This Guardian live blog covers the aftermath of the 2026 World Cup last-16 ties as the tournament heads towards its quarter-finals, following dramatic wins for Argentina and a penalty shootout triumph for Switzerland. The coverage matters because it captures both the on-pitch drama and a growing off-pitch controversy over Fifa's handling of a red card involving Folarin Balogun, which has drawn accusations of political interference around the hosts' exit.

Alongside the results, a Barney Ronay column mocks the USA's elimination by Belgium in Seattle amid claims that Donald Trump intervened in the Balogun ban, an allegation Fifa denies. The blog previews the quarter-finals, highlighting Morocco v France, with Morocco again the only African side in the last eight and Mohamed Ouahbi's reputation strengthened. Off the field, Fulham confirmed former Real Madrid and Spain full-back Alvaro Arbeloa as head coach on a three-year deal, succeeding Marco Silva.