By Oliver Harrington — 10 July 2026 — 3 min read

Public disorder erupted on Edgware Road in London late Thursday night following Morocco‘s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup by France. Police officers were called to the scene after a group of people gathered in the road, blocking traffic. The situation escalated, with bottles and fireworks being launched, leading to one officer sustaining head injuries after being struck by a glass bottle. The officer was subsequently taken to hospital.

Footage from the scene showed a police officer on the ground, being attended to by paramedics, with two riot vans blocking the view. Scores of officers, many in riot gear, formed a line across the road in an effort to restore order. Despite the efforts to disperse the crowds, the incident continued, resulting in four arrests for violent disorder.

Clashes and Community Impact

The unrest on Edgware Road saw police clashing with large crowds. Smoke billowed through the streets and debris was scattered across the roadway. Videos circulating on social media depicted officers attempting to contain the crowds, while some individuals were seen launching fireworks and throwing objects. Fans were observed waving Morocco flags in the middle of the streets, causing traffic disruptions, with some individuals even jumping on top of vehicles trying to navigate the area.

Authorities stated that they would not tolerate such disorder or attacks on officers. A police presence was maintained in the area overnight, and CCTV and social media footage are being reviewed to identify those responsible. The road was eventually reopened around 01:00hrs after the group dispersed.

The events in London followed concerns that similar disturbances could occur in Paris after the Morocco and France game. A French security memo had previously warned of potential trouble, referencing violence that had followed Paris Saint-Germain‘s championship win in May. To mitigate this, more than 20,000 police officers were deployed across France, with 8,000 specifically in Paris.

World Cup Context and Reactions

France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup quarter-final match, leading to Morocco‘s elimination for the second consecutive tournament. Kylian Mbappé scored his eighth goal of this World Cup, matching Lionel Messi‘s total, and Ousmane Dembélé also scored for France in the second half. This victory marked France‘s third consecutive semi-final appearance in the tournament.

Despite the loss, Morocco made World Cup history. After becoming the first African country to reach the quarter-finals and semi-finals in 2022, they further cemented their place by becoming the first African nation to reach more than one quarter-final. Morocco‘s exit signifies that no African nations remain in the current World Cup competition.

In contrast to London, Paris remained peaceful. Images and videos from the French capital showed jubilant fans celebrating, with supporters of both France and Morocco flooding the streets and slowing traffic in various parts of the city. One video captured horns blaring from cars with France and Morocco flags displayed on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, as supporters on the roadside joined in the celebration.

Similar scenes of public gatherings and unrest had previously unfolded in London after Egypt‘s World Cup exit, following Argentina‘s 3-2 victory in a match that included disputed officiating decisions. The incident on Edgware Road saw four arrests made for violent disorder.

Source: standard.co.uk

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By Callum Ashford — 10 July 2026 — 3 min read

Mbappe’s Performance and Injury Concern

Kylian Mbappe, the France star, scored a goal and provided an assist in his nation’s World Cup quarter-final match against Morocco in Boston. France secured a 2-0 victory, with Mbappe opening the scoring and then setting up Ousmane Dembele for the second goal. Mbappe’s goal brought him level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, with both players having scored eight goals in the tournament.

Despite his significant contribution, Mbappe left the pitch in the 76th minute. He was later observed with an ice pack on his foot or ankle. However, he was subsequently seen celebrating with his teammates, jumping up and down after Les Bleus‘ win.

Following the match, Mbappe addressed concerns about his condition, stating, “I have a minor ankle injury, but I’m completely fine. Mateta was in a better position to play the remaining minutes of the match and was fitter at that moment. That’s all that happened.” Didier Deschamps, France‘s coach, also indicated that the injury was not serious, describing it as a “slight pain in his ankle, but nothing serious.”

France’s Dominance and Defensive Strength

France, considered the tournament favourites, continued their winning streak at the World Cup, securing their place in the semi-finals. They will face either Spain or Belgium in their next match. In their quarter-final against Morocco, France demonstrated clear superiority, outshooting their opponents 21 to five and creating five big chances compared to Morocco‘s zero. The expected goals (xG) tally further highlighted their dominance, finishing at 3.04 to 0.14.

Beyond their attacking prowess, France has also shown strong defensive capabilities throughout the tournament. They have conceded only two goals in the World Cup, against Norway and Senegal. Since the start of the knockout phase, France has allowed just 0.97 xG across three matches, underscoring their solid defensive performances.

Didier Deschamps made only one change to the team that played against Paraguay in the Round of 16, with Desire Doue replacing Bradley Barcola on the left wing. Manu Kone, who has been instrumental in the team’s defensive displays, was substituted shortly after France went 2-0 up, as he was one booking away from a suspension.

Match Incidents and Player Contributions

During the match, Mbappe had a penalty saved by Yassine Bounou, after being brought down by Noussair Mazraoui. However, Mbappe quickly recovered, scoring with a curled finish. He later provided an assist for Dembele, who scored with a low shot into the bottom corner.

Other notable moments included Dalot Upamecano missing an early chance, Doue being denied, and Lucas Digne hitting the crossbar. Michael Olise, playing centrally behind Mbappe, had a quieter game with only one key pass. For Morocco, Yassine Bounou was a standout performer, saving a penalty and making six saves.

Morocco‘s team saw a reshuffle due to an injury to Ismael Saibari, with Bilal El Khannouss playing as a false nine, flanked by Brahim Diaz and Chemsdine Talbi. Noussair Mazraoui, who played as a centre-half, conceded the penalty after fouling Mbappe.

Source: fantasyfootballscout.co.uk

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By Callum Ashford — 10 July 2026 — 3 min read

Injury and Illness Concerns for England

England is preparing for their World Cup quarter-final match against Norway in Miami on Saturday, facing several fitness and illness concerns. Reece James remains a significant doubt for the fixture, having been unable to train with the squad on Wednesday. James has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury during England’s second group stage match, a 0-0 draw against Ghana in Boston. He did not participate in the victory against Mexico.

James has been targeting a return for the quarter-finals, but his continued individual training programme away from the main group in Kansas City indicates ongoing issues. The right-back position presents a challenge for England, especially after Jarell Quansah, who started against Mexico, received a red card and is suspended for the Norway game. There are also concerns regarding Djed Spence, who is nursing a minor injury and missed some training sessions leading up to the last 16 tie. His recovery in the coming days will be crucial for his availability.

Declan Rice and Marc Guéhi also trained individually on Wednesday, though their involvement against Norway is considered less concerning. Rice has been managing nerve pain in a hamstring since Christmas and missed the 2-0 victory against Panama, but has stated he can play through the discomfort. Guéhi’s absence from team training was attributed to muscle fatigue.

Squad Adjustments and Norwegian Confidence

In light of the defensive challenges, Ezri Konsa is a potential option for the right-back role if neither James nor Spence are fit to start. Konsa played in this position in a back five against Mexico. Utilising Konsa at right-back would necessitate a defensive reshuffle, potentially involving John Stones moving to centre-back. Stones is still regaining his form after limited play, having struggled in England’s opening match against Croatia and subsequently being dropped for the Ghana game.

Despite the fitness issues, Jordan Henderson has returned to the England camp in Kansas City after undergoing surgery for a fractured arm. While it is presumed Henderson will not play again in the tournament, his teammate Morgan Rogers suggested the players are not ruling him out, highlighting Henderson’s leadership and experience as valuable to the squad.

England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, had given the players a mini-break after the physical and emotional demands of the Mexico match, with a warm-down session on Monday and a full day off on Tuesday. Rogers noted the benefits of their fixed base camp in Kansas City, which provides a sense of familiarity and comfort, contrasting with Norway’s approach of travelling from venue to venue.

On the Norwegian side, rumours of sickness in their camp were downplayed by captain Martin Ødegaard and head coach Ståle Solbakken, suggesting minor issues like scratchy throats from air-conditioned environments. Ødegaard expressed confidence ahead of the match, drawing parallels to their victory against Brazil, where they were considered underdogs. He acknowledged England’s strong squad but emphasized Norway’s determination to compete.

Rogers also spoke about Jude Bellingham, who has displayed impressive form throughout the tournament. Rogers believes Bellingham, who is , has his prime years ahead and will continue to improve, noting his ability to perform in crucial moments during games.

England’s defence showed resilience, playing 47 minutes with 10 men and conceding minimal non-penalty xG on target. However, the upcoming match against Norway and Erling Haaland is expected to present a more significant test for England’s stretched defence.

The quarter-final match between England and Norway is scheduled for Saturday.

Source: theguardian.com

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By Oliver Harrington — 9 July 2026 — 5 min read

Norway striker Erling Haaland has stated that the pressure is firmly on England ahead of their World Cup quarter-final match on Saturday. Haaland, who was born in Leeds, will face the nation of his birth in Miami, and has encouraged the media to intensify the scrutiny on Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Norway has reached the final eight of the World Cup for the first time since 1998, after securing second place in Group I and subsequently defeating Ivory Coast and Brazil in the knockout stages. In contrast, England has consistently reached at least the quarter-finals in the last three men’s World Cups, though they have not advanced to the final since their victory in 1966.

When asked about the pressure, the Manchester City striker remarked, “Yes, definitely. I think there’s some clear favourites out there, England’s one of them.” He further added, “I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads.” Haaland also suggested that England fans “should be confident of progressing, definitely. It’s England.”

Haaland has been in strong form, scoring in each of his past 14 competitive games for Norway. His seven goals in four appearances during this tournament, including a double against Brazil in the last 16, have been instrumental in Norway’s progression to the quarter-finals.

The striker expressed his surprise at Norway’s deep run in the tournament. “I didn’t expect it. To be honest, to be in the quarter-finals with Norway in the World Cup is quite surprising even for me,” he commented. He described playing against Brazil and then England in the quarter-finals in the USA as “quite special.”

Haaland’s presence in the USA has also seen his popularity grow, partly due to his personality and off-field activities. After scoring the winner against Ivory Coast, he was seen shopping for cowboy hats and boots in Dallas, a trip he documented for his YouTube channel, which garnered significant views.

He noted his enjoyment of the experience in the USA, stating, “Honestly on every single thing with the World Cup so far here it has been amazing. From the games to the stadiums, everything has been amazing.” Haaland also enjoys the lighter side of the game, saying, “I like to joke a little bit and I like to have fun. I think that’s a key to for my daily life to joke around.”

England’s Perspective on the Match

England defender Nico O’Reilly, a teammate of Haaland’s at Manchester City, suggested that Haaland’s comments could be a form of “mind games.” O’Reilly, who has rapidly risen in his senior career to become England’s starting left-back, is expected to face Haaland in the upcoming match.

O’Reilly acknowledged Norway’s collective strength, stating, “But look, they’re a good team as well. They have shown it through the whole tournament. It’s not just certain players we have to worry about – they’re good collectively. It’s going to be a good game and good battle.” He also recognised Haaland’s scoring ability, noting, “Erling is Erling. We all know what he is like. He can score goals and is dangerous in the box.”

England assistant Anthony Barry echoed these sentiments, emphasising that Norway is not solely reliant on one player. Barry highlighted Norway’s proficiency at set-pieces and their formidable frontline, which includes players from major European teams, such as Martin Ødegaard, who is a Premier League winner and captain.

Barry added, “They’ve beaten some good teams to arrive where they are. It’s no shock and there’s no fluke at this stage of the tournament – whoever’s in the last eight with us deserves it, and they have our full respect.” He confirmed England’s preparation for the game, viewing it as “step one of three” in their tournament journey.

Historical Context of Norway vs England

The upcoming match carries historical significance, particularly for Norway. An iconic moment in Norwegian football history occurred on 9 September 1981, when Norway defeated England 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier. This victory was famously immortalised by Norwegian radio commentator Bjørge Lillelien, whose exuberant commentary has achieved cult status.

Lillelien’s commentary, which included listing prominent British figures and declaring that England’s “boys took a hell of a beating,” reflected the deep-seated connection Norwegians had with English football. For decades, the Norwegian public broadcaster NRK showed live matches from the English first division, fostering a strong affinity for English clubs among Norwegian fans.

Øyvind Alsaker, who will be commentating on Saturday’s quarter-final for Norwegian broadcaster TV2, grew up watching these games. He recalled pretending to be English football heroes like Kevin Keegan. Another commentator, Kasper Wikestad, described England as his “footballing nirvana,” appreciating the atmosphere and chants from the stands.

Despite England’s struggles in 1981, the idea of beating them in a qualifying match was considered an “unrealistic dream” for Norway, who had not participated in a major tournament since the 1938 Olympics. Lillelien’s commentary captured the immense joy and disbelief of that historic win, culminating in his declaration, “Norway have beaten England 2-1 at football! We are the best in the world!”

Today, the fascination with English football continues in Norway, with many young players aspiring to play in England. Alsaker described the feeling of Norway reaching the quarter-finals as “unreal,” especially after their victory over Brazil. He noted that for Norwegians, no opponent holds more significance on the football pitch than England.

The quarter-final match between England and Norway is scheduled to take place on Saturday.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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By Oliver Harrington — 9 July 2026 — 3 min read

England defender Jarell Quansah has been issued a two-match ban following his red card incident against Mexico. The decision, confirmed by Fifa’s disciplinary committee, means Quansah will miss England‘s upcoming quarter-final fixture against Norway and a potential semi-final match.

Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute during England‘s victory over Mexico after a challenge on Jesus Gallardo. The incident was classified as serious foul play, resulting in an additional match suspension on top of the automatic one-game ban. This ruling means the player will be unavailable for Saturday’s quarter-final and a possible semi-final against either Argentina or Switzerland. He would, however, be available if England progresses to the final in New Jersey on 19 July.

The Football Association had considered an appeal, but tournament regulations do not provide an avenue to contest the ban. Despite this, the FA reportedly made strong representations to Fifa regarding the process that led to the red card decision. They argued that the referee was shown a still image and slow-motion replays before viewing the incident in real-time, suggesting this could have caused ‘outcome bias’. In contrast, Premier League officials are typically shown incidents at full speed first, a practice noted as an outlier.

Impact on England’s Defence

The suspension complicates defensive options for head coach Thomas Tuchel, particularly at right-back. Quansah had filled in during the Mexico match due to Reece James‘s injury, with Djed Spence only appearing as a substitute following a minor fitness issue. However, Tuchel anticipates James will be available for the Norway game after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in the second group match against Ghana.

Assistant coach Anthony Barry expressed disappointment over the news, stating, “Disappointing, not with the decision, just the fact that we lose a good player.” He added that Quansah had been excellent in training and that his absence, coupled with existing injuries in that position, creates a hurdle for the team.

Winger Bukayo Saka also conveyed the squad’s frustration, describing the ban as “incredibly frustrating for us, and for him.” He acknowledged the need for the team to adapt and prepare to face Norway. Defender Nico O’Reilly echoed these sentiments, noting the inability to appeal the decision and expressing sympathy for Quansah.

VAR Protocol and Previous Decisions

The handling of Quansah’s red card has drawn comparisons to an earlier incident involving United States forward Folarin Balogun. Balogun was also sent off for serious foul play but received a one-match ban that was suspended for 12 months, a decision that sparked widespread criticism. The US President Donald Trump reportedly contacted Fifa president Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun’s red card.

Fifa stated its decision on Balogun was made “considering all of the specific circumstances surrounding the incident and evidence available” without providing further details. This led to challenges from other nations, including France regarding Michael Olise‘s yellow card, which Fifa dismissed.

The debate around VAR protocol has also been highlighted. While some argue against the use of slow-motion replays for contact fouls, VAR protocol specifies that full speed should be used for assessing the “intensity of the challenge” and slow motion for identifying the “point of contact for physical offences.” Officials at the World Cup are shown a still image, then a slow-motion replay, and finally the incident at full speed, a sequence that differs from the Premier League‘s approach.

The absence of Quansah means England‘s right-back situation remains a concern. With Tino Livramento out due to injury and Trent Alexander-Arnold not selected, the pressure is on Reece James‘s fitness. While James is nearing full fitness, throwing him directly into a high-stakes match carries a degree of risk. Other options include Ezri Konsa, who finished the Mexico game at right-back, and Trevoh Chalobah, who was called up as a centre-back. Djed Spence, though more comfortable at left-back for England, is also a consideration.

England‘s next challenge is facing Norway, a team making its first World Cup quarter-final appearance, featuring Erling Haaland, who has already scored seven goals in the tournament.

Source: bbc.com

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By Oliver Harrington — 30 June 2026 — 3 min read

Julian Nagelsmann has stated he will not resign from his position as Germany head coach following the team’s elimination from the World Cup at the last 32 stage. The defeat came at the hands of Paraguay after a penalty shootout in Boston.

Nagelsmann expressed his intention to continue, saying, “I am not someone who runs away.” He acknowledged that some aspects of the team’s performance needed to change but affirmed his commitment if the German Football Association (DFB) wished for him to remain. He noted the mechanics of football and the industry, anticipating that many would want him to leave.

World Cup exit details

Germany’s campaign ended after a 1-1 draw with Paraguay through both normal and extra-time. Paraguay initially took the lead with a header from Julio Enciso before half-time. Germany equalised in the 54th minute when Florian Wirtz provided a flighted delivery that Kai Havertz converted with a header.

During extra-time, a goal by Jonathan Tah from a Germany corner was disallowed after a VAR review, leading to a penalty shootout. Paraguay ultimately secured a 4-3 victory in the shootout, advancing to the last 16. This marks the third successive World Cup in which Germany has failed to progress beyond the last 16.

Nagelsmann reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “We haven’t really done much in this tournament to make people celebrate.” He described the exit as “very bitter” and “very hurtful,” particularly given the opponent. He also mentioned that his German FA bosses had spoken to him gently and comforted him, but had not discussed a contract extension immediately after the defeat.

The German manager has overseen two tournaments in three years, with a combined total of one knockout round victory, which was against Denmark at their home Euros. He acknowledged that public opinion in Germany might not be positive about him at this time.

Paraguay’s progression

For Paraguay, the victory was a significant achievement. Their president declared the day a national holiday. Paraguayan journalists celebrated the winning penalty, and head coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his “26 warriors,” speaking at length about the growth of the sporting nation and the importance of football as a source of happiness and collectivism.

Paraguay will now proceed to face either France or Sweden in the last 16. This upcoming match is scheduled for 4 July, Independence Day, in Philadelphia.

The defeat for Germany saw a continuation of a challenging period for the national team in World Cups. Since their victory in the 2014 final, Germany has been eliminated by teams including Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Ecuador, and now Paraguay, either in regular time or via penalties. This series of results has challenged the traditional perception of Germany’s performance in major tournaments.

The team had previously faced Ecuador in their final group game, suffering a defeat before heading to Boston to play Paraguay, who had finished third in Group D behind the US and Australia. The match against Paraguay was described as difficult, with Paraguay employing an “ultra-defensive” strategy.

Nagelsmann’s decision-making during the tournament has been questioned, including his faith in certain players and the benching of others. The German squad also faced challenges with injuries to Lennart Karl and Serge Gnabry before the tournament began. The manager’s assessment is that the team did not give enough during the match against Paraguay, and not scoring many goals was ultimately insufficient.

Source: theguardian.com

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By Oliver Harrington — 30 June 2026 — 3 min read

Following Morocco’s victory over the Netherlands in a World Cup last-32 tie, celebrations erupted in parts of the Netherlands, though some areas experienced unrest. The match, which concluded with a penalty shootout, saw the Atlas Lions advance, leading to diverse reactions across Dutch cities.

In Amsterdam, the Moroccan community celebrated joyously in the early morning hours after their team eliminated the Dutch. The atmosphere in the west end of the capital, an area with a significant Moroccan population, remained peaceful. Car horns sounded through the streets as fans waved flags, and Dutch fans were observed congratulating their opponents, pledging support for Morocco for the remainder of the tournament.

However, in The Hague, the situation escalated, with reports from the Dutch public broadcaster NOS indicating that police were targeted with bottles and fireworks. Regional news station Omroep West stated that at least 10 individuals, believed to be Morocco fans, were arrested in The Hague following attacks on police. Additionally, the newspaper Algemeen Dagblad reported that four Morocco fans were arrested in Rotterdam, though the reasons for these arrests were not specified.

Match details and player performances

The match itself was a closely contested affair, finishing 1-1 after 90 minutes, with no further goals in extra time. Nathan Ake started for the Dutch side in Monterrey, Mexico. Morocco, who were semi-finalists in the previous World Cup, posed a significant threat throughout the game. Achraf Hakimi, earning his 100th cap, struck the crossbar, and Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made several saves to keep the score level.

The Netherlands took the lead with 18 minutes remaining when Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo scored. However, Issa Diop’s header in injury time brought the African side level. Jorrel Hato made his World Cup debut for the Netherlands, coming on as a substitute with four minutes of normal time left. Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders remained on the bench despite the game going to a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, the Dutch missed three of their spot-kicks. Ismail Saibari converted the decisive penalty, securing a 3-2 win for Morocco and sending them to the last-16, where they are scheduled to face Canada. Brazil and Paraguay also advanced to the next round after defeating Japan and Germany, respectively.

Community and political discussions

The match brought to the forefront discussions about identity and loyalty within the Netherlands, home to approximately 440,000 people of Moroccan descent. While many interactions were described as good-natured, with former manager Ron Jans discussing the dilemma with pundit Ibrahim Afellay on Dutch national television, online discourse was more contentious.

Far-right politician Geert Wilders, known for his criticism of the Moroccan community in the Netherlands, used social media to congratulate Morocco on their triumph. The debate on social cohesion is expected to continue, but the camaraderie observed among fans in Amsterdam highlighted a more pleasant reality compared to online interactions. Three members of Morocco’s squad, Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, and Anass Salah-Eddine, were born in the Netherlands but chose to represent Morocco.

Other World Cup knockout games are scheduled, with Manchester City players Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki set to play their first knockout matches on Tuesday. Norway will play Ivory Coast in Dallas at 18:00 (UK), followed by France taking on Sweden in New Jersey at 22:00 (UK).

Source: theguardian.com

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By Oliver Harrington — 30 June 2026 — 4 min read

Morocco secure dramatic shootout win

Morocco have advanced to the World Cup last 16 after defeating the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout. The match, held in Monterrey, Mexico, ended 1-1 after extra time, with Morocco ultimately triumphing 3-2 on penalties. This victory sets up a last-16 clash for Morocco with Canada.

The decisive moment in the shootout came when Ismael Saibari scored the winning penalty. This followed a save by Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, who repelled Crysencio Summerville’s fifth penalty for the Netherlands. Both teams experienced missed opportunities and saves during the tense shootout.

The match itself saw the Netherlands take the lead in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo. His goal came after a superb break initiated by Summerville. The moment was highly emotional for Gakpo, who was seen wiping away tears and pointing to the sky, comforted by teammate Denzel Dumfries. This emotional reaction followed the announcement that Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, had tragically lost their unborn son.

Despite Gakpo’s goal, Morocco found an equaliser in the 90th minute. Substitute Chemsdine Talbi delivered a cross that Issa Diop headed in at the back post, sending the tie into extra time. Diop’s dramatic equaliser ensured Morocco received what they merited from their performance.

Tactical decisions and key moments

The Netherlands’ head coach, Ronald Koeman, faced scrutiny for his tactical approach in the match. Koeman opted to jettison the standard 4-3-3 formation and midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, instead deploying a five-man back line. This defensive setup, intended to keep things tight, resulted in a cautious display where the Netherlands surrendered significant possession, allowing Morocco to dominate with 70% of the ball.

Koeman’s side had shown strong attacking form in the group stages, scoring seven times against Sweden and Japan, and adding three more against Tunisia. However, the switch in tactics against Morocco led to a scratchy performance, with the Netherlands not posing a threat until shortly before half-time when Micky van de Ven’s shot was tipped over by Bounou.

Morocco maintained control for much of the second half. A key moment occurred during a FIFA hydration break, which allowed the Netherlands to introduce Wout Weghorst for Brian Brobbey. Shortly after, Weghorst flicked on a clearance from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, leading to Summerville setting up Gakpo for his goal.

In extra time, Verbruggen made a crucial save, denying Soufiane Rahimi from point-blank range in what was described as the save of the tournament. However, Verbruggen could not replicate these heroics in the shootout. During the penalties, Verbruggen appeared to save Rahimi’s penalty, only for the ball to squirm in off his trailing heel, a moment Koeman later highlighted as a sliding-doors instance. Quinten Timber also dragged his penalty wide, and Achraf Hakimi hit the post, contributing to the Netherlands’ three missed penalties.

Aftermath and future prospects

The defeat means the Netherlands failed to reach the last 16 of a World Cup for the first time since 2006, leading to questions about Koeman’s future. When asked about his position, Koeman stated that it was not the right moment to discuss it, but that he had thoughts on the matter.

Morocco’s defender, Noussair Mazraoui, acknowledged the difficulty of the match against a strong opponent, describing the Netherlands as a top-10 team and a potential World Cup contender. He viewed their victory as a significant acknowledgment for the national team. Morocco will now prepare for their last-16 match against co-hosts Canada on Saturday.

The match was described as a spiky and tetchy affair from the outset, with deep-set ties between the countries adding to the tension. Jan Paul van Hecke was involved in several challenges, sustaining a bleeding head during the opening period. Local supporters in the stands also contributed to the atmosphere, reminding the Netherlands of a past event from 12 years ago to the day, when they beat Mexico in the last 16 with a late penalty.

Morocco’s victory marks a bleak day for European football powers, opening the door for African teams to progress further in the tournament. The team will now look ahead to their next challenge against Canada in the last 16.

Source: theguardian.com

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By Callum Ashford — 29 June 2026 — 3 min read

Anticipation for knockout stage return

Germany is set to compete in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 12 years, facing Paraguay in the round of 32. The match is scheduled to take place at Boston Stadium. This marks a significant moment for the German national team, as their previous appearances in the knockout rounds concluded with them lifting the title in 2014, followed by a period where they did not advance past the group stage.

Despite finishing Group E as winners, Julian Nagelsmann’s side experienced a surprising defeat in their final group match against Ecuador in New York. Their group stage results included a 7-1 victory against Curaçao, a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, and a 0-1 loss to Ecuador.

Paraguay, on the other hand, secured their spot in the knockout phase by finishing third in Group D. Their path to the last 32 included a 1-4 loss to the USA, a 1-0 win against Turkey, and a 0-0 draw with Australia. They will aim to deliver a significant upset against the four-time champions.

Team news and historical context

For Germany, defender Nico Schlotterbeck is unavailable due to an ankle injury sustained against Ivory Coast, which may rule him out for the remainder of the tournament. Nathaniel Brown, who missed the Ecuador game with a muscle issue, could potentially return to the squad.

Paraguay will be without Diego Gomez due to suspension. However, Miguel Almiron returns to the side after serving his ban. Assessments are ongoing for Omar Alderete and Ramon Sosa, who are dealing with knee and muscle injuries, respectively. The predicted lineup for Paraguay includes Gill; Caceres, Alderete, Velazquez, Alonso; Almiron, Galarza, Cubas, Mauricio; Avalos, Enciso.

Historically, Paraguay has posed challenges for strong teams in the World Cup knockout stages. In 1998, they required a Golden Goal from France to be eliminated. In 2002, Germany secured a late winner against them. In 2010, after defeating Japan on penalties, Paraguay gave eventual winners Spain a considerable scare, losing 1-0 after Oscar Cardozo had a penalty saved when the score was level. Even in 1986, despite a significant loss to England, Paraguay created opportunities to take the lead.

The match also marks a return to the knockout stage for Paraguay after a lengthy absence, though not as prolonged as Germany’s. They were quarter-finalists in 2010. The last time Germany played a World Cup knockout game was 4369 days ago, when Mario Gotze scored the winning goal against Argentina in the 2014 final.

Key players and future fixtures

Deniz Undav, who has scored three goals in the current World Cup, is expected to start upfront for Germany. For Paraguay, the return of Miguel Almiron after his suspension is a boost. Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal, a notable substitute, recently scored an injury-time winner for Brazil against Japan in another match, highlighting the impact key players can have in crucial moments.

The winners of the Germany versus Paraguay match will advance to the last 16, where they are scheduled to face either France or Sweden. This subsequent fixture will take place in Philadelphia on Saturday 4 July. The match between Germany and Paraguay is scheduled for Monday 29 June at 9.30pm BST.

Source: theguardian.com

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By Callum Ashford — 29 June 2026 — 3 min read

First Half Action

The World Cup 2026 last 32 match between Brazil and Japan saw an early yellow card for Japan‘s Sano, who was cautioned for a foul on Vinicius Jr. Despite this early setback, Japan managed to open the scoring.

Sano netted his first international goal for Japan, breaking through Brazil‘s midfield and drilling a right-foot shot into the far corner. This goal put Japan ahead, surprising many given Brazil‘s perceived dominance.

Brazil, stung by the goal, intensified their play. Vinicius Jr, a key player for Brazil, attempted to create opportunities, drifting inside from his markers and taking a shot from the D, which was saved. Mateus Cunha also had a half-chance, curling a shot from the edge of the box that resulted in a corner.

Early in the match, Brazil had a free kick on the left, but Suzuki, the goalkeeper, was able to reclaim the ball after an initial fumble. Bruno Guimaraes also had a shot that hit Lucas Paqueta, an instance of what was described as “friendly fire.”

Despite Brazil having 74 per cent of the ball and four of the five shots, only one was on target in the early stages. Japan‘s defensive efforts were notable, with Ritsu Doan, typically a forward, contributing significantly as a second right-back.

Casemiro experienced a difficult moment when Maeda dispossessed him, though the threat was ultimately contained. Lucas Paqueta and Matheus Cunha were also seen to have a disagreement on the pitch regarding their runs.

Team Dynamics and Player Performances

Japan‘s approach to the game has been characterised by pace and intensity on the counter-attack, which some reports suggest could unsettle Brazil. Japan has demonstrated strong form, having lost only two of their last 28 international matches.

Players like Ayase Ueda have been in good form, scoring the winning goal against Brazil in October 2025 and contributing two goals and an assist in Japan‘s matchday-two win over Tunisia. Keito Nakamura, a wing-back, scored against the Netherlands on matchday one and has had five shots in three World Cup starts.

For Brazil, Vinicius Jr has been a significant attacking threat, scoring four goals from eight shots on target in Group C matches against Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. Bruno Guimaraes has also been instrumental, setting up three of Brazil‘s seven goals in the group stage and registering seven assists for Newcastle in 2025-26.

Danilo, Brazil‘s right-back, has been noted for committing fouls, with five in three Group C matches. Ritsu Doan of Japan has also been prone to receiving cards, accumulating eight yellow cards for club and country in 2025-26, including bookings against Brazil and Scotland.

The match is taking place in the last 32 stage of the World Cup 2026. The atmosphere surrounding the game has been described as a community event, with fans from various parts of the world tuning in. Some observers noted that Japan could provide a sterner test for Brazil than Scotland did in a previous encounter.

The match continues to unfold with both teams displaying moments of urgency and defensive resilience. Brazil‘s manager, Ancelotti, appeared mildly perturbed at one point, while Moriyasu, Japan‘s manager, might have been the happier of the two in the initial stages of the game.

The game is being closely watched, with some fans hoping for a Japan win, citing their ability to perform. The historical context of past encounters between Brazil and Japan, including a 4-1 victory for Brazil in Germany 20 years ago, adds another layer to the current match.

The match is part of the broader World Cup 2026 tournament, which has seen various teams compete for advancement. The outcome of this particular match will determine which team progresses to the next stage of the competition.

Outside of this specific match, Manchester City has confirmed Enzo Maresca as their new manager.

Source: theguardian.com

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