Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the last of his career. Speaking before Portugal's Round of 16 match against Spain, the 41-year-old said, "It will be my last World Cup." He added that he wants to enjoy every moment and hopes the Spain match is not his final game. Ronaldo also dismissed criticism over his performances, saying he has already scored three goals in the tournament. The Portugal captain said he plays football because he loves the game. Portugal will face Spain for a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.

Belgium has appealed FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-match ban before the United States' FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash. Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina but was later cleared to play after FIFA suspended his ban for a one-year probation period. Belgium said the decision goes against the tournament rules and has asked FIFA to review the case. FIFA has allowed the appeal and an appeals committee member will hear it. A final decision could come before kickoff. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said the case has raised questions about the integrity of the tournament. (PC: Getty Images)

England reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico. Jude Bellingham scored twice before Harry Kane added a penalty. Mexico fought back, but England held on despite playing with 10 men after Jarell Quansah was sent off. After the match, midfielder Jordan Henderson was taken to hospital following a bad fall while celebrating with fans. England manager Thomas Tuchel said the injury looked serious. Henderson injured his wrist after jumping over an advertising board. England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals after Norway shocked Brazil with a 2-1 victory in the Round of 16. (PC: AP)

Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 journey ended after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16. Soon after the match, Neymar announced his retirement from international football. The veteran forward gave an emotional speech and said MetLife Stadium was where his Brazil journey began and ended. Neymar scored a late penalty in stoppage time, which became his final goal for Brazil. Norway secured a historic win with two goals from Erling Haaland after the break. The victory sent Norway into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. Brazil failed to reach the last eight for the first time since 1990.

Erling Haaland's outstanding performances at the FIFA World Cup have once again highlighted the relentless work behind his success. The Norway striker, often called a "Viking machine," follows a disciplined routine built around quality sleep, intense training, recovery and a carefully managed diet. Coaches and fitness experts credit his physical strength, speed and consistency to years of preparation rather than natural talent alone. Haaland's commitment has helped Norway reach the World Cup quarter-finals, where he remains one of the tournament's biggest stars. His remarkable rise continues to set new standards for modern footballers around the world. (PC: NDTV)

Brazil's all-time leading scorer Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following the team's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. The 34-year-old, who returned from injury during the tournament, scored a late penalty after coming on as a substitute but could not prevent Brazil's elimination. "I tried. It started here... and I finished here. It is now over," Neymar said after the match. Injuries limited him to two appearances at the World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable international career that began in 2010. (PC: Al Jazeera)

FIFA has cleared United States forward Folarin Balogun to play in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after suspending his automatic one-match ban following a successful appeal. The decision came after US President Donald Trump confirmed he had spoken with FIFA President Gianni Infantino about Balogun's red-card suspension, saying he wanted to understand the disciplinary process. FIFA said the suspension was placed on probation for one year under its disciplinary regulations. The ruling has drawn criticism from Belgium and Norway, with officials questioning the decision and warning it could undermine confidence in the tournament's disciplinary process.  

England captain Harry Kane admitted "my voice has gone" after celebrating his side's dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 at the Azteca Stadium. Kane scored a crucial penalty as England held on despite playing with 10 men following Jarell Quansah's red card. Jude Bellingham struck twice before Mexico responded through Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a series of vital saves to secure the victory. "It was a crazy game. We had to fight... we found a way," Kane said after England booked a quarter-final clash with Norway.  

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti defended his decision to let Bruno Guimaraes take a crucial penalty during the team's 2-1 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 defeat to Norway. Guimaraes missed the spot-kick, sparking criticism as Vinicius Jr, Brazil’s top scorer at the tournament, did not take it. After the match, Ancelotti said Vinicius is “not even in the top five” penalty takers when the full squad is available. He explained that the decision was based on statistics and a pre-planned penalty order. Brazil’s defeat ended their 2026 World Cup campaign in the last 16. (PC: NDTV)

Brazil star Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following his country's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The 34-year-old ended his Brazil career as the nation's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 129 appearances. Neymar came off the bench and scored a late penalty in his final match, but it was not enough to prevent Brazil's elimination. Speaking after the game, an emotional Neymar said, "I tried, I tried. Now it's over." He will continue playing club football with Santos while Brazil begin a new era under Carlo Ancelotti.