Category: FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Egypt set for a difficult World Cup Round of 16 clash with Argentina
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt set for a difficult World Cup Round of 16 clash with Argentina

Argentina is the clear favourite in this knockout match, but Egypt has shown they can challenge stronger teams and will aim for an upset at the Atlanta Stadium. As the defending champions, Argentina has won every match in the tournament so far, although they needed extra time to beat Cape Verde in the last round. (Photo Credit Egypt FA)

Icon Lionel Messi leads the attack and is having a great World Cup. Alexis Mac Allister provides balance and creativity in midfield. Argentina is expected to have most of the ball and will try to stretch Egypt’s defence.

Egypt reached the Round of 16 after a disciplined performance and won against Australia in a penalty shootout in the last round. Mohamed Salah is their main attacking threat and will be key for counterattacks. Egypt will likely defend tightly and focus on quick transitions and set pieces.

Key battle

The key matchup is Messi vs Salah. Both captains can change the game with a moment of brilliance, making this an exciting tie in the Round of 16.

Prediction

Argentina has more squad depth, better control in midfield, and more experience in knockout games. Egypt has a strong defensive organisation to make it tough, but Argentina should have enough quality to move forward.

Route to the final

The winner of this clash meets the victor of today’s later game between Switzerland and Colombia in the quarter-finals.

UEFA statement on the Balogun case after FIFA decides to suspend his red card
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

UEFA statement on the Balogun case after FIFA decides to suspend his red card

Folarin Balogun can play for the US national team in their World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium. FIFA has confirmed that his red-card ban for one game has been suspended.

The 25-year-old striker got a straight red card during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday for a foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic. This usually means a one-game suspension under FIFA rules, but that decision has now been overturned.

UEFA, European soccer’s governing body, vehemently noted that FIFA’s has reached unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.

“Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line.

Football, like any other sport, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case, not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted.

It is a principle embedded in regulations, which cannot be made subject to exceptions, let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and regularly served their suspension.

When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined. Equally, such decision creates a precedent in the ongoing tournament, where similar situations will now require an equal treatment, to the detriment of the competition.

Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws. A tournament is never a pure standalone and, if the tournament in question is the World Cup, it has the power to drive positive or negative consequences on the game as a whole.

We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.”

Ismael Saibari travels with Morocco but remains a doubt for the quarter-final against France
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismael Saibari travels with Morocco but remains a doubt for the quarter-final against France

The new Bayern striker has travelled with the Morocco national team to Boston ahead of their quarter-final against France despite injury concerns.

He sustained a hamstring injury during Morocco’s World Cup game against Canada and could miss the rest of the Tournament. Due to thigh discomfort, he left the game in the 22nd minute; therefore, there is doubt as to his readiness for the following game.

Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, said Saibari felt pain, but it is too early to know the degree of the damage. Ouahbi still hasn’t spoken with the team doctor and is awaiting a medical evaluation to update Saibari’s status.

Ouahbi further said Chadi Riad skipped the game as a warning to ensure all players were fit to participate.

An MRI has been scheduled for Saibari, and the diagnosis is still pending. As of now, there is no official assessment. After the match, Morocco’s national team coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, mentioned, “Saibari experienced some discomfort in his thigh. We’ll have more information in a few days.”

Morocco advanced to the quarterfinals with a strong 3-0 victory against Canada.

Thanks to Azzedine Ounahi, who scored twice, Morocco regained control after a difficult first half, with Canada pushing strongly. Soufiane Rahimi scored his second goal of the competition.

Morocco March Into History with Dominant 3-0 Win Over Canada, Set Up France Rematch
by Abdul Karim Kargbo

Morocco March Into History with Dominant 3-0 Win Over Canada, Set Up France Rematch

Morocco has once again made football history, becoming the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals in consecutive tournaments after a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in Houston.

The Atlas Lions’ latest achievement further strengthens their reputation as one of world football’s rising powers and highlights the success of years of strategic investment in football infrastructure and youth development.

After a hard-fought first half, Morocco took complete control following the restart. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi inspired the victory with two superb second-half goals, the opener coming from a brilliantly rehearsed free-kick routine orchestrated by Achraf Hakimi. Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal in stoppage time to seal an emphatic win and send the North Africans into the last eight in style.

The victory has now set up a blockbuster quarterfinal clash against France after Les Bleus edged Paraguay 1-0 to book their place in the last eight. The encounter will rekindle memories of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal in Qatar, where France defeated Morocco 2-0 to end the Atlas Lions’ historic run. Morocco will be eager to gain revenge and continue their remarkable journey, although there are concerns over the fitness of leading scorer Ismael Saibari, who was forced off in the first half with a suspected injury.

For Canada, the defeat brings an end to their World Cup campaign after four matches despite a spirited display on home soil. Morocco, however, once again showcased the tactical discipline, defensive resilience and clinical finishing that have become the hallmarks of their success. With another quarterfinal appearance secured and a mouthwatering rematch against France awaiting, the Atlas Lions now carry the hopes of an entire continent as they chase an unprecedented place in the World Cup semifinals.

Morocco reach back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals after win over Canada
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco reach back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals after defeating co-hosts Canada

Azzedine Ounahi scored two goals in the second half, helping Morocco to book their place in the World Cup quarterfinals. Their second consecutive time after reaching this stage in Qatar in 2022.

Ounahi played well against Canada in Houston, giving the Atlas Lions full control before Soufiane Rahimi scored the third for the North Africans. The key second goal came in the 82nd minute, disappointing Canadian fans. Real Madrid player Brahim Díaz made a fantastic pass to Ounahi, who scored calmly.

Ounahi had already scored his first goal just after halftime, in the 49th minute, breaking the tie. Canada tried hard to equalise, but Ounahi’s goals, combined with Díaz’s skill, made it difficult for Canada in the last minutes of this tense Round of 16 match.

The Atlas Lions made history as Africa’s first semi-finalists at Qatar 2022, and after shrugging off a slow start with a strong second-half showing here, they can now look forward to a Boston quarter-final on 9 July against the winners of the France-Paraguay tie.

Canada 0-3 Morocco

Morocco goals: Ounahi (50, 82), Rahaimi (90+8)

Colombia remain unbeaten as they seal World Cup last-16 spot with win over Ghana
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Colombia remain unbeaten as they seal World Cup last-16 spot with win over Ghana

Colombia kept their perfect record in the 2026 World Cup by defeating Ghana to advance to the Round of 16. With a commanding display over Ghana at Kansas City Stadium, they demonstrated they might be tough tournament rivals.

Ahead of Portugal, they topped Group K and turned too hard for the Black Stars. First-half scorer Jhon Arias guarantees a following round match against Switzerland.

Ghana’s Thomas Partey almost scored early with a long shot, but Colombia rapidly gained control, motivated by their encouraging supporters. Rising down the right side, Luis Suarez, who took over for the hurt Jhon Cordoba, set up Arias for a flawless corner net finish.

Ghana was fortunate at halftime not to be down by more goals. From inside the box, Luis Diaz missed an opportunity and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi made an excellent save against Johan Mojica’s header.

Though it was rejected for a tight offside, Diaz scored in the 56th minute. Later, when he aimed right at Ati-Zigi when he was uninvited in the box, he lost yet another opportunity.

Colombia was content with one goal as their defence remained impenetrable, and Ghana was not permitted any shots on target. Targeting a quarter-finals berth against Switzerland, Colombia will compete again on July 7 in Vancouver.

With their movement and passing, I believe Colombia controlled the game more effectively. This wore us down and made it challenging to pick up the ball and advance. Though we pushed with heart and worked to generate opportunities, our last passes fell short of the standard necessary in this game. Ghana’s head coach, Carlos Queiroz, said that the better team generally won.

Colombia 1-0 Ghana

Colombia goal: Arias (14)

Defending champions Argentina escape Cape Verde upset to reach the last 16
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defending champions Argentina escape Cape Verde upset to reach the last 16

Cape Verde’s coach, Edro Leitão Brito, known as Bubista, expressed pride after their narrow 3-2 loss to the World Champions, Argentina, in extra time at the Miami Stadium.

“We showed what our country stands for. We drew with the world champions twice and brought the game to extra time. I’m proud of our players who represented us well in the World Cup. We displayed our identity,” said Bubista.

Argentina faced a strong challenge from Cabo Verde in a thrilling match. Despite leading twice, Argentina needed extra time to secure their win, which sends them to face Egypt in the Round of 16.

The match lasted the full 120 minutes, with Argentina taking the lead first through Lionel Messi, who scored after 29 minutes. This was Messi’s 20th World Cup goal, putting him ahead in the race for the adidas Golden Boot.

Cabo Verde responded after halftime. Deroy Duarte scored in the 59th minute, equalising the game. Argentina regained the lead when Lautaro Martinez scored in the 92nd minute. However, Cabo Verde’s Lopes Cabral scored again in the 103rd minute to tie it once more.

The match turned in the 111th minute when a corner kick from Messi led to an own goal by Diney Borges, sealing the victory for Argentina.

Final score: Argentina 3-2 Cabo Verde (AET)

Argentina goals: Messi (29), L. Martinez (92), Borges (OG, 111)

Cabo Verde goals: Duarte (59), Lopes Cabral (103)

Egypt knock out Australia's Socceroos to advance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt knock out Australia’s Socceroos to advance

Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 Round of 32 draw at the Dallas Stadium on Friday to win their first-ever World Cup knockout game. They became the second African team to make it to the last sixteen of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following Morocco.

Emam Ashour scored a header in the 13th minute following a smart play to give Egypt the lead. Ashour’s first effort from a free-kick was blocked, but Hafez crossed the ball back in to let Ashour score his second goal in the competition.

Egypt dropped ten men briefly as Hany was under care. Bos had two tries to get in touch with a free kick before Irvine called a foul against him during this time.

Conceding an early goal, the Socceroos began to get into the game and produced six chances to three for Egypt. Set pieces provided their biggest dangers. To provide more chances, Coach Popovic instructed wingers Bos and Behich to switch sides.

The Socceroos scored from a set piece in the 55th minute. Hany accidentally diverted O’Neill’s inswinging free-kick into his own net, therefore enabling Circati to reach the end of the cross.

The second half came to an end when neither team capitalized on their opportunities, so causing extra time.

Both teams battled hard but could not score in the additional 30 minutes. Penalties decided the game. While Mohamed Salah and Hossam Abdelmaguid scored for Egypt, Harry Souttar (Australia) and Lucas Herrington failed to score.

The winner of the match between Argentina and Cape Verde will be Egypt’s opponent in the following round.

Mo Salah doubtful as Egypt face first-ever World Cup knockout match.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mo Salah doubtful as Egypt face first-ever World Cup knockout match

Egypt will feature in a knockout game at the World Cup for the first time for a place in the round of sixteen as Hossam Hassan’s team battles with Australia in a Round of 32 match at Dallas Stadium.

Remaining unbeaten with a 1-1 draw against Belgium, a 3-1 victory New Zealand, and another 1-1 draw against Iran, Egypt ended the group stage strong.

Egyptians are starting to believe they fit this level. Australia is regarded for its excellent organisation and aggressive attitude in entering this game.

At a pre-match news conference, Coach Hossam Hassan stressed his team’s confidence. He talked about Mohamed Salah’s injury and said, “Salah is passionate and eager to contribute. Unless I know he is ready for the game, I will not take chances. Though we can’t guarantee he will start, we hope he could play.

Coach Hassan said of Salah’s skill, “He is among the best players in the world and I am lucky to be working with him. I have utilized him successfully and he has exceeded expectations.

Asked about the bulk of the Australian players, Hassan dismissed worries: “In Africa, we have familiarity with tall players, just like Australia. The height is not the problem here. Not tall were Maradona and Messi. We play football, not rugby. We are in condition and ready.

Ready for Australia, he remarked: “Every team has strengths and weaknesses. We are ready for what lies ahead. Australia has been following me closely; they demand respect.

Especially from set pieces, they work well as a team and have fast, aggressive attacks.” He continued: “We want to make the Arab world and the Egyptian people proud. Details and events will decide the outcome.

The game ought to be tight. Egypt has advanced technical abilities. Salah may change the game even if he only plays a few minutes. Omar Marmoush, Emam Ashour, and Mostafa Ziko are among the players who provide pace and quality. Though important, the team’s strong group stage results come without key players Ahmed Fatouh, Mohamed Abdelmonem, and the suspended Mohanad Lasheen.

Under Tony Popovic, Australia is a well-drilled team hard to beat. Particularly from Nestory Irankunda, their strong defense, intense pressing, and rapid counter-attacking define their threat. They excel at set pieces and can use their strength effectively in this fierce game.

Egypt is somewhat favored because of its talent and history of success. But Australia’s vast match knowledge and mental fortitude may cause a surprise.

This Round of 32 game in the 2026 World Cup is more than simply a game for Egypt. This is an opportunity to prove that African football can compete at the highest level and make history.

Respect for their opponents and the conviction that they have a good shot define Hossam Hassan and his team’s attitude for this game.

Switzerland achieved a historic victory over Algeria In British Columbia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Switzerland achieved a historic victory over Algeria In British Columbia

At BC Place in Vancouver, Switzerland made history with a 2-0 win over Algeria in their Round of 32 contest, their first knockout game in more than 70 years.

This victory happened on a soggy Thursday evening in British Columbia. Switzerland’s last knockout match victory in the FIFA World Cup™ occurred in 1954, far before any of the players now on the team were born.

Back in 1954, after finishing level with Italy, they hosted the tournament and won a play-off game that decided who would advance from the group stage.

Since then, Switzerland has had achievements in other fields such as winning the Eurovision Song Contest three times, taking home Olympic Gold in sports like fencing and judo, and boasting four Nobel Prize-winning scientists.

But they hadn’t been able to triumph in World Cup knockout games until now. Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye scored goals that helped Vancouver beat Algeria 2-0.

Ndoye, in the photo, said after the game how significant this victory was for Switzerland. It feels wonderful, very amazing. Winning now was very urgent for us. One page of history we created for our country, we want to keep this since it is what we have been dreaming about.

Everyone in the nation has dreamed of this; therefore, we want to keep them dreaming. This is great, he answered, but we want more. Celebrating this win, he said they would turn attention to their following opponent.

Switzerland’s attack has been strong; star player Johan Manzambi is absolutely vital. The fifth unique goalscorer for the squad, Ndoye, said they had trouble giving up goals in their last three games.

Defender Manuel Akanji said he was proud of the team’s performance after they won and kept their first clean sheet, stressing the need for a good defence. Though he appreciated Algeria’s strong play, he thought their experience was essential for their performance.

Having defeated co-host Canada, the side is getting ready for a Round of 16 game against either Colombia or Ghana now in western Canada. Ndoye said he would answer more than a hundred congratulatory messages he got.

Thinking back on his career, Ndoye remarked, “As a youngster, I saw the top teams compete in the most prestigious event. It’s amazing to represent my nation, and the next game will be one in which we want to inspire our country’s pride.”