the last two-plus years, nobody has beaten Spain. Not even Messi. An Argentina team that was the kings of the late-game rally in this tournament had no answer this time. “We lost the game, and we accept that,” Scaloni said. “That doesn’t mean that we will forget everything we’ve done so far, so I’d like to thank my people, my players and the country. I can tell them that we played our hearts out.” Spain survives a late push Messi took a corner kick with about four minutes left before the final whistle and the ball took a fortunate skip toward substitute Giuliano Simeone — who sent it high and over the crossbar, holding his head in disbelief afterward. “When you have Messi on the other side, well, you are nervous,” Torres said. "At the end of the day, we always depended on us. We always come up with our football, and we showed it again.” After the post-match scuffles, they also paid tribute to the former champions. Spain's players lined up to form an honor guard of sorts for Argentina's squad to walk through on its way to the stage for the runner-up medals from President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “I think now I'm in a cloud,” said Spain midfielder Rodri, the Golden Ball winner as the tournament's best player. Argentina was forced to finish the match down a man after Fernandez was sent off in second-half stoppage time after getting his second yellow card. Fernandez was whistled for a collision that sent Spain defender Pau Cubarsi cartwheeling into the air, and the card came out immediately. Defense led Spain to a title It was the 104th and last match of the biggest World Cup ever, a 48-team event that played out over the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Because there were more matches than any previous World Cup, it was no surprise that there were more goals than all other editions — more than 300, nearly three per match. Except, of course, when Spain was involved. Spain's plan was simple and flawless: Hold the ball as much as possible, denying opponents any hint of chances. It worked, all the way to the end. Messi is 39 and the math certainly suggests that the Inter Miami star is at the end of his international career. There have been hints — such as Messi himself declaring that a home World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela last year would be his final competitive contest for Argentina on his nation’s soil. “I experienced a lot of things on this pitch, good and not so good,” Messi said that night. “I’ll take the good with me.” He retired from the national team after losing a Copa America final to Chile — in the same stadium he played in Sunday — a decade ago, then came back a few weeks later after changing his mind. Good thing he did, because in that decade he went from superstar to absolute icon. There was the World Cup title in 2022. There were two Copa America titles, the first in 2021 and the second in 2024. He won Argentina’s player of the year award 16 times in a span of 19 years, first winning it as a teenager and continuing to win it all the way into his late 30s. He's a legend within the game and on all corners of the globe. But Spain was better Sunday. “I spoke to my players, and they said: ‘Look, we’ve won everything, coach. We’ve won everything,'” de la Fuente said. “And that is beautiful.” A final unlike any other The spectacle was not limited to simply soccer. Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira were all part of a halftime show that also featured Burna Boy, Jason Sudeikis in character as “Ted Lasso” and even some of the Muppets. Jennifer Hudson, Post Malone and Tom Cruise had roles in the closing ceremony, which actually preceded the match. A slew of actors, athletes and other celebrities were there: Spain’s Javier Bardem left happy, Luciana Barroso Damon — the wife of actor Matt Damon — probably did not, considering she was wearing the colors of her native Argentina. They all came to see a show. So did 80,000 other people, not to mention perhaps as many as 2 billion watching around the globe. Spain didn't disappoint. No team has won back-to-back men's World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962, and Spain kept Argentina from pulling off that repeat. “As I told the lads before the game, we have to go for the game, we need to face them, we have to look to their eyes and say we want this game,” Rodri said. “And then, life gives you the World Cup or not.” Spain took it instead.

Lionel Messi says Argentina will give everything they have when they take on Spain in Sunday's FIFA World Cup final, as the defending champions aim to retain the title. "We will give it our all," Messi said on Friday during what is expected to be his final public appearance before the title clash in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Messi spoke at Fanatics Fest in New York, where he shared the stage with some of the world's biggest sports stars, including NFL legend Tom Brady, tennis great Novak Djokovic and NBA star Kevin Durant. The event highlighted Messi's global appeal, with the sports icons also taking a group selfie with the Argentine captain. FIFA held its pre-final media event at the four-day sports festival instead of a traditional news conference, allowing hundreds of fans to see the players and coaches up close. Spain captain Rodri praised Messi, calling him the greatest footballer of all time. "It goes beyond words what Messi means as a player and what he means for Argentina," Rodri said. "For me, he's the greatest of all time." Instead of journalists asking questions, the discussion was led by sports stars. Brady asked Messi about a viral photo showing him bathing a baby who later grew up to become Spain winger Lamine Yamal. "What a crazy picture," Messi said. Djokovic asked Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and Messi how they deal with pressure in major tournaments, while Durant asked goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez what winning back-to-back World Cups would mean for Argentina. Scaloni kept the focus on the match itself. "It's one more game," he said. "We cannot really think about the fact that it's a World Cup final." Argentina have reached the final with a perfect 7-0-0 record and remain the tournament's only unbeaten team. Spain are 6-0-1 after drawing their opening match against Cape Verde. Argentina's road to the final has not been easy. They came from behind to beat England in the semifinals after trailing 1-0 in the second half. They also recovered from a 2-0 second-half deficit against Egypt in the Round of 16, while both their Round of 32 match against Cape Verde and quarterfinal against Switzerland went to extra time. "I've said many times: We never stop fighting," Messi said. Messi received a warm welcome from fans at the event, many of whom recorded his entrance on their phones before cheering loudly as he waved. At the end of the programme, players, coaches and celebrities, including actor Kevin Hart, rapper Travis Scott, former England defender Rio Ferdinand and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, gathered for a group selfie. "Sunday is going to be a great show," Scaloni said. Argentina are aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win consecutive World Cup titles. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said the team is determined to make the country proud. "We've got a group of players and coaches working incredibly hard every day to bring happiness to our country," Martinez said. "We're going to give absolutely our best, with Leo and this team, to bring the World Cup back to our country and celebrate with our people."

The British government has called on FIFA to investigate Argentina's national football team after its players celebrated a World Cup semifinal victory while holding a banner asserting Argentina's claim over the disputed Falkland Islands. Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the World Cup semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday. During the post-match celebrations, players displayed a banner handed to them by supporters that read, "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" ("The Malvinas are Argentine"). Argentina refers to the Falkland Islands as Islas Malvinas. The islands became the focus of a 10-week war in 1982 after Argentina's military government invaded the British-controlled territory. Britain regained control following the conflict. UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle described the players' actions as "entirely inappropriate" and said he expected FIFA to conduct a thorough investigation. Under FIFA's disciplinary code, political, ideological, religious or offensive messages displayed at stadiums are prohibited. Violations can result in fines ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. FIFA had not commented on the matter as of Thursday. Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez said the banner carried strong emotional significance. "I can imagine a Malvinas war veteran seeing that banner and crying," said Martínez, who has played for Manchester United in England for the past four years. "I don't know whether there will be sanctions, but the message simply expressed our belief that the islands belong to us." Long-running political dispute The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory with a population of around 3,500 people. They are located about 480 kilometres off Argentina's coast and nearly 13,000 kilometres from Britain. Argentina maintains that Britain illegally took control of the islands in 1833. Britain says its claim dates back to 1765 and that it expelled Argentine forces attempting to establish sovereignty over the territory in 1833. The 1982 Falklands War claimed the lives of 649 Argentine troops, 255 British military personnel and three islanders. The conflict coincided with the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, where Argentina, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland all competed. British broadcasters declined to televise Argentina's opening match of the tournament, in which the defending champions lost to Belgium. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes said the banner reflected a painful chapter in his country's history. "It is a sad part of our history for everyone involved, and it still hurts," he said. "We knew we were playing for them as well." FIFA's political neutrality under scrutiny Kyle told the BBC that politics should remain separate from football, adding that the issue was now FIFA's responsibility. FIFA's commitment to political neutrality has faced renewed scrutiny during this World Cup. Critics have questioned decisions by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the governing body's disciplinary panel, particularly after United States forward Folarin Balogun was allowed to play against Belgium in the round of 16 despite receiving a red card in the previous match. Under FIFA rules, Balogun should have been suspended for the next game, but the ban was postponed for one year on probation. Belgium went on to beat the United States 4-1 and advance to the quarterfinals. Infantino is expected to attend Sunday's World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey, alongside US President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei. Similar incidents in the past Argentina's players displayed the same "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" slogan during a World Cup warm-up match in Buenos Aires in 2014. FIFA later fined the Argentine Football Association 30,000 Swiss francs (about $37,000) after that tournament. In another case, South Korean footballer Park Jong-woo received a two-match FIFA suspension after displaying a banner reading "Dokdo is our territory" following South Korea's victory over Japan in the bronze medal match at the 2012 London Olympics. More recently, during the 2022 World Cup, FIFA fined Serbia's football federation 20,000 Swiss francs (about $24,800) after a political banner showing Kosovo as part of Serbia and carrying the slogan "No Surrender" was displayed in the team's dressing room before a match against Brazil.

It was another game-changing moment at the World Cup that had more to do with television replays in a room far away than a moment of brilliance on the field. The sending off of Switzerland's Breel Embolo in Saturday's quarterfinal game against Argentina was the latest call that may have left fans scratching their heads, not least because of the confusing name of the newly implemented law that swung the match. It is called the “mistaken identity” rule. Yet, technically, Embolo was not shown a second yellow card — resulting in a red — for a case of mistaken identity. It was because the referee Joao Pinheiro did not see in real time that the forward had simulated a foul under a challenge from Argentina's Leandro Paredes. Paredes was initially shown a yellow card, which is a key factor. Under FIFA rules, because Paredes was shown a card, the video assistant referee (VAR) can intervene and recommend that the onfield official reviews the sideline monitor. After review the referee deemed Embolo to have committed a “clear simulation” and showed him a second yellow card and sent him off. The rules state that the VAR can assist when the referee penalizes the “wrong team for an offense that results in a red or yellow card being shown to the wrong player.” It was a pivotal point in the match, coming five minutes after Switzerland had made it 1-1. Argentina won 3-1 after extra time. “The referee made the wrong decision,” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said. “I know they will protect their referee but this rule destroyed our game today, and it’s very painful, and to be eliminated in that way hurts a lot.” It is not the first time at this World Cup that teams have hit out against new rules or technology. Germany infuriated by disallowed goal Newly tightened regulations contributed to Germany's shock elimination in the round of 32. Defender Jonathan Tah’s potentially game-winning goal in extra time against Paraguay was ruled out after VAR review for a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Replays showed Germany’s Waldemar Anton push Gill to the ground, but the minimal contact led to criticism of the decision. FIFA’s referees chief Pierluigi Collina said officials had been told to punish incidents when players try to block opponents and make no attempt to play the ball, especially where goalkeepers are concerned. Germany went on to lose the game in a penalty shootout, with Tah firing a decisive spot kick over the bar. Elimination could have a seismic effect on German soccer, with coach Julian Nagelsmann resigning and Jurgen Klopp expected to take over. High tech ball costs Croatia The words “connected ball technology” will likely haunt Luka Modric and Croatia for years to come. The high-tech soccer ball fitted with “advanced sensors” used at this World Cup cost Croatia a dramatic late equalizer against Portugal in the round of 32. Josko Gvardiol thought he'd scored in added time to make it 2-2, but the goal was ruled offside after VAR review because the in-ball sensors picked up the slightest of touches from Croatia's Igor Mantanovic in the buildup that was undetectable to the naked eye or even video replays. FIFA said the in-ball sensors, which capture data 500 times per second, were so finely tuned to be “capable of determining any slight contact ... allowing officials an unprecedented level of data to make fast, accurate decisions.” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić, who has since stepped down, was not impressed. “All these decisions take the joy out of football,” he said. Egypt heartbroken against Argentina It was shaping up to be one of the great World Cup upsets. Egypt led 2-0 against defending champion Argentina in the round of 16 and might have been 3-0 up if not for VAR. With the score at 1-0 in the second half, Egypt's Mostafa Zico finished off a sweeping attack. But wild celebrations were cut short when a foul on Argentina's Lisandro Martinez earlier in the move was confirmed on video review and the goal was disallowed. Argentina staged a spectacular late comeback to win 3-2. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan launched a furious tirade. "We have suffered injustice,” he said. The Egyptian soccer federation went further. “Several key incidents raised serious concerns and left profound questions about the consistency and fairness of decisions that directly influenced the course of the game,” it said. Questions were raised about the amount time between the foul on Martinez, which happened deep in Egypt's half, and the goal at the other end of the field. FIFA referees chief Collina responded to criticism to say there was "no defined limit regarding either the distance from goal or the amount of time between the incident and the goal.” “Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials,” he added. A double blow for Norway against England The high tech sensor was called into action again as England beat Norway 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Norway's players and staff were adamant the ball hit a cable that suspends overhead cameras in the buildup to Jude Bellingham's equalizing goal in the first half. If it had, play would have been stopped. But FIFA insisted there was no contact, saying the sensor “showed no peak in the ‘heartbeat of the ball’ when in the air, and therefore no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire.” Norway also had a goal disallowed when the score was 1-1 after VAR spotted a foul by Erling Haaland on England's Elliot Anderson. The infringement came before the corner was taken and, under new rules to try to limit fouls by attacking teams during corner routines, VAR is allowed to intervene regarding incidents that happen even before the ball is kicked.

It's a World Cup semifinal lineup for the ages. Four previous champions and the four top-ranking teams in the world. Five of the six top scorers, one GOAT and one of the bitterest rivalries in soccer. Argentina, Spain, France and England went into the tournament as the top four in FIFA’s rankings and are two wins away from being crowned champion of the world again. It's just too close to call either semifinal matchup: France will play Spain in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday and England will face Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday. Not since 1990 has the final four of a World Cup been made up entirely of previous winners. England and Argentina were involved then, although they didn't play each other. Then, like now, Argentina was the defending champion — after beating West Germany in the 1986 final in Mexico — and went on to lose to West Germany in the 1990 final. And this year could also see a repeat final from 2022 if France and Argentina both advance. England vs. Argentina: A bitter rivalry Argentina must overcome England in a match that resumes a fierce rivalry that goes beyond the soccer field, with tensions also relating to the 1982 conflict over the Falklands Islands. On the field there have been numerous flashpoints between the teams on the World Cup stage. Argentina captain Antonio Rattin, whose death was announced on Saturday, was sent off in a bad-tempered quarterfinal match against winner England in 1966. England manager Alf Ramsey tried to stop his players from swapping shirts with their opponents after a 1-0 victory. Roll the clock forward 20 years and in 1986 Diego Maradona's infamous “Hand of God” goal helped Argentina to a 2-1 win against England in the quarterfinals on the way to lifting the trophy. David Beckham was sent off in 1998 for kicking out at Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone, who was predictably criticized by the English media for his reaction to what appeared to be light contact. Argentina won the round of 16 match on penalties. Beckham got his revenge four years later by scoring a penalty in a 1-0 win that contributed to Argentina being eliminated at the group stage. France vs. Spain: A quick chance for French revenge France and Spain meet again in the semifinals of a major tournament, just two years since going head-to-head at the European Championship. Spain won 2-1 with a then-16-year-old Lamine Yamal on the score sheet and went on to lift the Euros by beating England in the final. Kylian Mbappé's powers were diminished in that tournament after sustaining a broken nose, while emerging stars like Michael Olise and Désiré Doué were yet to break through. Two years on and France is widely regarded to have been the most impressive team of this World Cup with a dizzying array of attacking talent and the joint leading scorer in Mbappé ahead of the semifinal on France's Bastille Day. In contrast Spain had to contend with injuries to Yamal and fellow winger Nico Williams coming into the tournament and has relied on late goals from substitute Mikel Merino to edge past Portugal and Belgium in the last two rounds. The nations have met on a number of occasions at the World Cup or Euros. France beat Spain in the final of Euro 84. The race for the Golden Boot It has become a thrilling competition within the tournament as many of the world's most lethal finishers have all turned up in peak form. Erling Haaland may be out of the race, but five of the six top scorers are still standing and others could yet force their way into the race for the Golden Boot. Mbappé and Lionel Messi lead the way with eight goals each. Haaland has seven, but he cannot add to that number after Norway was eliminated by England in the quarterfinals. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have six each, while Ousmane Dembélé is on five. Mikel Oyarzabal has four goals, so could yet challenge if Spain overcomes France in the semifinals. There's also the contest for the all-time top scorer at World Cups overall with Messi on 21 goals and Mbappé on 20. That man Messi He is already considered by many to be the greatest of all time — the GOAT — and his performances at what is likely his last World Cup, aged 39, have only strengthened that argument. This will be Messi's first ever game against England. If Messi can lead Argentina to the title, he would surpass the great Maradona by winning two World Cups for his country. Argentina would also become the first back-to-back champion since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Soccer great Pelé was part of those Brazil teams and also went on to win a third World Cup in 1970.

Erling Haaland has been one of the biggest stars of the FIFA World Cup — not only for his goal-scoring ability but also for the online personality that has turned him into a social media sensation. The Norwegian striker, who stands 6 feet 5 inches tall, has scored seven goals in four World Cup matches heading into Norway's quarterfinal against England on Saturday. While his performances on the pitch have earned praise, his playful social media presence has attracted a new generation of fans, including many who had little interest in football before. Known for his powerful style of play, Haaland has also gained attention online for his light-hearted posts, humorous selfies and interactions with fans. His flowing blond hair, colourful hair ties and quirky sense of humour have inspired countless memes across social media platforms. Fans often describe him as both a fearsome striker and an unexpectedly soft-hearted personality. Many affectionately refer to him as a "babygirl" — an internet term used for male celebrities who appear kind, funny or emotionally expressive despite their tough public image. The contrast between Haaland's commanding presence on the field and his relaxed personality off it has helped make him one of football's most talked-about figures. Sarah Wilson, a baseball content creator from New York who only recently began following football, said Haaland quickly became her favourite player. In a viral video, the 31-year-old joked that she "cannot fathom being such a pretty Norwegian princess and also being one of the best strikers in all of football." Wilson believes Haaland's popularity comes from combining world-class talent with a personality that feels relatable to younger audiences. "He is incredibly talented, but then you see him using Snapchat filters and joking online like many people his age," she told The Associated Press. "You end up thinking, 'He's hilarious. Now he's my favourite player.'" Haaland has embraced his growing online fame by sharing humorous Instagram selfies, posting YouTube videos and interacting with fans through Snapchat. After scoring twice to eliminate Brazil from the World Cup, he posted a smiling locker-room selfie with the caption, "Well well well." He has also jokingly responded to memes comparing his hairstyle to a green onion and encouraged fans to search his name on Google after a special Viking-themed animation appeared in search results. Speaking at Norway's team news conference on Thursday, Haaland said he has enjoyed the warm support from fans in the United States. "I like the Americans. I think they are funny," he said. "The World Cup here has been amazing." Experts say Haaland's popularity reflects how modern athletes are increasingly becoming global entertainment figures through social media. Jeffrey Kassing, a professor at Arizona State University who studies athletes' use of social media, said players now have much greater control over how they present themselves to the public than in previous generations. In the past, fans mainly saw athletes through interviews or press conferences. Today, players can communicate directly with millions of followers, allowing supporters to feel a closer personal connection. That one-sided emotional connection, known as a parasocial relationship, is common among sports fans, according to Gayle Stever, a professor at Empire State University who has studied celebrity-fan relationships for decades. She said most of these relationships are healthy, although a small number of fans can become overly attached. Australian sports management student Skyla Clarke said social media has also exposed footballers to harsh criticism and online abuse after poor performances. Haaland has previously described AI-generated images and videos of players as "a bit scary." Still, he said the attention surrounding Norway and its traditions is a positive sign. "Usually if it's like that, it means that you're doing something right," Haaland said. Haaland is not the only footballer to inspire devoted online communities. Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić has also attracted widespread affection from fans, particularly after Croatia's exit from what was expected to be his final international tournament. Ahead of Norway's quarterfinal against England, many fans have also focused on Haaland's close friendship with England midfielder Jude Bellingham, his former club teammate. Social media users have created videos and edits celebrating their friendship, further adding to Haaland's growing online popularity. Among Haaland's newest supporters is Nulara Ratwatté, a 19-year-old art student at the University of Melbourne, whose videos about the striker have gone viral. Although she admits she knew little about football before the World Cup, she now follows Norway closely. Describing Haaland as "a big, friendly giant," Ratwatté said: "Truly, from the bottom of my heart, I love him."

Thousands of football fans gathered at El-Alamein Airport on Friday to welcome home Egypt's national team after its memorable World Cup campaign ended with a 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the knockout stage. Supporters waved pictures of captain Mohamed Salah, carried banners praising the team and cheered as the players returned from the tournament. Egypt reached the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in the country's history after defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout, with Salah playing a key role in the victory. The squad is scheduled to meet President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi on Saturday. Earlier this week, the president thanked the team in a Facebook post for what he described as its "honourable performance" and for achieving a historic milestone in Egyptian football. The team's World Cup run had united fans across the country, with people gathering in homes, cafés and public squares to watch Tuesday's match against Argentina. Egyptian flags were displayed from balconies, shops and streets as supporters rallied behind the team. Meanwhile, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has raised concerns over the officiating in the match, saying it was dissatisfied with several refereeing decisions, including those involving the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan and several players also criticised the referees after Argentina scored three unanswered goals in 13 minutes to complete one of the biggest comeback victories in World Cup history. In a statement, the EFA said protecting the rights and interests of the national team "cannot be ignored or treated as a secondary issue." Responding to the criticism, FIFA's head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, said debate over refereeing decisions is a normal part of football but rejected what he called "unfounded allegations" against match officials. He stressed that no one should question the integrity of FIFA World Cup referees, warning that such accusations can lead to threats against officials and their families.

England booked a place in the World Cup quarterfinals with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over hosts Mexico on Sunday, ending Mexico's unbeaten World Cup record at Estadio Azteca. Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession, while Harry Kane added a penalty as England overcame a hostile crowd, the high altitude of the famous stadium and playing with 10 men for more than half an hour. England will now face Norway in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida, with a place in the semifinals at stake. "I am just proud of the mentality and the attitude," England coach Thomas Tuchel said. "The round of 16 is where you have to find a way to win, and we did it with heart and determination. We overcame every obstacle." Bellingham gave England the lead with a header in the 36th minute before doubling the advantage just 98 seconds later after receiving a pass from Kane, silencing the crowd of 80,824 at Estadio Azteca, where Mexico had been unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches, including three in this tournament. "We've done something incredible tonight," Bellingham said. "We'll enjoy it, recover for a couple of days, and then focus on Norway." Mexico pulled one back in the 42nd minute through Julián Quiñones, and the match swung further in the hosts' favour when England defender Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute for a dangerous challenge on Jesús Gallardo. Despite being down to 10 players, England restored its two-goal lead six minutes later after winning a penalty when Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel brought down an England player inside the box. Kane calmly converted the spot-kick for his sixth goal of the tournament and the 14th World Cup goal of his career. The goal moved Kane level with Germany great Gerd Müller as the fifth-highest scorer in World Cup history. He now trails only Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland in the race for the tournament's Golden Boot. Kane later conceded a penalty, becoming the first player since at least 1966 to both score and give away a penalty in the same World Cup match. Raúl Jiménez converted from the spot to reduce the deficit to 3-2. Tuchel praised his team's effort, especially after playing nearly 40 minutes with 10 men at high altitude. "Playing with 10 men for 40 or 50 minutes is difficult anywhere, but we did it here at altitude," he said. "The players gave everything for the team and the country." Mexico launched repeated attacks during the final 21 minutes and 11 minutes of stoppage time, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and England's defence stood firm to secure the victory. Bellingham called it one of England's biggest victories in recent memory. "This is probably one of the biggest England wins I can remember, either as a fan or a player," he said. "It's the best night of my England career." England suffered one setback after the match when midfielder Jordan Henderson was taken to hospital with a wrist injury. Tuchel said Henderson was hurt after falling over an advertising board while celebrating with teammates. "I have mixed feelings because Jordan injured his wrist and it looks quite serious," Tuchel said. "It doesn't fit with such a great evening that he's not with us." Mexico's wait to reach the World Cup quarterfinals continues. The team has not made the last eight since hosting the tournament in 1986. Since then, it has lost in the round of 16 eight times, failed to get past the group stage in 2022 and missed the 1990 World Cup after being disqualified. "Dreaming and losing like this hurts a lot," Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said. "But the players gave everything on the field. Unfortunately, it just wasn't our night." The defeat was only Mexico's third competitive loss at Estadio Azteca since the stadium opened in 1966. England had little time to adjust to the venue's altitude of 2,200 metres (7,300 feet), while Mexican fans also tried to disrupt the visitors by making noise outside their hotel before the match. Kick-off was delayed by an hour because of a thunderstorm. England, seeking its first World Cup title since 1966, celebrated with its travelling supporters after sealing a memorable victory.

Azzedine Ounahi scored twice to lead Morocco to a 3-0 win over Canada in the World Cup round of 16 Saturday to make the country the first African nation to reach the quarterfinals more than once. It’s Morocco’s second straight appearance in the quarterfinals after becoming the first African team to reach the semifinals in 2022. Neither team was able to break through until Ounahi took a free kick from Achraf Hakimi and made a right-footed shot through traffic from outside the box to the bottom right corner to put Morocco on top 1-0 in the 50th minute. Ounahi made it 2-0 on a right-footed shot from the middle of the box off a pass from Brahim Díaz in the 82nd minute. Soufiane Rahimi added a goal in the final minute of stoppage time. Morocco advances to face the winner of Saturday’s Paraguay-France match on Thursday at Boston Stadium. The loss ends a historic run for World Cup co-host Canada, which won its first-ever knockout round with a 1-0 victory over South Africa to reach Saturday’s match. The country was playing in the World Cup for just the third time and the run enchanted a nation that is normally far more interested in hockey than the pitch. Morocco, which is ranked sixth in the FIFA rankings, dispatched the Netherlands in a penalty shootout to reach the round of 16 and send the country to its earliest World Cup exit. Canada had a couple of chances to score late. Jonathan David had a free kick from outside the box in the 78th minute, but his shot sailed over the crossbar. Just after that Tajon Buchanan’s shot from about 30 yards was stopped with a diving save from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Bounou, who was born in Canada to Moroccan parents, had three saves to help Morocco to the win. This game was a rematch from the last World Cup when Morocco beat Canada 2-1 in the group stage in a tournament in which Morocco finished fourth. It was an extremely physical match with eight yellow cards being issued. Both teams received four. Hakimi and Canada’s Richie Laryea received yellow cards in the 40th minute. Hakimi shoved Laryea to the ground and then Laryea pushed him and a minor scuffle ensued. Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari left with an injury in the 22nd minute.