ShafaqNews- Najaf

NajafSports Club is carrying debts worth roughly 3.3 million dollars, its presidentsaid on Saturday, as a new administration moves to restructure the club'sfinances and expand its revenue base.

The bulkof that figure sits with local players. Ammar Najm, president of Najaf SportsClub, told Shafaq News that unpaid dues from last season alone reach 550million Iraqi dinars, ($417K), on top of older obligations of 3.2billion dinars, ($2.42M). A further 500,000 dollars is owedto foreign players following disciplinary cases and penalties. Repaymenttimetables have been set for all three, he said. All dinar conversions arecalculated at the Central Bank of Iraq's official rate of 1,320 dinars to thedollar.

Revenuearrives from two directions. The first is the club's old stadium, which housesmore than 100 commercial shops and generates rental income alongside a numberof other investment projects. The second is a one-million-dollar sponsorshipdeal with Najaf International Airport, which the administration has ring-fencedfor the senior team and will draw down over 10 months. Najm said the club isalso courting donors and grant-making bodies.

Reviewingthe books, the incoming administration found gaps. It has asked the governor ofNajaf to appoint specialized committees to examine several files, chief amongthem buildings and shops that have stopped paying rent.

Operatingcosts are being cut to free up cash for repayments. The club has refurbishedthe players' residential wing, installed modern fittings, and serviced itselectrical generators. Najm noted that Najaf fields teams across every agegroup, not only the senior side, which means equipment, coaching andadministrative salaries, match-day expenses, and staff payroll all draw on thesame strained budget.

NajafInternational Stadium is a separate problem. It needs full maintenance at anestimated 500,000 dollars, Najm said, listing failing electrical, water,camera, and door systems, ground subsidence, and accumulated bird droppings,which he described as one of the most persistent issues facing stadiummanagement.

Najmcalled on Najaf residents, businesspeople, and supporting institutions to backthe club.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq national team head coach Graham Arnold said Thursdaythat developing football in the country requires meeting a set of basicconditions, foremost a stronger domestic league and youth academies, followingIraq's first-round exit from the 2026 World Cup.

Arnold said any effort to raise the national team's levelmust start with building an integrated and sustainable football system fromwithin, as well as strengthening the local league and establishing academiescapable of producing players who can turn professional and surpass the currentgeneration that reached the World Cup.

The Australian coach took charge of Iraq in May 2025,replacing Spanish coach Jesus Casas during the World Cup qualifying campaign,and led the team to its first World Cup appearance since 1986.

Iraq exited the 2026 tournament in the first round withthree defeats and no points, losing to France, Norway and Senegal. The teamended its campaign with a 5-0 defeat to Senegal.

A source told Shafaq News that despite the group-stage exit,the association intends to keep faith with Arnold to preserve technicalstability and build on the qualification while addressing weaknesses exposedduring the tournament, particularly in defensive organization and physical andtechnical gaps against leading teams.

Arnold confirmed that he had delegated responsibility forthe contract renewal to his agent, and he was not directly handling thenegotiations.

Shafaq News- Los Angeles

Spain reached the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Belgium, as Mikel Merino struck late at Los Angeles Stadium after Charles De Ketelaere had cancelled out Fabian Ruiz’s opener.

Luis de la Fuente’s side will face France in the last four after the two-time champions defeated Morocco 2-0.

Spain controlled the early possession and moved ahead through Ruiz, but Belgium responded through De Ketelaere, whose equalizer ended Spain’s long run without conceding at the tournament.

The contest remained level through most of the second half, with Spain applying sustained pressure while Belgium threatened through Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, and De Ketelaere.

With extra time approaching, Merino restored Spain’s lead in the 89th minute, delivering another decisive late contribution four days after his stoppage-time winner against Portugal.

Belgium had entered the match without captain Youri Tielemans, who withdrew during the warm-up with a hamstring problem. Hans Vanaken replaced him, while De Bruyne took the armband.

Belgium pushed forward in the closing minutes, but Spain preserved the advantage to extend their unbeaten run and reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Shafaq News

Fourteen coaches have left their posts after their nationalteams were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, turning the tournament into amajor reset point for several federations.

The departures cover 13 teams, with Tunisia accounting fortwo coaching changes after replacing Sabri Lamouchi during the group stagebefore Herve Renard also left following elimination.

The wave of changes came during the first 48-team World Cup,staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA says the tournament isthe first edition with 48 teams and three host countries, with 12 groups offour feeding into the knockout rounds.

Several of the exits followed high-profile knockout defeats.Croatia’s Zlatko Dalic, 59, left after the round-of-32 loss to Portugal,closing a long tenure that included the 2018 final and the 2022 semi-final.

Mexico’s Javier Aguirre, 67, departed after the co-hostswere knocked out by England in the round of 16, while Germany’s JulianNagelsmann, 38, left after the former champions lost to Paraguay in the roundof 32.

Portugal also moved on from Roberto Martinez, 52, aftertheir round-of-16 defeat to Spain, a result that ended Cristiano Ronaldo’sfinal World Cup. Ronald Koeman, 63, stepped down after the Netherlands lost toMorocco on penalties in the round of 32.

Ecuador’s Sebastian Beccacece, 46, announced his departureafter the 2-0 defeat to Mexico, while Carlos Queiroz, 73, left Ghana followingtheir round-of-32 elimination.

The group stage brought another set of changes. JamalSellami, 55, left Jordan after first-round elimination, Marcelo Bielsa, 70,decided to leave Uruguay after the team failed to reach the knockout stage, andMiroslav Koubek, 74, departed Czechia days after their exit.

South Korea’s Hong Myung-bo, 57, resigned after eliminationin the first round and public criticism from President Lee Jae-myung, whileScotland’s Steve Clarke, 62, also announced his departure after the groupstage.

Tunisia had the tournament’s most turbulent coachingsequence. Lamouchi was dismissed after a 5-1 loss to Sweden in Tunisia’sopening match, with Renard appointed for the remainder of the campaign, thoughhis spell lasted 18 days with Tunisia’s group-stage exit and the team beingunable to recover from defeats that left their campaign among the tournament’smost disappointing.

More decisions could follow as the remaining teams movethrough the quarter-finals, with federations balancing short-termdisappointment against the next qualifying cycle.

Shafaq News- Los Angeles

Spain face Belgium in the World Cup quarter-finals on Friday at 22:00 Baghdad time, with France awaiting the winner in the semi-finals after eliminating Morocco 2-0.

The match at Los Angeles Stadium brings together the tournament’s strongest defensive record and one of its most improved knockout attacks. Spain are unbeaten in 35 matches and have not conceded at the World Cup, while Belgium have scored seven goals in victories over Senegal and the United States.

Luis de la Fuente described Belgium as Spain’s toughest opponent so far, despite his side reaching the last eight through a 3-0 win over Austria and a 1-0 victory against Portugal.

Spain’s run has been built on control without the ball as much as possession with it. They have kept five consecutive clean sheets, gone 609 minutes without conceding, allowed only five shots on target in five matches, and averaged 66% possession.

Lamine Yamal remains Spain’s main source of unpredictability on the right –although the 18-year-old has scored once, he has grown into the tournament through his passing, dribbling, and defensive contribution, while Mikel Oyarzabal leads Spain with four goals. De la Fuente is still managing concerns over Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino, neither of whom had featured in the knockout rounds before the quarter-final.

Belgium, meanwhile, arrive with greater attacking momentum, with Rudi Garcia’s side coming from behind to beat Senegal 3-2, then overwhelming the United States 4-1, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice in the last-16 win.

Romelu Lukaku has become Belgium’s decisive option from the bench, scoring three goals and providing one assist despite limited minutes. His physical presence could become especially important if Spain’s control keeps the match tight into the closing stages.

The Red Devils will be without Amadou Onana after the midfielder suffered a tournament-ending knee injury against the United States.

Thibaut Courtois has identified Yamal as a player Belgium must contain collectively, arguing that one defender may not be enough against his speed, balance, and ability to create from the right.

The quarter-final also carries historical weight. Spain won their only World Cup in 2010, while Belgium’s best finish was third place in 2018.

Belgium also hold one of the most significant results in the fixture’s history, having eliminated Spain on penalties in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals. Spain, however, have dominated the rivalry in more recent decades, with Belgium winless against them since 1980.

Shafaq News- Washington

Ticket prices for a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal fell sharply after Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, and tournament co-host the United States were eliminated from the competition, according to Forbes.

Friday's quarterfinal had been widely anticipated as a potential showdown between Portugal and the United States, offering the prospect of Ronaldo facing the host nation. Instead, Spain will meet Belgium after both expected contenders were knocked out in the round of 16.

Portugal exited the tournament with a 1-0 defeat to Spain in what was widely described as Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance, while the United States suffered a 4-1 loss to Belgium.

Citing ticket marketplace TickPick, Forbes reported that the lowest resale price for Friday's quarterfinal dropped from $2,950 to about $1,200, a decline of nearly 60%. The fall extended across the tournament's quarterfinals, with average resale ticket prices dropping 31.5% over the past day and 50.4% over the previous three days.

The number of tickets listed on the secondary market also increased from about 28,000 to more than 49,000, suggesting weaker demand following the elimination of Portugal and the United States.

Despite the decline, the 2026 World Cup remains the most expensive in the tournament's history for ticket buyers. The cheapest available ticket for the final was still priced above $9,000, with prices expected to fluctuate depending on which teams advance.

Forbes also reported that Thursday's quarterfinal between Morocco and France in Foxborough, Massachusetts, had the lowest entry price among the last-eight matches, with tickets starting at $989.

Shafaq News- Foxborough

France reached the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Morocco on Thursday, with Kylian Mbappe recovering from a missed penalty to score the breakthrough before Ousmane Dembele sealed the quarter-final at Boston Stadium.

France will face Spain or Belgium in the last four, with the other quarter-final in their half of the draw deciding their semi-final opponent.

The match revived the 2022 World Cup semi-final, which France also won 2-0, and again ended with Les Bleus cutting short Morocco’s historic run. This time, Morocco arrived as a proven knockout side, but France controlled the key moments.

Mbappe had the chance to put France ahead in the first half after a VAR review led to a penalty, but Yassine Bounou saved his effort to keep Morocco level. France still carried the greater threat before the break, with Lucas Digne also striking the crossbar.

Morocco reached half-time at 0-0, but their defensive resistance broke after the restart. Mbappe curled France in front around the hour mark, turning a difficult night into another decisive World Cup performance.

Dembele doubled the lead six minutes later with a low finish, giving France the cushion they needed and forcing Morocco into a chase they never controlled.

Morocco made changes in search of a route back, but France stayed compact, managed the tempo, and limited the Atlas Lions to few clear chances.

The result ended Morocco’s bid to reach a second straight World Cup semi-final after their breakthrough run in Qatar. Their campaign still added another milestone after they became the first African team to reach back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals.

For France, the win reinforced their tournament credentials after a narrow last-16 victory over Paraguay. Didier Deschamps’ side were not flawless, but Mbappe and Dembele gave them the attacking edge when the match opened.

Shafaq News-Foxborough

France faceMorocco in the only World Cup match on July 9, with the quarter-final at BostonStadium scheduled for 23:00 Baghdad time and a place in the semi-finals atstake.

The winner willface Spain or Belgium in the last four, after both teams reached the otherquarter-final in the same half of the draw.

The fixture isa rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco’shistoric run in Qatar. This time, Morocco are a confident side no longerentering the meeting as surprise outsiders.

France reachedthe quarter-finals after beating Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16, with KylianMbappe scoring his seventh goal of the tournament. Didier Deschamps’ side hadearlier beaten Sweden 3-0, but Morocco will offer France their first completeexamination of the campaign.

Moroccoadvanced with a 3-0 win over Canada after coming through a difficult groupunbeaten, collecting seven points against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, makingMorocco the first African team to reach back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals.

Franceassistant coach Guy Stephan said the Paraguay match had strengthened Franceafter a physically and mentally demanding tie, but described Morocco as a“well-organized” and “well-structured” team with solidity, transition threat,and individual quality on both sides.

France arelikely to be without Aurelien Tchouameni because of a muscle injury, whileMorocco are expected to miss Ismael Saibari.

Mbappe, OusmaneDembele, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola give France one of the tournament’sstrongest attacks, but Morocco’s organization and speed on the break make thequarter-final a different test from France’s previous knockout matches.

Shafaq News

The World Cup quarter-final line-up is finally complete, with France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina, and Switzerland left in the 2026 title race after a last-16 round shaped by Brazil’s shock exit, Argentina’s late comeback, Portugal’s elimination, and Switzerland’s penalty drama.

France face Morocco on July 9 at 23:00 Baghdad time, before Spain meet Belgium on July 10 at 22:00. Norway play England on July 12 at 00:00, while Argentina face Switzerland later the same day at 04:00. The winners of France-Morocco and Spain-Belgium will meet in the first semi-final, while the winners of Norway-England and Argentina-Switzerland will meet in the second.

The 2026 tournament is the first 48-team World Cup and the first edition with a 32-team knockout stage. The expanded format sent group winners, runners-up, and the eight best third-placed teams into the knockouts, creating a larger and more complex route to the final.

France vs Morocco: 2022 Rematch

France reached the quarter-finals by beating Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32 and Paraguay 1-0 in the last 16, keeping Didier Deschamps’ side alive in another deep World Cup run –but Morocco’s path has carried greater historical weight. They eliminated the Netherlands on penalties in the round of 32, then beat Canada 3-0 in the last 16 to set up a rematch of the 2022 semi-final, when France ended Morocco’s historic Qatar run.

Morocco are also extending African football’s strongest modern World Cup run as the first African team to reach back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals, while Opta figures showed Morocco now account for half of all African World Cup knockout-stage victories.

Spain vs Belgium: Control vs Reinvention

Spain advanced after a 3-0 win over Austria and a 1-0 victory over Portugal, Mikel Merino scoring the late goal that ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career. Spain, champions in 2010, have built this run on control and defensive stability –before the Belgium tie, La Roja have gone five matches at the tournament without conceding.

Belgium reached the last eight by beating Senegal 3-2, then the United States 4-1, ending the final co-host’s tournament and giving Belgium their clearest statement win since moving beyond the core of their 2018 generation.

The matchup gives Spain a chance to confirm their defensive authority against one of the tournament’s most flexible attacks. For Belgium, it is a test of whether their new structure can carry them back toward the semi-finals after finishing third in 2018, their best World Cup result.

Norway vs England: Haaland’s Surge

Norway produced one of the defining shocks of the tournament by beating Brazil 2-1 in the last 16, with Erling Haaland scoring twice after Bruno Guimaraes missed an early penalty and Neymar struck too late to save the five-time champions. Norway had already beaten Ivory Coast 2-1 in the round of 32, but eliminating Brazil gave them their first World Cup quarter-final.

England reached the same stage after a 2-1 win over DR Congo and a 3-2 victory over Mexico. Jude Bellingham scored twice, Harry Kane added a penalty, and England held on with 10 men after Jarell Quansah’s red card.

The tie brings together two different pressures. Norway are trying to turn their best World Cup campaign into a semi-final run, with Haaland among the tournament’s leading scorers. England, winners in 1966, are again deep enough for title expectation to define the mood, with semi-final appearances in 1990 and 2018 and five previous quarter-final campaigns.

Argentina vs Switzerland: Messi Momentum

Argentina reached the quarter-finals through two 3-2 knockout wins, first against Cape Verde and then against Egypt. Lionel Scaloni’s side trailed Egypt 2-0 with 11 minutes left before goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and Enzo Fernandez completed a dramatic comeback.

The defending champions now face a Switzerland side that ended a 72-year wait for a World Cup quarter-final. Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 in the round of 32, then defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in Vancouver. Reuters reported that Gregor Kobel saved Cucho Hernandez’s penalty, Davinson Sanchez hit the crossbar, and Ruben Vargas converted the decisive spot kick.

Argentina –as three-time world champions, in 1978, 1986, and 2022– are trying to become only the third nation to defend the title. Switzerland, by contrast, are chasing their first World Cup semi-final after repeated last-16 exits in 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022.

Shafaq News- Vancouver

Switzerland reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 after beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a goalless round-of-16 draw at BC Place in Vancouver.

Switzerland will face defending champions Argentina in the quarter-finals on July 11, after Lionel Messi’s side came from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 earlier on Tuesday.

The match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes, with both teams unable to turn long spells of pressure into a breakthrough. Colombia carried attacking momentum for parts of the tie, especially after Juan Quintero’s introduction, but Switzerland stayed organized and took the game to penalties.

Gregor Kobel became Switzerland’s key figure. The goalkeeper made important saves during normal time before stopping Cucho Hernandez’s penalty in the shootout, giving Murat Yakin’s side the opening they needed.

Colombia also struck the crossbar through Davinson Sanchez during the shootout, while Switzerland kept enough composure to stay ahead. Ruben Vargas, who had been introduced late, stepped up to score the winning penalty and send the Swiss into the last eight.

Yakin credited Switzerland’s substitutes after the match, saying the timing of the changes helped refresh the team before the shootout. Cedric Itten, Zeki Amdouni, and Vargas all played key roles after coming on.

The result ended Colombia’s World Cup run after a match in which Nestor Lorenzo’s side created openings but could not find the finishing touch. Colombia had reached the tie after beating Ghana 1-0 in the round of 32, while Switzerland had advanced with a 2-0 win over Algeria.

Shafaq News- Zagreb

Croatia filed a formal complaint to FIFA after its 2-1 WorldCup defeat to Portugal, challenging the use of VAR protocol and smart-balltechnology in decisions that helped end its tournament.

The Croatian Football Federation sent a letter to FIFAPresident Gianni Infantino expressing “deep disappointment and disagreement”over the match, HNS spokesman Tomislav Pacak told RTL Danas. The main disputecenters on Joško Gvardiol’s stoppage-time goal, which was initially awardedbefore being ruled out for offside.

The goal would have made the score 2-2 and sent the match toextra time, but FIFA explained that it relied on sensor data from the matchball, which indicated that Igor Matanović had touched the ball before itreached Mario Pašalić. That touch placed Pašalić in an offside position,leading officials to cancel the equalizer.

Croatia rejected the explanation. Pacak stated that HNSbelieves Pašalić was ruled offside “against the rules and spirit of football”over a Matanović touch that the federation says did not occur, describing thedecision as a misuse of technology.

The Croatian complaint also challenges the process behindPortugal’s penalty. Pacak said the federation believes VAR protocol was“completely misapplied” when Norwegian referee Espen Eskas was sent to thepitch-side monitor before awarding the spot kick. Croatia’s objection is notonly about individual refereeing calls, but about “the process that led tothose decisions.”

HNS has requested detailed explanations from FIFA over thedisputed moments.

FIFA has not announced any change to the result, and reportsindicate Croatia’s complaint is aimed at obtaining explanations over VARprotocol and smart-ball technology rather than confirming any reversal ofPortugal’s advancement.

Shafaq News- Atlanta

Argentina completed a stunning fightback to win 3-2 against Egypt in the World Cup round of 16, with Enzo Fernandez scoring in stoppage time after Lionel Messi had earlier rescued the holders at Atlanta Stadium.

La Albiceleste will face Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals, with both sides meeting later on Tuesday for the last remaining place in that section of the draw.

Egypt had moved close to a major upset through goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico, while goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir frustrated Argentina for long spells and saved a Messi penalty.

Cristian Romero pulled one back after the break before Messi equalized late in normal time from a Gonzalo Montiel assist, turning the match into one of the knockout stage’s biggest dramas. Fernandez then put Argentina ahead in stoppage time, finishing from a Lisandro Martinez assist to complete the comeback and push the defending champions toward the last eight.

Argentina had reached the last 16 after a 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde, while Egypt arrived from a penalty-shootout victory over Australia.

The match, billed around Messi and Mohamed Salah, became a survival test for Argentina and a near-historic night for Egypt.

Shafaq News- Erbil/ Al-Sulaymaniyah

Night afternight through the 2026 World Cup, young people and families have been fillingpublic spaces across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to watch the tournament ongiant screens, many arriving draped in flags and carrying the colors of theteams they follow.

In Erbil,the capital, crowds have gathered at Sami Abdul Rahman Park, one of the city'slargest public green spaces, where a large screen carries each match in theopen air. In Al-Sulaymaniyah province, a commercial center has drawn similarcrowds, with fans of all ages settling in front of the screen well beforekickoff.

The scenerepeated on Tuesday evening, when supporters packed both venues to watch Egyptface Argentina in the round of 16. The opening whistle blew at 7:00 p.m. Erbiland Baghdad time, for a match played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, inthe United States.

Shafaq News- New York

Carlo Ancelotti will remain Brazil coach after the Selecao’s 2-1 World Cup last-16 defeat to Norway, with the Brazilian Football Confederation backing him through the 2030 cycle despite the team’s early exit.

The result extended Brazil’s wait for a sixth World Cup title to at least 28 years and brought renewed pressure on Ancelotti, who had been appointed to lead a long-term rebuild after years of instability around the national team.

“Today the pain is great. But the trust in what we are building does not change. We will continue working for our National Team. Always together. Always Brazil!” Ancelotti wrote on X.

CBF football director Rodrigo Caetano also backed Ancelotti, saying the Italian would remain in charge through the 2030 World Cup cycle. “He is our manager and will be throughout this cycle,” he told Reuters, adding that Brazil’s lack of “proper, stable guidance long term” before the tournament was one of the reasons for the failure.

Brazil were knocked out at New York/ New Jersey Stadium, where Erling Haaland scored twice to send Norway into the quarter-finals, Bruno Guimaraes missed a first-half penalty, and Neymar scored late after coming on in the second half, marking Brazil’s worst World Cup performance since 1990, in addition to the team recording 35% possession against Norway –their lowest figure in a World Cup match since records began in 1966, according to Opta figures.

Shafaq News- Seattle

Belgium reached the World Cup quarter-finals after beating the United States 4-1 in Seattle, ending the co-hosts’ tournament and setting up a last-eight match against Spain.

Charles De Ketelaere scored twice before halftime, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added second-half goals for Belgium. Malik Tillman scored the United States’ only goal from a deflected free kick, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side could not stop Belgium from taking control of the last-16 tie.

The match came after hours of controversy over Folarin Balogun’s eligibility. The US striker started after FIFA suspended implementation of his red-card ban from the win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, a decision Belgium had challenged before kickoff. His availability gave the US its leading scorer back, but Belgium struck through De Ketelaere and repeatedly punished defensive mistakes from the hosts.

The United States entered the match looking for its first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 2002 and had the backing of a strong home crowd in Seattle. Belgium, however, arrived after a 3-2 extra-time win over Senegal and carried that momentum into another knockout match.

Tillman gave the home side a route back into the match with a deflected free kick, briefly lifting the crowd and cutting into Belgium’s control. But the response did not last.

Vanaken restored Belgium’s advantage in the second half, putting the European side in command again before Lukaku added the fourth in stoppage time.

Belgium’s win also continued its strong recent record against the United States at the World Cup. The Red Devils had eliminated the Americans in the 2014 round of 16 after extra time, and this time advanced with a wider margin.

Shafaq News- Dallas

Spain reached the World Cup quarter-finals after beating Portugal 1-0 in a tense last-16 Iberian derby at Dallas Stadium, with Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal to end Cristiano Ronaldo’s final campaign in the tournament.

Merino struck after a Ferran Torres assist, giving Luis de la Fuente’s side the only goal of a tight knockout match and sending Spain into the last eight, where they will face the winner of the United States and Belgium.

Ronaldo, 41, had confirmed before the match that this tournament would be his last, closing a run that began in 2006 and included five previous appearances on football’s biggest stage.

Roberto Martinez made one change from Portugal’s previous match, bringing Joao Felix into the attack alongside Ronaldo and Pedro Neto. Spain kept the same starting XI from their 3-0 win over Austria, with Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella in defence, Rodri and Pedri in midfield, and Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena, Dani Olmo, and Mikel Oyarzabal ahead of them.

The first half was played with caution from both sides, with Spain trying to control possession and Portugal looking for openings through Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Felix, Neto, and Ronaldo.

Spain had entered the match with one of the strongest defensive records in the tournament, and De la Fuente’s side again gave Portugal limited space in central areas. Portugal pushed forward in spells but struggled to turn possession into clear chances.

Merino’s goal forced Portugal into a late chase, with Ronaldo and his teammates trying to extend his final World Cup by at least another round, but Spain held on through stoppage time, protecting the lead and keeping Portugal from forcing extra time. The result continued Spain’s knockout run and added another chapter to a rivalry that has repeatedly appeared on major tournament stages.

The win also renewed Spain’s edge in the Iberian derby. Before the match, Spain had 18 wins from 41 previous meetings with Portugal, while the teams had also met in major knockout matches at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

Spain now move on to the quarter-finals, awaiting the winner of USA-Belgium.

Shafaq News- Seattle/ Atlanta/ Vancouver

The World Cup last 16 concludes on Tuesday, Baghdad time,with the United States facing Belgium at 3:00 a.m., Argentina meeting Egypt at7:00 p.m., and Switzerland playing Colombia at 11:00 p.m.

The three matches will decide the final quarter-finalplaces, with the USA-Belgium winner advancing to face Portugal or Spain, whilethe winners of Argentina-Egypt and Switzerland-Colombia will meet in the nextround.

USA vs Belgium

The United States face Belgium at Seattle Stadium in alast-16 match carrying both recent controversy and older World Cup history.

The US reached this stage after winning Group D, beatingParaguay 4-1 and Australia 2-0 before losing 3-2 to Turkiye. MauricioPochettino’s side then defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 32.

Belgium won Group G after drawing 1-1 with Egypt, drawing0-0 with Iran, and beating New Zealand 5-1. Rudi Garcia’s side then defeatedSenegal 3-2 after extra time in the round of 32, with Youri Tielemans among thekey names in the comeback.

The main team-news story before kickoff involved FolarinBalogun, who was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA suspendedenforcement of his one-match ban for a one-year probationary period, allowinghim to face Belgium. The Royal Belgian Football Association objected to thedecision and stated it was examining “all potential options” to protect “thelegitimate rights of all participating teams.”

Balogun enters the match as the United States’ leadingscorer in the tournament, with Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie,Timothy Weah, and Malik Tillman also central to the hosts’ campaign.

Belgium’s squad includes Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku,Tielemans, Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard, and Thibaut Courtois, several of whomremain from the country’s most successful World Cup generation.

The fixture also recalls the 2014 World Cup, when Belgiumbeat the United States 2-1 after extra time in the round of 16. Tim Howard madea World Cup-record 16 saves that night, but goals from De Bruyne and Lukakusent Belgium through.

Argentina vs Egypt

Argentina and Egypt meet at Atlanta Stadium in a last-16fixture shaped by two exhausting round-of-32 matches and two of thetournament’s biggest names: Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah.

Argentina arrived in the knockout stage as Group J winnersbefore beating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time. Messi scored in that match,while Argentina needed extra time to avoid an early exit against one of thetournament’s surprise stories.

Egypt advanced after beating Australia 4-2 on penaltiesfollowing a 1-1 draw. Emam Ashour had put Egypt ahead with a header beforeAustralia equalized, but Egypt converted their shootout chances to reach thelast 16.

The win over Australia marked Egypt’s first World Cupknockout victory, adding another chapter to a campaign led by Salah, OmarMarmoush, Emam Ashour, and a defensive group including Ramy Rabia, YasserIbrahim, Mohamed Hany, and Karim Hafez. Salah had returned to Egypt’s startinglineup against Australia after recovering from a hamstring strain, joiningMarmoush and Ashour in the attack.

Egypt’s Hamza Abdelkarim, who came off the bench againstAustralia, described the qualification as “a fantastic feeling,” with Salahhaving been “incredibly supportive.”

Argentina enter the match with the legacy of the defendingchampions and a squad still carrying several players from the 2022 title run.Messi remains the central figure, with Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, AlexisMac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Cristian Romero, and EmilianoMartinez among the leading names.

The winner will face Switzerland or Colombia in thequarter-finals.

Switzerland vs Colombia

Switzerland and Colombia meet at BC Place in Vancouver inthe final match of the World Cup last 16, with the winner advancing to faceArgentina or Egypt.

Switzerland reached this stage unbeaten. The Swiss drew 1-1with Qatar, then defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 and Canada 2-1 beforebeating Algeria 2-0 in the round of 32.

Colombia also reached the last 16 unbeaten. They beatUzbekistan 3-1, defeated DR Congo 1-0, drew 0-0 with Portugal, then beat Ghana1-0 in the round of 32.

Switzerland’s campaign has been built around an experiencedcore that includes Granit Xhaka, Manuel Akanji, Remo Freuler, RicardoRodriguez, Gregor Kobel, Breel Embolo, and Dan Ndoye. Johan Manzambi has alsoemerged as one of their leading scorers in the tournament.

Colombia’s main names include Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez,Daniel Munoz, Jefferson Lerma, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Cordoba, and CamiloVargas. Diaz remains central to Colombia’s attack, while Munoz has added goalsfrom full-back.

The match extends Switzerland’s record of regularknockout-stage appearances at major tournaments, while Colombia are seekinganother deep World Cup run after reaching the quarter-finals in 2014.

Both teams enter from narrow but clean round-of-32 wins,with Switzerland shutting out Algeria and Colombia edging Ghana. Their meetingcloses the last-16 schedule and completes the quarter-final bracket.

Shafaq News- Seattle

The 2026 World Cup has become a farewell stage for several of football’s biggest international names, with Neymar signaling the end of his Brazil career, Cristiano Ronaldo confirming his final tournament with Portugal, and other long-serving icons nearing the end of their World Cup paths.

Neymar’s Brazil career moved toward its closing point after the team’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 16. The 34-year-old was emotional after the loss, which ended Brazil’s campaign and extended the five-time champions’ wait for a World Cup title since 2002.

“I tried, I tried ... Now it’s over,” Neymar told reporters after the match, which was played at the same New Jersey stadium where Neymar made his Brazil debut in 2010. He leaves the international stage, if the decision stands, as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, ahead of Pele, having played in four World Cups for Brazil.

His tournaments included goals, injuries, and repeated exits before the final, with the 2014 home World Cup and the 2022 defeat to Croatia among the defining moments of his international career.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo, now 41, said before Portugal’s last-16 match against Spain that this would be his last World Cup, ending a run that began in 2006 and stretched across six editions of the tournament.

The Portugal captain has won Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles with his country, but the World Cup remains the major international trophy missing from his record. His final campaign continued into the knockout stage, with Portugal facing Spain for a place in the quarter-finals.

Ronaldo stated that winning the World Cup would not make him “more or less Cristiano,” pointing instead to his long record with Portugal and his place in the national team’s history.

Manuel Neuer has also confirmed his retirement from Germany duty after the national team’s exit. The 2014 World Cup winner leaves as one of Germany’s most decorated goalkeepers and one of the defining figures of the modern position.

Luka Modric, 40, is also expected to have played his final World Cup with Croatia. Coach Zlatko Dalic indicated that the tournament was likely Modric’s last on the global stage, after a career that included leading Croatia to the 2018 final and the 2022 semi-finals.

Shafaq News- Seattle

FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match ban has triggered a World Cup disciplinary row, with UEFA and Belgium criticizing the ruling before the United States’ last-16 match against Belgium.

Balogun was sent off in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review showed his foot landing on defender Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle. A red card normally brings an automatic suspension from the next match, which would have ruled the US striker out of the Belgium game.

FIFA, however, did not cancel the red card. Instead, it suspended the implementation of the ban under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and placed Balogun under a one-year probationary period. The sanction can still be enforced if he commits another similar offence during that period.

The decision cleared Balogun to play against Belgium, giving Mauricio Pochettino’s side back one of its main attacking players. Balogun has scored three goals at the tournament, making his availability a major team-news development before the knockout tie.

US Soccer expressed that it is “pleased” Balogun was eligible to compete. Christian Pulisic also defended his teammate, as the incident had “zero intent,” while Pochettino welcomed the decision after the US had initially prepared for the match without him.

The case also gained a political dimension after US President Donald Trump reportedly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked for the red card to be reviewed. Trump later thanked FIFA publicly, saying it had corrected a “great injustice.”

Meanwhile, the Royal Belgian Football Association declared that it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision and stated that it was reviewing “all potential options” to protect the rights of participating teams and the principles of fair play. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia also criticized the ruling, joking through a translator that he had not known July 5 was “the first of April in Europe.” Belgium was defending football’s integrity, he added.

“Where does this end? Where does it stop?”

UEFA then escalated the dispute, calling FIFA’s decision “unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustifiable.” The European body stated that FIFA had “crossed a red line” and warned that uncertainty over disciplinary rules could damage the credibility of the competition.

UEFA statement on the Balogun case: ⬇️https://t.co/9LQDx8waKe

— UEFA (@UEFA) July 6, 2026

While FIFA’s legal basis rests on Article 27, which allows its judicial bodies to fully or partially suspend implementation of a disciplinary measure, Article 66.4 states that a sending-off automatically incurs suspension from the following match. The two provisions sit at the center of the dispute between FIFA’s authority to defer a sanction and the expectation of automatic enforcement.

Similar cases exist, though most were resolved before the World Cup began: Cristiano Ronaldo had two matches of a three-game ban suspended under probation after serving one match for a red card in qualifying, while Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi and Ecuador’s Moises Caicedo also reportedly had one-game bans deferred before the tournament. But Balogun’s case is more sensitive because the red card came during the World Cup itself and the suspension would have applied immediately to a knockout match against a direct opponent.

No confirmed formal requests from other national teams to lift suspensions from their players have been reported yet, but the ruling is expected to remain a reference point for any similar disciplinary appeals during the tournament.

Shafaq News- Mexico City

England reached the World Cup quarter-finals after beating co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic round-of-16 match at Mexico City Stadium, where Jude Bellingham scored twice before Harry Kane’s second-half penalty helped Thomas Tuchel’s side survive with 10 men.

Bellingham struck in the 36th and 38th minutes to turn the match after Mexico’s strong start, before Julian Quinones pulled one back shortly before halftime. England then lost Jarell Quansah to a red card, but Kane converted from the spot in the 60th minute, and Raul Jimenez’s penalty nine minutes later was not enough to keep Mexico’s tournament alive.

England will face Norway in the quarter-finals after the Scandinavians eliminated Brazil 2-1 earlier in the round.

Mexico began with the backing of a loud home crowd and carried early pressure in the high-altitude setting of Mexico City. Javier Aguirre’s side pushed England back in the opening stages, with Jimenez involved in several dangerous moments and Jordan Pickford called into action.

England, however, changed the match in two minutes. Bellingham opened the scoring in the 36th minute, arriving in the area to finish after Bukayo Saka’s delivery created the chance.

The Real Madrid midfielder struck again almost immediately. Kane helped set up the move, and Bellingham finished for his second goal of the night, giving England a 2-0 lead before Mexico had recovered from the opener.

Mexico responded before the interval. Quinones cut the deficit in the 42nd minute, keeping the co-hosts alive and sending England into halftime with a narrow advantage rather than full control.

The match shifted again early in the second half when Quansah was sent off, leaving England to protect their lead with 10 men. Tuchel adjusted his side, with England forced into a deeper and more defensive phase for much of the remaining time.

Kane restored the two-goal margin from the penalty spot in the 60th minute after Anthony Gordon won the decision. The England captain converted firmly, putting his side 3-1 ahead and giving the European team breathing room despite the red card.

Mexico refused to fade. Jimenez scored from the spot in the 69th minute after Mexico were awarded a penalty of their own, cutting England’s lead to 3-2 and setting up a tense final spell.

The co-hosts pushed for an equalizer, but England held their shape through the closing stages. Pickford, who had made key saves earlier in the match, remained central to England’s resistance as Mexico searched for the goal that would have forced extra time.

Shafaq News- East Rutherford

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway shocked five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in East Rutherford, sending Stale Solbakken’s side into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals and ending one of the tournament’s biggest title bids.

Norway will face Mexico or England in the quarter-finals.

Brazil had the first major chance to take control, but Bruno Guimaraes missed a first-half penalty, leaving Norway alive after the clearest early opening.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side threatened in flashes through Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Martinelli, and later Neymar, but Norway kept their defensive shape and forced Brazil into a tense, broken rhythm.

The breakthrough came after Andreas Schjelderup delivered into the area and Haaland rose to head Norway in front, turning one clear service into the goal Brazil had spent the week trying to prevent.

Haaland then struck again from outside the box, driving a powerful finish past Brazil’s defence to double Norway’s lead and put the five-time champions on the edge.

Neymar pulled one back from the penalty spot late on, but Brazil could not complete the rescue act.

Norway protected their lead through the final pressure and kept the contest on the terms that suited Solbakken’s side.

The result extended one of football’s strangest head-to-head records: Brazil still have never beaten Norway, who had already beaten Brazil 2-1 at the 1998 World Cup, when Tore Andre Flo and Kjetil Rekdal overturned Bebeto’s opener in the group stage.

This win carried far greater consequence, taking Norway into their first World Cup quarter-final and giving Haaland the defining performance of his country’s tournament run.

Brazil exit after another failed attempt to win a sixth world title, undone by a missed penalty, Norway’s familiar resistance, and two decisive finishes from the striker they could not contain.

Shafaq News

Ghanaian traditional priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam has changed tone afterArgentina survived Cape Verde at the FIFA World Cup, posting public support forLionel Messi before the defending champions face Egypt in the Round of 16.

Bonsam had predicted that Cape Verde would eliminate Argentina, turningthe last-32 match into an unlikely online subplot before the ball was evenkicked.

The prediction did not survive extra time, as Argentina beat Cape Verde3-2 in Miami, with the tournament debutants twice coming from behind before anown goal in the 111th minute sent the holders through.

Instead of defending the failed call, Bonsam posted a message to Mession Instagram alongside a picture of the Argentina captain. “I, Nana KwakuBonsam, love you more, my brother Messi. May the powers of Kofi or Kofi be withyou. Powers are still with you.”

The post drew wide attention because it came shortly after Argentina haddisproved his forecast on the pitch, where Messi and his teammates were pushedto the edge by one of the tournament’s breakout teams.

The Ghanaian spiritual figure has become one of the stranger recurringcharacters of the tournament. Before Ghana’s match against England, he claimed hehad placed a spell on Harry Kane to stop him scoring.

England and Ghana drew 0-0, and Bonsam later said he had “released”Kane, calling the England captain a friend.

In 2014, he claimed responsibility for Cristiano Ronaldo’s knee problembefore Portugal faced Ghana, a statement that made him a familiar name infootball’s more eccentric tournament folklore.

Shafaq News- Brussels

Baghdad-born Belgium defender Ameen Al-Dakhil isawaiting FIFA approval to switch international eligibility and represent Iraq,according to Belgian reports.

The Stuttgart center-back, born in 2002, moved toBelgium as a child and came through the Belgian football system before reachingthe senior national team. His switch would add a 24-year-old Bundesligacentre-back with Premier League experience to a defence being rebuilt after theWorld Cup.

For now, the Iraqi Football Association is continuingcontacts with FIFA to resolve the file, the reports stated, in a move thatcould clear the way for one of Iraq’s most high-profile diaspora additions inrecent years. Al-Dakhil’s case, however, is more complex than a routinenationality switch because he has already played senior football for Belgium,including competitive matches.

FIFA allows some players to change association understrict conditions, particularly when senior appearances were limited, camebefore a certain age, or did not involve a major tournament. Players withsenior competitive caps face a higher threshold and need formal clearance.

Several international players have changed nationalteams before, including Diego Costa from Brazil to Spain, Iñaki Williams fromSpain to Ghana, Aymeric Laporte from France to Spain, and Munir El-Haddadi fromSpain to Morocco –whose case is among the closest comparisons because itinvolved a senior competitive appearance– though his switch followed FIFA rulechanges and a lengthy eligibility process.

Iraq have also used the FIFA route to bring inforeign-developed players of Iraqi origin, including Ahmed Qasem and DarioNaamo, but those cases involved youth-level representation rather than seniorcompetitive caps.

Iraq’s back line came under scrutiny after the teamexited the tournament without a point and conceded 12 goals against France,Norway, and Senegal. The current defensive pool includes Rebin Sulaka, ManafYounis, Zaid Tahseen, Frans Putros, Merchas Doski, Hussein Ali, and MustafaSaadoon, but few centre-backs in the setup play regularly in Europe’s topleagues.

The switch remains pending FIFA approval, with noofficial confirmation yet from the governing body.

Shafaq News- Paris

Didier Deschamps became the first coach in FIFA World Cup history to win 10 knockout-stage matches after France beat Paraguay 1-0 to reach the 2026 quarter-finals, statistics network Squawka said.

Squawka noted that Deschamps’ knockout wins began against Nigeria in the 2014 Round of 16 before France’s title run in 2018 added victories over Argentina, Uruguay, Belgium, and Croatia.

The run continued in 2022 with wins over Poland, England, and Morocco, before France beat Sweden and Paraguay in the 2026 knockout stage.

The milestone strengthens Deschamps’ place among the most successful managers in World Cup history, alongside names such as Helmut Schon, Mario Zagallo, Franz Beckenbauer, and Vittorio Pozzo.

Deschamps is also one of only three men to win the World Cup as both player and coach, having captained France to the 1998 title and led them from the bench to the 2018 crown. He reached another final in 2022, when France lost to Argentina on penalties, and is now three wins away from another title in North America.

If France go all the way, Deschamps would become only the second coach to win two men’s World Cups, after Pozzo led Italy to back-to-back titles in 1934 and 1938.

Shafaq News- Berlin

Jurgen Klopp has accepted the Germany head coach role, according to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, in a major move following the national team’s shock World Cup 2026 exit.

Romano reported that Klopp will take over the project with long-term contract details, and his exit from the Red Bull Group still under discussion. The German coach has been working as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer since January 2025, after leaving Liverpool in 2024.

Red Bull considered Oliver Glasner as a replacement option, Romano added, although the Austrian coach is set to join Nottingham Forest.

Previous Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann stepped down following Die Mannschaft’s Round of 32 elimination by Paraguay, who won 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The defeat marked Germany’s first World Cup penalty shootout loss and deepened the crisis around a team still searching for stability after years of tournament disappointment.

Klopp’s expected return to the touchline gives Germany one of the most influential managers in modern football, known for high-intensity pressing, emotional leadership, and rebuilding teams under pressure. He first rose in Germany with Mainz before transforming Borussia Dortmund, winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010-11 and 2011-12 and reaching the 2013 UEFA Champions League final.

At Liverpool, Klopp restored the club to the top of European football, winning the 2019 Champions League, the 2019-20 Premier League, the Club World Cup, the FA Cup, and two League Cups across 491 matches.