-
Colonised Cameroonian: Mbappe condemns Paraguayan senator over racist slur
French footballer Kylian Mbappé has become embroiled in an international row after a Paraguayan senator posted racist remarks about him following France’s 1-0 World Cup win over Paraguay on 4 July in Philadelphia, where Mbappé scored a 70th-minute penalty. The episode matters because it saw a serving elected official direct openly racist abuse at one…
-
US and Belgium meet in Seattle for World Cup last-16 knockout tie
The Guardian’s live blog covers the USA v Belgium last-16 tie at the 2026 World Cup, held in Seattle. It matters because it is a knockout game with a quarter-final place at stake, and because the co-hosting USA have unexpectedly captured public support with strong performances, making this one of the tournament’s marquee ties. Both…
-
Spain edge past Portugal as Merino strikes late to reach quarter-finals
Spain reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Portugal, secured by a late goal from substitute Mikel Merino. The midfielder scored coolly in added time, ending the match as a decisive contest and eliminating Portugal from the tournament. Merino’s introduction from the bench proved pivotal, with his composed finish…
-
Spain reach World Cup quarter-finals as Merino strikes late to end Ronaldo’s career
Spain beat Portugal to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, with Mikel Merino scoring the only goal deep in second-half injury time. Running on to a through-ball from Ferran Torres, Merino calmly slotted past goalkeeper Diogo Costa to settle a scrappy last-16 tie and end the international tournament career of Cristiano Ronaldo, who…
-
Footballers who also make music: a look at their side careers
From Rafael Leão to Memphis Depay, here are a few soccer stars who moonlight as singers and rappers
-
Kylian Mbappé condemns Paraguayan senator following racist online attack
Celeste Amarilla called striker a ‘colonised Cameroonian’French Football Federation to file criminal chargesThe France striker Kylian Mbappé has hit back at a Paraguayan senator, describing her as a “despicable woman” after she launched a racist attack on him. Mbappé’s penalty proved the difference in an ill-tempered match as France beat Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia on…
-
Trump asks Infantino to overturn Balogun red card, dividing opinion
President Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of a USA versus Belgium match, leading to the reversal of a red card that had been issued to American forward Folarin Balogun. The decision to intervene directly in a sporting matter drew immediate scrutiny and prompted a heated debate among media figures and political commentators over…
-
England considering appeal against Quansah dismissal in Mexico World Cup win
The Football Association is considering whether to appeal after England defender Jarell Quansah’s red card against Mexico.
-
Carrie Underwood’s leg workouts, Sophie Cunningham and Trump’s World Cup involvement
Trump's FIFA phone call creates a political win-win ahead of USA vs. Belgium, while the Marlins manager pulls a pitcher during a perfect game.