Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has backed Lionel Messi to remain the team's penalty taker despite the captain missing both spot-kicks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ahead of Argentina's quarterfinal against Switzerland, Scaloni insisted the decision rests with Messi. "Leo will take penalties if he wants to," he said. Messi missed from the spot against Egypt but later inspired Argentina's dramatic 3-2 comeback by setting up Cristian Romero before scoring the equaliser. The 39-year-old has registered eight goals and one assist in the tournament. Scaloni added that Messi's influence remains decisive, saying the forward continues to be the world's best player as long as he wants to keep playing. (PC: X)

Egypt’s national football team received a hero’s welcome after returning home from its historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign. Thousands of fans gathered to celebrate Mohamed Salah and the Pharaohs after they reached the Round of 16 for the first time before narrowly losing 3-2 to defending champions Argentina. The celebrations included an open-top bus parade through New Alamein, while President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is expected to honour the squad for its achievement. Egypt’s exit, however, remained controversial, with head coach Hossam Hassan alleging FIFA favoured Argentina through questionable refereeing decisions. FIFA rejected the accusations, maintaining that all match officials performed their duties independently and impartially throughout the tournament.

England will face Norway in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final in hot and humid conditions in Miami on Saturday. Temperatures are expected to feel like 41 degrees Celsius because of high humidity. Weather experts have warned of heat-related risks. England have mostly played in cooler or air-conditioned stadiums during the tournament. Norway have already played several matches in hot weather, giving them more experience in such conditions. Both teams have prepared for the heat with special recovery methods and hydration plans. The match will go ahead as scheduled despite the challenging weather expected in Miami. (PC: Getty Images)

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has defended Lionel Messi after his recent penalty misses at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Messi has missed two penalties in the tournament but has still scored eight goals and provided one assist. Scaloni said Messi will continue taking penalties if he wants to. He praised the captain's leadership and said everything Messi does on the field remains important. Scaloni added that Messi is still performing at a very high level at the age of 39. Argentina, the defending champions, remain unbeaten and will face Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals. (PC: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

England will face Norway in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final on Saturday. Ahead of the match, England coach Thomas Tuchel urged his players to “be brave” and play with confidence. Defender Marc Guehi and midfielder Declan Rice trained with the squad after injury concerns, raising hopes they will be available. England captain Harry Kane praised Norway striker Erling Haaland, calling him “a beast” but said he hopes the forward has a quiet game. Meanwhile, demand for tickets has soared, with some being resold for as much as one million dollars. Spain have already reached the semi-finals after beating Belgium. (PC: AP)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing growing calls for an independent investigation over the decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension during the 2026 World Cup. Seventy-two members of the European Parliament have asked football associations across the European Union to support the probe. They want to know if political pressure influenced FIFA’s decision. The controversy began after Balogun’s one-match ban was overturned, allowing him to play against Belgium. Infantino denied any personal role and said FIFA’s independent bodies made the decision. UEFA criticised the move, saying it raised concerns about the integrity of the game. (PC: AP)

Spain reached the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after beating Belgium 2-1 on Friday. While Lamine Yamal impressed on the field, his three-year-old half-brother Keyne became the star in the stands. Television cameras showed the toddler cheering, waving and making funny faces during the match. The clips quickly went viral on social media. It was not the first time Keyne caught fans’ attention during the tournament. He also celebrated Spain’s earlier win over Austria. Spain will now face France in the semi-finals. Fans are looking forward to seeing both Yamal’s football and Keyne’s cheerful support once again.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has rejected claims that FIFA is helping his team at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking before Argentina's quarter-final against Switzerland, Scaloni said, “They don’t want us to win” because Argentina are the defending champions. He said the criticism motivates his players to perform even better. The debate began after controversial VAR and referee decisions during Argentina’s match against Egypt. Some fans questioned those calls. However, Scaloni said VAR makes it very hard to favour any team. He added that referees are following the rules. Argentina will face Switzerland on Sunday for a place in the semi-finals. (PC: AFP)

Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has issued a confident warning to France ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, declaring that Spain fears no opponent. Fresh from Spain's dramatic 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium, Yamal praised his team's confidence, unity, and attacking style. The 18-year-old stressed that Spain respects France but will remain focused on its own strengths rather than the opposition. The blockbuster semi-final promises a thrilling contest between two football powerhouses, with a place in the World Cup final at stake as both teams chase global glory. (PC: Reuters)

Belgium captain and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois expressed heartbreak after a costly late mistake contributed to his team's 2-1 defeat against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. Courtois was forced off injured late in the match, and replacement goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold a shot, allowing substitute Mikel Merino to score the decisive winner in the 88th minute. Courtois admitted the loss was painful, saying the team had fought hard but small moments decided the contest. Spain advanced to the semi-finals, while Belgium's impressive World Cup journey came to a disappointing end. (PC: AFP)