Croatia captain Luka Modrić strongly criticised VAR after his side's dramatic 2-1 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 defeat to Portugal. Modrić argued that the penalty awarded to Cristiano Ronaldo was unfair and claimed VAR would not have intervened had the situation been reversed. He also questioned the decision to disallow Croatia's stoppage-time equaliser for offside following a lengthy VAR review. Despite praising his team's second-half display, Modrić said Croatia deserved a better outcome. The controversial officiating has sparked widespread debate over VAR's influence on crucial World Cup knockout matches. (PC: X)

Egypt reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup last 16 for the first time after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw. Emam Ashour gave Egypt an early lead before an own goal by Mohamed Hany levelled the match for Australia. Neither side could find a winner in extra time, sending the contest to penalties. Egypt converted all four spot-kicks, while Australia missed twice as Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the decisive penalty. The historic victory secured Egypt's first-ever World Cup knockout win and set up a Round of 16 clash with defending champions Argentina. (PC: Getty Images)

Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the standout moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by scoring a spectacular extra-time equaliser against Argentina national football team before celebrating by climbing into the crowd to hug his girlfriend. The remarkable strike briefly gave underdogs Cape Verde national football team hope of a famous upset, but Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory after a late own goal. Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Cape Verde earned worldwide admiration for pushing the defending champions to the brink, with Lopes Cabral's unforgettable goal and celebration becoming defining moments of the tournament. 

Defending champions Argentina survived a major FIFA World Cup scare, edging World Cup debutants Cabo Verde 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 clash. Lionel Messi opened the scoring, but Cabo Verde twice fought back through Deroy Duarte and Sidny Lopes Cabral, showcasing remarkable resilience and fearless football. The decisive moment came in the 111th minute when a Cristian Romero header deflected off Diney Borges for an unfortunate own goal. Despite elimination, the tiny African nation won global admiration for pushing one of football's biggest powers to the brink in one of the tournament's most memorable matches. (PC: India Today)

Colombia booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana in a tightly contested knockout match. A disciplined defensive display and a decisive goal proved enough to eliminate the African side, who created several chances but failed to find an equaliser. Colombia controlled key moments of the game and held firm under late pressure to secure progression. The win sets up an intriguing Round of 16 showdown against Switzerland, with both teams aiming to continue their impressive World Cup campaigns and move one step closer to the quarterfinals. (PC: Reuters)

Argentina advanced to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde, but the match exposed their heavy dependence on Lionel Messi. Despite Messi's goal and decisive influence, Cape Verde repeatedly exploited Argentina's defensive weaknesses and pushed the defending champions to the brink of elimination. The underdogs' fearless performance provided a blueprint for future opponents, showing that disciplined pressing and quick counterattacks can trouble Argentina. While Messi once again delivered in a crucial moment, questions remain over whether Argentina can successfully defend their World Cup title without stronger collective performances. (PC: X)

Egypt's dramatic penalty-shootout victory over Australia in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 sparked celebrations across the Arab world after head coach Hossam Hassan dedicated the historic triumph to the people of Palestine. The emotional gesture resonated widely, with fans in several Arab countries praising Egypt's performance and expressing solidarity with Palestinians. Egypt advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time in the tournament's modern era and will now face defending champions Argentina. The victory was hailed as a landmark moment for Egyptian football, combining sporting success with a message that drew significant regional attention and debate. (PC: Reuters)

Defending champions Argentina survived a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 scare, defeating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in one of the tournament's biggest upsets that never happened. Lionel Messi opened the scoring and later delivered the decisive corner that led to the winning goal, keeping Argentina's title defence alive. Cape Verde stunned the football world by twice equalising and pushing the favourites to their limits with a fearless display. Argentina eventually advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt, while Cape Verde exited with widespread praise for their historic and courageous performance. (PC: Getty Images)

Defending champions Argentina will take on World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, in a clash widely seen as the tournament's biggest knockout mismatch. Lionel Messi's side, three-time world champions, enter the match as overwhelming favourites against a Cape Verde team ranked 64th in the world. Despite their underdog status, Cape Verde have impressed by reaching the knockout stage unbeaten, earning draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The African nation now hopes to produce another historic upset, while Argentina aim to continue their title defence with a convincing victory. (PC: X)

Defending champions Argentina begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout campaign against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on Saturday. Lionel Messi's side topped Group J with a perfect record, winning all three matches to reach the knockout stage. If Argentina beat Cape Verde, they will face either Australia or Egypt in the Round of 16. A further victory could set up a quarter-final against Switzerland or Colombia before possible clashes with Brazil, Mexico or England in the semi-finals. Argentina are aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title. (PC: NDTV)