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)

Cristiano Ronaldo's FIFA World Cup journey ended in heartbreak as Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. Moments after the final whistle, Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal paused his team's celebrations to console the emotional 41-year-old, whose tears reflected the end of his World Cup career. Mikel Merino's stoppage-time winner sent Spain into the quarter-finals, while Ronaldo later confirmed it was his final World Cup appearance. The touching exchange between football's rising star and one of its greatest legends quickly went viral, earning praise from fans around the world.

Belgium mocked FIFA and US President Donald Trump after defeating the United States 4-1 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Moments after the victory, Belgium's official team account posted a photo of Romelu Lukaku celebrating with the caption, "Overturn this," in an apparent dig at FIFA's decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's suspension before the match. The ruling followed Trump's public intervention, drawing criticism from Belgium and several European football bodies. Belgium backed up its protest with a dominant performance to book a place in the quarter-finals.

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that Portugal's 1-0 Round of 16 defeat to Spain marked his final FIFA World Cup appearance, ending a tournament journey that began in 2006. The 41-year-old captain said he was heartbroken but stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football. “It was my last World Cup, yes, but I'll now have time to reflect,” Ronaldo said after the match. Despite winning the UEFA European Championship and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal, the World Cup remained the only major trophy to elude one of football's greatest players. (PC: X)

France star Kylian Mbappe has strongly condemned Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla after she made racist comments on social media following Paraguay's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 defeat to France. Calling her "despicable" and "unworthy" of public office, Mbappe said her remarks tarnished Paraguay's image and promoted hatred. The French Football Federation (FFF) announced it will file a criminal complaint, describing the comments as "utterly abhorrent and unacceptable." The controversy comes after former Paraguay goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert also faced criticism for racist remarks about the French team before the match. (PC: BBC)

Belgium ended the United States' FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory in the Round of 16 in Seattle, booking a quarterfinal clash against Spain. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice to lead Belgium after Malik Tillman had briefly equalised with a superb free-kick for the hosts. Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added late goals as Belgium punished defensive mistakes and dominated the second half. The defeat ended the USA's dream of a deep run at their home World Cup, while Belgium advanced with confidence to face Spain in a blockbuster quarterfinal.  

Cristiano Ronaldo's dream of lifting the FIFA World Cup came to a heartbreaking end as Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. The 41-year-old captain came close to making history but was denied by goalkeeper Unai Simón, while Nuno Mendes struck the post before leaving injured. Just as extra time looked likely, substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic 91st-minute winner to send Spain into the quarter-finals. Ronaldo was left in tears after the final whistle as Portugal's World Cup campaign ended in painful fashion.