World Cup 2026 - Footyglobal

Without scoreboards or silverware: how Norway made kids’ sports enjoyable – and forged a football side that defeated Brazil | Norway

July 8, 2026July 9, 2026grace

When the match ended, the numbers seemed almost surreal. A nation of just 5.5 million inhabitants, returning to the global stage after nearly three decades away, had just overcome the five-time titleholders to secure a maiden quarter-final berth. During Norway’s triumph over Brazil on Sunday, there was barely a sliver separating the nimble footwork of […]

Race for the Golden Boot: Top scorers at World Cup 2026

July 8, 2026grace

The Golden Boot recognizes the leading scorer at the World Cup, with the number of assists serving as the decider if multiple players end on the same goal tally. Three previous winners will feature in the 2026 edition: France’s Kylian Mbappé (eight goals in 2022), England’s Harry Kane (six goals in 2018), and Colombia’s James […]

2026 World Cup: The stars who could have donned the England shirt.

July 8, 2026July 9, 2026grace

Erling Haaland is set to be the greatest threat to England when they meet Norway in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday (22:00 BST) – yet the situation might have turned out quite differently. The prolific forward for Manchester City was born in Leeds, and could have been in the national squad had he chosen […]

Officiating at this tournament has been satisfactory, so we can do without interference from Tuchel and Trump | World Cup 2026

July 8, 2026July 9, 2026grace

Following England’s victory over Mexico, Thomas Tuchel voiced his dissatisfaction with the standard of officiating at the World Cup, labelling it inconsistent, unpredictable and below the required level. His remarks felt to me like a form of psychological tactics – overall the officials have been acceptable, getting several calls right, though there have also been […]

Neymar’s international career bookended by goals at the same venue?

July 8, 2026grace

“Neymar’s consolation penalty against Norway at the World Cup means his first international goal, scored on his first cap, was in the same stadium (MetLife) as his last international goal on his final cap,” writes Griffin Cant. “Are there any other players who have bookended their international career in a similar way?” More than 77,000 […]

World Cup 2026: What’s driving the success of European teams?

July 8, 2026July 8, 2026grace

European teams have gradually gathered significant momentum as this World Cup has progressed, though their sluggish start initially caught attention, with seven of the first ten European nations failing to secure a victory in their opening group matches. The high temperatures in North America were a subject of discussion before the tournament began, as several […]

Switzerland overcome Colombia on penalties to advance to quarter-finals

July 8, 2026July 8, 2026grace

Gregor Kobel emerged as the shootout savior for Switzerland, denying Colombia’s Cucho Hernandez with a breathtaking stop to secure a quarter-final meeting with Argentina.

Switzerland defeat Colombia on penalties to advance to 2026 World Cup quarter-finals

July 8, 2026July 8, 2026grace

Davinson Sánchez lifted his eyes skyward. Cucho Hernández shuffled slowly back to rejoin his colleagues. As the final whistle approached, the Colombian squad lay scattered across the turf while Switzerland celebrated, virtually isolated amid a vast ocean of yellow. A penalty shootout victory, 4-3, sent the Swiss through, concluding more than two hours of cautious, […]

Pochettino’s future in doubt as US Soccer evaluates next steps after World Cup elimination

July 8, 2026July 8, 2026grace

Spend enough time with Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the US men’s national team, and you’ll almost certainly spot a charm dangling from a chain on his right wrist. It bears the image of Saint Christopher, the guardian spirit of travelers. It’s a fitting symbol for Pochettino, or any elite manager, given the inherently […]

Emotional Messi fuels Argentina’s dramatic escape in World Cup thriller against Egypt

July 8, 2026July 8, 2026grace

One of football’s eternal truths? You can never, ever rule out Lionel Messi. Precisely when it seemed his ambition of steering Argentina to a second straight world title lay in ruins, the 39-year-old once again delivered a breathtaking rescue act for his nation. With just 11 minutes remaining and still shell‑shocked by Yasser Ibrahim’s early […]