Argentina produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating Egypt 3-2 after trailing 2-0 in their Round of 16 clash. Egypt stunned the defending champions with goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, while Lionel Messi also missed an early penalty. Argentina responded in the final 13 minutes as Cristian Romero headed in from a Messi cross before the captain equalised with a powerful finish. Deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez headed home the winner to complete a remarkable turnaround and send Argentina into the World Cup quarter-finals after an unforgettable contest. 

Lionel Messi set an unwanted FIFA World Cup record after missing his fourth career penalty in Argentina's Round of 16 clash against Egypt. The Egyptian goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir, saved Messi's spot-kick, making him the first player to miss two penalties in a single World Cup edition and the player with the most missed penalties in tournament history. Despite trailing 2-0, Argentina staged a stunning late comeback, with Messi scoring the equaliser and providing an assist before Enzo Fernandez netted the stoppage-time winner to seal a 3-2 victory. Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of Switzerland vs Colombia.

Argentina produced a dramatic comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after trailing 2-0 in Atlanta. Lionel Messi missed an early penalty but sparked the fightback by assisting Cristian Romero's goal before scoring the equaliser in the second half. Egypt looked set for a famous victory after goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, while goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir made several outstanding saves. However, Enzo Fernandez headed home the winner in stoppage time to complete Argentina's remarkable turnaround and book the defending champions a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated after a senior Tehran official claimed that Washington now has "only the nuclear option left" if it wants to confront Iran. The remark, made by Tehran's deputy mayor, came amid continuing strain over Iran's nuclear programme and recent regional tensions. The statement reflects increasingly hardline rhetoric from Iranian officials as diplomatic efforts remain uncertain. The United States has repeatedly said it wants to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, while Tehran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. The latest comments are expected to further complicate already fragile relations. (PC: India Today)

Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah will face each other when Argentina take on Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 on Tuesday. The match is being billed as a meeting of two football icons who have inspired their nations for years. Messi, 39, is chasing back-to-back World Cup titles and has hinted this could be his final tournament. Salah, 34, has guided Egypt to the knockout stage for the first time in the country's history and hopes to create another memorable chapter. Beyond the quarter-final place, the game represents a clash of two legendary careers.

Belgium celebrated its 4-1 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 win over the United States with a viral "Trump dance" and social media post saying, "Overturn this." The celebration came after FIFA allowed US striker Folarin Balogun to play by suspending his one-match ban. The decision had drawn criticism from Belgium before the match. Romelu Lukaku scored Belgium's fourth goal as the team reached the quarter-finals. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said the controversy did not affect his team's performance. Belgium will now face Spain in the quarter-finals on Friday. (PC: Getty via AFP)

Neymar's father has urged his son to keep playing football after the Brazil star announced his retirement from international football. He wrote, "Go back to playing soccer," in an emotional message on social media. Neymar retired after Brazil lost 2-1 to Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. The 34-year-old ended his international career as Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 130 matches. He said, "I tried, I tried. Now it's over." Brazil's defeat also marked its seventh straight World Cup knockout loss to a European team.

Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 to reach the quarter-finals. After the win, Belgium posted "Overturn This" on social media, mocking FIFA over its decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-match ban before the match. Belgium had strongly criticised the ruling. Captain Youri Tielemans said the controversy motivated the team to perform better. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice as Belgium knocked out co-host USA. Belgium will now face Spain in the quarter-finals on July 11 after Spain defeated Portugal in the Round of 16. (PC: AFP)

Pressure is growing on FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the governing body suspended Folarin Balogun's World Cup red-card ban, allowing the United States striker to play against Belgium. The decision followed confirmation that US President Donald Trump contacted Infantino over the incident. Human rights group FairSquare has called for an ethics investigation, arguing the episode may have breached FIFA's political neutrality rules. UEFA, the Belgian Football Association and several football figures have also criticised the move, saying it undermines the integrity of the game. FIFA maintains its independent disciplinary committee made the decision without Infantino's involvement.

French President Emmanuel Macron has praised captain Kylian Mbappe for speaking out against racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla following France's FIFA World Cup win over Paraguay. Macron said Mbappe had scored "another goal" by standing up for dignity and respect in football. Amarilla had posted racist comments targeting Mbappe's heritage and identity after France's Round of 16 victory. The French Football Federation announced legal action, while Paraguay's government distanced itself from the senator's remarks, saying they do not reflect the country's values. (PC: NDTV)