Twenty-six years after Patrick Kluivert suffered a painful World Cup exit on June 29, history repeated itself for his son, Justin Kluivert. The Netherlands were eliminated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after losing to Morocco in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Patrick had endured a similarly heartbreaking defeat in the 1998 World Cup semi-final against Brazil on penalties. The striking coincidence of both father and son experiencing major World Cup heartbreak on the same date has become a poignant moment in Dutch football history, highlighting football’s remarkable cycles across generations. (PC: X)

England secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over DR Congo to book their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, with captain Harry Kane scoring both goals. DR Congo briefly equalised after Kane’s opener, but the England skipper restored the lead with another clinical finish to seal the win. The Three Lions showed resilience under pressure to overcome a determined Congolese side in a tense knockout encounter. England will now face Mexico in the next round as they continue their quest for World Cup glory, with Kane once again proving decisive on football’s biggest stage.

England kept their FIFA World Cup campaign alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the Round of 32, thanks to a brilliant brace from captain Harry Kane. Kane opened the scoring before doubling England’s advantage after DR Congo briefly levelled the match. His match-winning performance ensured England progressed to the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico in another crucial knockout clash. The victory highlighted England’s resilience under pressure, with Kane once again proving decisive as the Three Lions continue their pursuit of World Cup glory. (PC: Reuters)

FIFA sparked fresh controversy during the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash between Mexico and Ecuador after initially announcing that the mandatory hydration breaks would be removed because the match, delayed by 60 minutes due to thunderstorms in Mexico City, kicked off under cool 14°C conditions. However, referee Slavko Vinčić halted play around the 23rd minute for a hydration break despite FIFA's earlier statement, which was later removed from its website. The stoppage came moments after Mexico scored and launched another attack, prompting fans to accuse the referee of disrupting Mexico's momentum. Supporters also criticised several officiating decisions, including an incident where the referee obstructed Ecuador's attempt to regain possession. (PC: Juancho Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Former India selectors have urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management to consider resting senior players during the white-ball series against England and hand promising youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi an opportunity. They believe the 15-year-old has earned a chance after his outstanding performances in the IPL and age-group cricket. The suggestion also aims to manage the workload of experienced players while preparing India's next generation for international cricket. Former selectors stressed that exposing young talents in less pressured matches would strengthen India's bench strength ahead of future ICC tournaments. (PC: News 18)

Norway created history by reaching the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, sealed by Erling Haaland's late winner. Antonio Nusa gave Norway the lead before Amad Diallo equalised for Ivory Coast in the second half. Haaland struck in the 86th minute, scoring his fifth goal of the tournament and his 60th international goal, securing Norway's first-ever World Cup knockout victory. The result sets up a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against Brazil, with Haaland aiming to lead Norway on another historic run. (PC: Reuters)

France playmaker Michael Olise produced a masterclass by assisting all three goals in Les Bleus' 3-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 victory over Sweden. The Bayern Munich midfielder now has five assists in the tournament, equalling Diego Maradona and four others for the second-most assists in a single World Cup edition. Only Brazilian legend Pelé, with six assists in 1970, remains ahead of him. Olise's creativity has been central to France's unbeaten campaign, while captain Kylian Mbappe has led the scoring. France will now face Paraguay in the Round of 16 as Olise chases more World Cup history.

The Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) has strongly condemned the racist and hateful online abuse directed at Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville after the team's FIFA World Cup 2026 exit. The three players missed penalties as Morocco won the Round of 32 clash 3-2 in a shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time. KNVB said it will report the abuse to the Dutch online discrimination watchdog, a move that could lead to a criminal investigation. Calling the incidents "appalling", the association said football unites people, while discrimination has no place in the game. Morocco will face Canada in the Round of 16. (PC: NDTV)

2 people died from suffocation during celebrations after Mexico's victory over Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The victims were a 19-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man, city health officials said. The incident happened near the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City, where thousands of fans had gathered. More than one million people celebrated across the city after Mexico reached the Round of 16 with its first FIFA World Cup knockout-stage win since 1986. Authorities are also checking reports of a possible third death. An investigation into the incident is underway.

Germany's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in disappointment after a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32, following a 1-1 draw after extra time. A report by German newspaper *Bild* claimed four players—Leon Goretzka, Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown and Malick Thiaw—declined to take Germany's sixth penalty during sudden death. Defender Jonathan Tah stepped up instead, taking the first penalty of his professional career, but missed the target. The defeat eliminated the four-time world champions before the Round of 16 for the third consecutive World Cup, deepening concerns over Germany's recent struggles.