The reigning European champions and Didier Deschamps’ French team face off at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in what is seen by many as a ‘final before the final’ featuring the two best sides left in the tournament.

In the blue corner are France, who have progressed serenely to the last four on the back of a multi-pronged strike-force spearheaded by captain Kylian Mbappe — he has scored eight goals in six games.

Mbappe’s supporting cast includes Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, Ballon D’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Paris Saint-Germain duo Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue.

In the red corner, Spain, who have calmly worked their way into the semi-finals with their brand of possession-based, relentless football that has become their trademark under Luis de la Fuente.

While individual brilliance has lit up France’s campaign, Spain have relied on collective menace — a well-oiled machine founded on the silky passing of midfielders such as Rodri, Pedri and Fabian Ruiz, providing ammunition for teenage winger Lamine Yamal.

It all adds up to a classic clash of styles that will see Spain attempt to sever the supply lines to Mbappe and company by controlling possession, while simultaneously seeking to put pressure on a France defence that has yet to be seriously tested.

While that may be easier said than done, Spain will take encouragement from their recent record against France.

La Roja defeated France 5-4 in a high-scoring UEFA Nations League thriller last year and also scored a 2-1 semi-final win en route to victory at the European Championship in 2024.

Nothing to fear

Yamal, who will go into Tuesday’s blockbuster just a day after turning 19, says Spain have nothing to fear.

“Obviously, we are two great teams, among the best in the world. We’ll see what happens, but we have no fear,” Yamal said after Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat of Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday.

“There are two possibilities – either they reach three consecutive World Cup finals, or we beat them three times in a row. We’ll see what happens. We aren’t afraid at all.”

Spain coach De la Fuente echoed Yamal’s message of “no fear”.

“The French are in great form, and we have different playing styles,” De la Fuente said. “We have the greatest respect for our opponents, but we feel capable of beating any team.

“We’re aware of their immense potential, but we also know that we’re the only team to have beaten them in two semi-finals.”

France, meanwhile, will expect their gilded attacking line-up to pose questions of a steely Spanish defence that only conceded its first goal of the tournament in Friday’s win against the Belgians.

There is also a tangible sense of purpose driving a united French squad towards a second World Cup title in three tournaments under Deschamps, who will step down at the end of the finals.

France’s arrival in the last four makes them only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup semi-finals after Germany (1982-90 and 2002-14) and Brazil (1994, 1998, 2002).

Deschamps modestly plays down his own role in transforming France into the superpower of modern international football as they aim for a third straight final appearance.

“I don’t know, having very good players, I guess. But I can’t be doing my job too badly,” Deschamps said last week when asked for the secret to his success.

“It is a human adventure, and even though I chose the players, to be with this squad every day is very important,” Deschamps added.

“I am very happy on a personal level and also happy to see them enjoying themselves so much.”

France’s players reciprocate that sense of affection, illustrated most clearly when Mbappe celebrated scoring a goal against Sweden by sprinting to the sideline to embrace Deschamps, who had just rejoined the team after returning to France following the death of his mother.

“It is in this squad’s DNA to all be together and behind the coach, whatever happens,” said Mbappe.

But the defending champions’ journey to the last four has been engulfed by online conspiracy theories claiming — without evidence — that the playing field has been tilted in their favour.

Social media is awash with AI-generated videos and memes which amplify this narrative, whether it’s FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Messi sharing a loving embrace on the deck of the Titanic in the style of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, or simply Infantino’s face being superimposed at the heart of the Sun of May at the centre of Argentina’s flag.

From contentious refereeing decisions to claims of being handed a kind draw to the final, AFP breaks down the main incidents which have given rise to the conspiracy theories:

Messi escapes red

In Argentina’s group stage win over Algeria, with the South Americans leading 1-0, captain Lionel Messi raked his studs down the right calf and Achilles tendon of Algeria skipper Aissa Mandi in the 30th minute.

Polish referee Szymon Marciniak gave Algeria a free-kick, but Messi received no further sanction and would go on to score a hat-trick.

Several pundits, however, were adamant that Messi had been guilty of serious foul play and, under the letter of the law, should have been shown a red card that would have led to a suspension.

“It should have been a red card in my opinion,” said ESPN pundit and former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.

“Messi knew he did something that could have got him in trouble. I personally feel it is a red card.”

Former Bundesliga referee Patrick Ittrich agreed: “For me, that is a red card. We have various examples from the Bundesliga where that was punished with a red. By the letter of the law, that is a red. If I had seen it like that on the pitch, I would have shown red.”

Algeria’s football federation subsequently filed an official complaint to FIFA over “refereeing injustice” in the game.

Egypt cry foul

Argentina produced one of the all-time great comebacks to keep their World Cup campaign alive in the last 16 against Egypt, recovering from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 and reach the quarter-finals.

But Egypt’s players and coaching staff were outraged by several decisions by French referee Francois Letexier that went in Argentina’s favour at key moments.

The biggest post-game talking point surrounded a goal scored by Egypt in the second half which was disallowed after an intervention by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), who had spotted a foul on an Argentina player several phases before Egypt’s Mostafa Zico put the ball in the net, at the other end of the pitch.

Several analysts questioned whether VAR had overstepped its reach.

“VAR was looking at something too deeply and looking for something that has happened in the game to try to cancel the Egypt goal,” former FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg said.

Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan also claimed that Egypt should have been awarded a penalty in the build-up to Enzo Fernandez’s late winner for Argentina.

“There seems to have been pressure on the Argentinian side on the referee that has brought about this outcome,” Hassan said.

“Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champions in the competition?” he told BeIn Sports.

“Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running? In football, there are sometimes external factors that go beyond the technical aspects.”

FIFA referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina rejected the Egyptian allegations as “unfounded”.

Pivotal VAR call

Another pivotal VAR call helped shape the outcome of Argentina’s 3-1 extra-time quarter-final win over Switzerland on in Kansas City on Saturday.

In the 70th minute, referee Joao Pinheiro gave Argentina’s Leandro Paredes a yellow card for a foul on Breel Embolo, shortly after Switzerland had equalised at 1-1 and were dominating the weary world champions.

However, a VAR intervention using FIFA’s new mistaken identity rule determined that Embolo had initiated the foul in an act of simulation, and the call was overturned. Yet because Embolo had already received a yellow card, he was shown a red and sent off — leaving Switzerland down to 10-men and halting their momentum. Argentina would go on to secure victory in extra time.

“We were punished because of a rule that, in my opinion, is completely unacceptable,” Swiss coach Murat Yakin said afterwards.

Many commentators, though, point out that Embolo was rightly punished for a clear dive.

“If you want to argue FIFA is rigging the World Cup for Lionel Messi and Argentina, and some of you are hellbent on doing just that, you’re going to have to do better than this,” wrote USA Today columnist Nancy Armour.

A kind draw?

Critics of Argentina’s run to the semi-finals cite the ranking of their opponents as evidence of favouritism by FIFA.

So far, Argentina has not had to face a team ranked higher than 19th in the world heading into their clash with England on Wednesday. After topping a group that included Algeria, Jordan and Austria, Argentina’s knockout round opponents were Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland.

But this is due in in large part to FIFA’s decision to seed the top four teams in the world in such a way that would keep them apart until the semi-finals.

England have not faced a team ranked in the top 10 so far, while France did have to play seventh-ranked Morocco in the quarter-finals.

Spain have had the hardest route to the semi-finals, needing to beat fifth-ranked Portugal and Belgium (ninth) on their way to the last four.

Spain have conceded only one ‌goal in the entire tournament to reach the last four in search of a second World Cup title.

France, winners in 2018 and finalists four years ago, know Spain very well, having lost to them in the ​Euro 2024 last four and also in last year’s Nations League semi-finals.

“You cannot fear ​anyone,” France centre-back Konate told a press conference.

“We will now prepare as best ⁠as possible and hope the result in the end will favour us.”

“Spain are an exceptional ​team, with a lot of individual quality, so we won’t be focusing on just one player ​even though Lamine (Yamal) is a great player,” said Konate, who had a brief substitute appearance in the win over Norway in their final group match.

Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba have been France’s starting centre-backs, as the tournament ​favourites eye their fifth World Cup final.

The French have reached four of the last seven World ​Cup finals.

Should they take part in the July 19 showdown in New York, they will sustain the ‌comparison ⁠with West Germany, arguably the ultimate tournament nation with four finals between 1974 and 1990.

But Konate said the French were not wasting any thoughts on what might be.

“We are staying humble, we won’t fall into that trap,” he said.

They will need to find a way to break down ​this World Cup’s most effective ​backline, as well ⁠as contain as much as possible Lamine’s runs down the wings.

“I would not say ‘fear’ but we are conscious of their quality,” said fellow France ​centre-back Maxence Lacroix.

“They have won all their matches (except a 0-0 draw against ​Cape Verde ⁠in the group), so we respect them. They have high-quality players, but we want to win.”

Top of the list is Spain winger Lamine, who has earned praise from his coach for keeping ⁠opponents’ defenders ​busy as teammates use the spaces created.

“We will defend well, ​the best,” Lacroix said. “Lamine is a very good player, and he has shown he can hurt teams at this World ​Cup. We will do the work that is needed.”

Lionel Messi’s Argentina side kept alive their bid to become the ‌first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962 with a victory that sparked pandemonium among the sea of sky-blue-and-white supporters and ended Switzerland’s fairytale run.

The Swiss had reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954, but fell one match short of an unprecedented semi-final appearance, suffering a major blow when Breel Embolo was sent off for diving in the 72nd minute.

The thriller — Kansas City’s final World Cup game — looked headed ​for a shootout before Alvarez, excellent all night, whipped a gorgeous long-range shot into the top corner in the 112th minute that Gregor Kobel at full stretch had no ​chance of saving.

Martinez added a third for the holders nine minutes later when he calmly slotted home the rebound of Thiago Almada’s shot.

“We’re used to ⁠suffering,” Almada said.

“We come from being champions and now being among the top four is not easy at all. We want to chase glory and put Argentina at the very top.”

Argentina take early lead

Alexis Mac Allister had given Argentina the lead in the 10th minute, meeting Messi’s corner at the front post with a flicked header that sailed beyond Kobel and into the ​far corner.

It was the first time Switzerland had trailed in the tournament.

But the Swiss — without injured leading scorer Johan Manzambi, who had three goals and two assists — refused to wilt.

After a largely uneventful first half, the contest burst into life as Switzerland repeatedly tested Emiliano Martinez, forcing the Argentina goalkeeper into a string of sharp saves and jolting the South American supporters into full voice.

An equaliser felt almost inevitable as the Swiss piled on ​the pressure, and they were rewarded in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye exchanged passes with Ricardo Rodriguez down the left before sliding a right-footed finish through Martinez’s legs.

Ndoye snarled into ​the nearest television camera as the small section of Swiss fans erupted.

However, Switzerland were reduced to 10 men when Embolo got a second yellow card for simulation.

It came after a lengthy VAR review for mistaken ‌identity, with ⁠the referee overturning his initial decision to caution Argentina’s Leandro Paredes.

The call left Swiss coach Murat Yakin livid.

“I know that (FIFA) will protect their referee, but this rule destroyed our game today, and it is incredibly painful,” he said.

“And to be eliminated in that way hurts a lot. Unfortunately, we have to accept it.”

Embolo collapsed in tears and was consoled by teammates as he left the pitch.

“This team has so much passion. Despite the fact we were one man down, we gave it all. I’m extremely proud of everyone,” Swiss coach Murat Yakin said.

Switzerland pinned back

Argentina responded to ​Swiss misfortune by pinning them back for long ​periods.

Cheered on by fans who made ⁠Arrowhead Stadium feel more like Buenos Aires than Kansas City, they surged forward as chants of “Vamos, vamos!” echoed around the venue.

Messi, playing in his sixth World Cup at the age of 39, nearly settled the contest in stoppage time with a fierce strike that flashed inches wide ​of the post.

Switzerland weathered wave after wave of pressure and appeared destined to force a shootout, but their resistance was finally broken in ​the closing moments of ⁠extra time.

“We had to suffer a lot. We knew they were a physical team and that gave us a lot of trouble,” said Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni.

“Today we had luck on our side because one of their players was sent off. We could have played better, but it’s a big achievement to be in the semi-finals.”

The distraught Swiss dropped to their knees, consoling each other, while Argentina’s star-studded ⁠squad lingered ​on the pitch soaking up the atmosphere as Messi tugged off his shirt and twirled it above his head ​in front of the Argentina fans.

Wednesday’s semi-final will mark the first time England have faced Messi at a World Cup.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s England or Norway (who lost 2-1 to Thomas Tuchel’s England after extra time earlier on Saturday),” Scaloni ​said.

“We’re going to come up against a team that plays very well and has a great coach.”

The teams were locked up 1-1 at the end of regulation time after Andreas Schjelderup had opened the scoring for Norway with a wonder strike in the 36th minute ‌and Bellingham skipped into the area to equalise just before halftime.

Three minutes into extra time, though, Morgan Rogers fired a long-range shot at the Norwegian goal that Orjan Nyland could only parry and Bellingham stole in to bury the rebound, delighting the white-shirted fans in the crowd of 64,478.

England will face Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday in their fourth semi-final in their last five major championships, looking to stay on course for a repeat of their sole World Cup ​triumph of 1966.

“The result is fantastic. We’re in the last four. It’s amazing, but I’m not happy with the performance,” England coach Thomas Tuchel said.

“We made life very, very difficult for ourselves ​in the way we played. Sloppy, a lot of technical mistakes, not fast enough, not repetitive enough. We were lucky today.”

Norway will feel they deserved ⁠more out of the game, even if England kept Erling Haaland scoreless for the first time in his last 16 matches for his country, and will exit their first World Cup in 28 years with ​heads held high.

“It is a bit bitter, but it has been an adventure,” said Norway skipper Martin Odegaard.

“We must be proud. We are here for the first time in a long time, and we are ​making our mark. The whole world is talking about us.”

Cagey first half

Perhaps because of the stifling heat, the first half was a cagey affair, but Norway exploded into life when Julian Ryerson crossed for Haaland to head the ball at goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 35th minute.

A minute later, Patrick Berg stripped Harry Kane of possession near halfway and released Schjelderup down the left, the winger turning makeshift England full-back Ezri Konsa inside out before crashing a shot-cum-cross into the ​net.

England were rattled, and Norway took full advantage with Alexander Sorloth hitting a rising drive over the bar and Martin Odegaard drilling in a low shot that Pickford parried away.

They should have doubled their ​lead in the 44th minute when they briefly had a two-on-one inside the England half, but Sorloth decided not to pass to Haaland and the defenders recovered their ground to snuff out the danger.

Norway would regret their profligacy in ‌stoppage time ⁠at the end of the half when Bellingham conjured up an equaliser of real quality from Anthony Gordon’s clever ball across the edge of the box.

Bellingham took one touch to steer the ball into the area, another to take him past a defender, before turning to whip it across goalkeeper Nyland into the far corner of the goal.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken said afterwards that England had got possession of the ball only because a Norwegian clearance had hit the aerial cable supporting a camera, but FIFA said nothing had registered on the sensor in the ball.

The remainder of the half was all England with Kane getting the ball ​into the net again only to be adjudged offside, ​a decision confirmed by VAR.

VAR rules out Norway goal

VAR was again called upon 10 minutes into the second half when Torbjorn Heggem thought he had put Norway in front from a corner, his goal scratched off for a shove by Haaland on Elliot Anderson.

Norway’s introduction of pacey winger Oscar Bobb in the 67th minute triggered another period of dominance, with ​England fortunate not to concede when David Moller Wolfe headed the ball over Pickford and onto the bar.

England’s right-wing substitute Bukayo Saka came close to ​helping his team take the ⁠lead with a dangerous cross that flashed across goal in the 78th minute, and he carved out another great chance when he got to the byline and fired a low cross across the box that none of his teammates were able to get to.

England substitute Djed Spence caught Nyland napping in possession towards the end of normal time, but the second half was destined to finish goalless.

VAR was to intervene once more after Bellingham’s second ⁠goal to ​rule out an extra-time penalty awarded to England for a foul on Spence.

Haaland, unable to add to his tournament tally of ​seven goals, was substituted at halftime of the extra period, and although Norway poured forward looking for an equaliser, England held on to match their progress to the last four at the 1966, 1990 and 2018 World Cups.

“I feel sorry for the lads, ​but this is top-level sports at its best or its most gruesome,” said a tearful Solbakken.

“We played fantastic football against a super team, but we didn’t make it.”

England ​beat India by 56 runs in the fifth and final T20I at Southampton, the ‌hosts sealing a 4-0 series win after the opener ended in a no result due to rain.

That series defeat came after Ireland had completed a 2-0 T20 whitewash last month.

Player-turned-commentator Dinesh Karthik ​said India’s batting unit had looked out of rhythm throughout the tour.

“I think ​India have a problem adapting to a little bit of extra ⁠bounce,” he told cricket news site Cricbuzz.

“The middle order looks wobbly, not confident, and ​it is definitely not the Indian team that we saw during the World Cup or ​before it in bilateral series, where they took down opponents and actually imposed a lot of fear. Where has that gone?”

India captain Shreyas Iyer said their failure to adapt to different conditions had ​cost them in the series.

“We kept on going from one venue to another, and ​we kept on facing challenges, especially in terms of the dimensions, the grounds, the conditions, just ‌to adapt ⁠to it as quickly as we could have anticipated. That didn’t happen,” Iyer, who was appointed T20I captain in June, told reporters.

India great Sunil Gavaskar said the team’s batting had been having concerns throughout the series.

“I do believe that the batting has to really ​come to the party, ​because the batting ⁠is the strongest part of this Indian team, and if the strongest part is you know not doing well, then no ​wonder it has an effect on your bowling as well as ​your catching,” ⁠he added.

Commentator Harsha Bhogle said the defeat could be a wake-up call for India.

“Essentially England have beaten India playing a style that India thought was theirs,” he said.

“If India is ⁠willing ​to look at this result as something that has ​shone light on their cracks, a lot of good can come out of it.”

India next play three One-Day ​Internationals (ODIs) against England starting on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old Buttler, one of England’s all-time outstanding white-ball batsmen, was in superb form as he struck eight sixes in a blistering innings of 131.

Buttler’s second T20 international hundred came during an England record partnership in the format of 233 with captain Harry Brook, who made 95 not out. The hosts made 257-3 — their second-highest total at this level.

India’s hopes of avoiding a whitewash, in a match where the start was delayed after the tourists got stuck in traffic, were all but over at the break between innings.

Ishan Kishan made 56 but India ended on 201-8 after left-arm swing bowler Sam Curran took 3-36 as England completed another commanding win over the T20 world champions.

The teams will now contest a three-match one-day international series starting in Birmingham on Tuesday in what could be a last campaign in England for India batting great Virat Kohli, who has already retired from Test and T20 international cricket.

Following India’s late arrival, fans hoping to see teenage batting star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in action discovered the 15-year-old had been dropped.

Buttler ensured there were plenty of batting fireworks to entertain the crowd, driving over mid-on for the first six of the match.

Brook was dropped on three when Shivam Dube lost the flight of a skyed chance. The England captain made India pay with successive sixes off Prince Yadav.

Buttler completed a 51-ball century in style by pulling Axar Patel over square leg for six.

After successive sixes off Dube, he was caught by Iyer at mid-off for 131. Brook had settle for 95 not out.

Sooryavanshi’s replacement, Sanju Samson, pulled Josh Tongue for two sixes, but chipped Curran’s first ball to Jacob Bethell as he fell for 27.

India captain Shreyas Iyer put on 55 for the third wicket alongside Kishan, but was dismissed by spinner Liam Dawson

Kishan made fifty but his exit to a brilliant catch from Phil Salt, on the run from deep midwicket, off leg-spinner Adil Rashid, ended any lingering India hopes of victory.

Tilak Varma made 53, but was one of three catches taken by Buttler in a memorable match for England’s wicket-keeper.

Noskova, seeded ninth, appeared to be on the brink of a devastating loss when she broke down in tears after squandering those match points in the second set of a Centre Court classic.

But the 21-year-old somehow regained her composure in a final with more twists than a Hollywood blockbuster.

Summoning incredible resilience, Noskova clinched her maiden Grand Slam crown with a remarkable 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 victory over her 10th seeded compatriot.

Quite how she was able to avoid a complete meltdown in the aftermath of her mid-match collapse will go down in the annals of Wimbledon lore.

In two hours and 28 minutes of unrelenting drama, Noskova showed the heart of a champion to establish herself as the youngest woman to win Wimbledon in 15 years.

The third tour-level title of Noskova’s career emulated the success of her compatriot Petra Kvitova, who was the same age when she won the first of her two Wimbledon crowns in 2011.

It was a full circle moment for Noskova, who was inspired to take up tennis by the Wimbledon success of her childhood idol Kvitova.

Fittingly, Kvitova was watching from the royal box as Noskova celebrated her breakthrough victory.

For the third time in the last four years, a Czech woman won Wimbledon following Barbora Krejcikova in 2024 and Marketa Vondrousova in 2023.

Noskova, who banked the winner’s prize of £3.6 million ($4.8 million), has emerged as one of the rising stars of the women’s game during her remarkable run at the All England Club.

Like Kvitova, Noskova has been a quick learner on grass, having only played her first match on the surface in Birmingham in 2023.

She has won more matches on grass than any other player on the WTA Tour in the past two years.

Even so, she had never been past the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam prior to arriving at Wimbledon two weeks ago.

Lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish was hard to imagine for Noskova when she faced match point against Sorana Cirstea in the third round.

From the depths of despair

Noskova is only the third woman to win Wimbledon after saving a match point earlier in the tournament, joining Venus Williams (2005) and Serena Williams (2009).

Noskova is also the first woman since Maria Sharapova in 2004 to clinch a tour event on grass, in Berlin in June, and then win Wimbledon in the same year.

With her love of baking, penchant for lucky charms and unusual rituals — besides the piercing in her nose, she has matcha tea served by a friend every morning during the tournament — the quirky Noskova is a colourful addition to Wimbledon’s list of champions.

She has a painful Wimbledon memory — in 2024, she entered the tournament shortly after her mother had died of cancer.

Now she has a happier one to ease a little of that pain.

In the first Open era Grand Slam final between two Czech women, the pair are long-time friends, it was Noskova who took the first set with ease.

But that didn’t begin to tell the story to come.

Noskova wobbled spectacularly, wasting four match points and allowing Muchova to break back when she served for the match in the second set.

Putting her fingers in her ears to block out the crowd’s stunned reaction, Noskova squandered another match point as Muchova held to level at 5-5.

Noskova covered her head in a towel and appeared to wipe away tears before Muchova closed out the set.

She stormed off court before the deciding set, taking a break that proved decisive.

From the depths of despair, she broke early in the set and finally sealed her victory before collapsing to the turf in disbelief.

No cause of death was given.

Adams, 25, started the Group A fixtures against Mexico and the Czech Republic, and came off the ​bench in the 1-0 win over South Korea that earned ​the side a first-ever place in the knockout rounds, ⁠where they were beaten by Canada.

The player’s grandmother died a day ​before South Africa played the Czechs, and he was replaced at halftime ​during the fixture.

He played for the Pretoria-based Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, helping them to the African Champions League title in the 2025/26 season.

“South African football has lost ​a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a ​young life that still had so much to offer,” the South African Football Players’ ‌Union, ⁠an official body for players in the country, said in a statement.

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, also expressed his condolences.

“Our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters who watched ​him grow from ​a promising academy ⁠prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international,” McKenzie said in a statement.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino offered his condolences ​via Instagram, saying his “thoughts and condolences, as well as ​those ⁠of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates”.

Adams came through the youth development structures at Stellenbosch FC ⁠and ​joined Sundowns in January 2025.

He made his international ​debut against Mozambique in 2022 and won 13 caps, scoring two goals, both in qualifiers ​for the 2026 World Cup.

After the teams went in level at 1-1 following the first half, Spain eventually prevailed when Belgian back-up keeper Lammens, who came on in the second period for the injured Thibaut Courtois, spilled Pau Cubarsi’s low strike.

The ball bounced in front of Lammens, giving Merino just enough time to fire home as the sold-out crowd largely backing Spain erupted on a sweltering day at Los Angeles Stadium.

“There are no such ​things as coincidences,” said Merino, who also scored a late winner as a substitute in Spain’s 1-0 round-of-16 victory over Portugal.

“If you go into a match well-prepared, things ​tend to happen again.”

The last time Spain reached the semi-finals of the World Cup was in 2010, when they won the tournament.

“We are ⁠two matches away from winning the World Cup, and that is what we are going after,” added Merino.

European champions Spain will face tournament favourites France in Dallas on Tuesday for a ​spot in the final.

“We’re going to work hard to try and beat France,“ Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said.

“They’ll be just as worried as we are.”

Spain aggressive

Spain were aggressive early on ​against Belgium, and Fabian Ruiz gave them the lead on the half-hour mark, pouncing after Courtois made an excellent diving save to fire a shot between defender Timothy Castagne’s legs and into the net.

Ruiz’s goal vindicated De la Fuente’s surprise decision to start the Paris St Germain midfielder in place of Pedri, who came on for Ruiz early in the second half.

Belgium responded 11 minutes later through Charles De Ketelaere, who timed his run ​perfectly and headed Castagne’s cross past keeper Unai Simon, the first goal Spain have conceded in the tournament.

The equaliser breathed new life into Belgium, and the teams battled to half-time ​in the oppressive heat.

Spain came out energised after the break, controlling possession and chipping away at the Belgium defence, especially through electric 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, who was a threat throughout the match.

It felt inevitable that Spain, who ‌had 17 shots ⁠to Belgium’s five, would eventually score again, and they did through Merino, who netted two minutes after being introduced in the 86th.

The attacking midfielder is the first player in World Cup history to score the winner in two different knockout stage matches as a substitute.

A Belgium side led by veterans Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku searched for another equaliser and, despite some promising chances, they could not find a way through.

Belgium injuries

Belgium were at a disadvantage before the match began.

Their captain Youri Tielemans was taken out of the starting lineup shortly before kickoff after sustaining ​an injury in the warm-up, with Hans Vanaken ​replacing him.

Belgium were also without midfielder Amadou Onana, ⁠who tore his ACL in their round-of-16 win over the United States.

But the biggest loss would prove to be Courtois.

The 34-year-old Real Madrid keeper, widely considered one of the world’s best, made four terrific saves but said he felt muscle pain in his leg on long ​kicks in the second half.

Courtois was devastated and in tears as he left the field after Belgium coach Rudi Garcia decided to ​bring him off.

“I wanted to ⁠continue but, yeah, the coach wanted someone 100%, so okay, that’s his decision … and that’s not a problem,” Courtois said.

That decision would prove to be fateful, and Courtois could only look on as Lammens failed to make the routine save that allowed Merino to perform his latest heroics.

“Senne, obviously, I gave him a big hug”, Courtois said.

“Not much more I can do at the moment. ⁠I know, for ​goalkeepers, this is a shit feeling, and he’s a great goalkeeper, and he will only get stronger from ​this.”

Among the 70,492 crowd at a sun-splashed Los Angeles Stadium were musicians Courtney Love and Noel Gallagher, American actor Brad Pitt and Spanish actors Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem.

The quarter-final was the eighth and final World Cup match played at ​the $5 billion venue, known as SoFi Stadium outside of the tournament, which is home to the NFL’s Rams and Chargers.

Trump ‌told reporters earlier this week that he had played golf with Kane, calling the England striker a great player and a ​good golfer.

Speaking on Friday on the eve of ​their World Cup quarter-final match against Norway, Kane confirmed the ⁠round took place in Palm Beach, Florida, about 18 ​months ago.

“I played all right, to be honest,” Kane ​told reporters in Miami.

“He invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach. So yeah, when the president invites you ​somewhere …

“It was a pretty surreal experience just to ​meet him and obviously play golf with him. His golf is ‌pretty ⁠good, to be honest,” Kane added.

“I hope I can play as well as him when I’m his age. So yeah, unique experience and I was just grateful he ​invited me ​down to play.”

Trump ⁠had complimented the Bayern Munich forward on his Truth Social platform following England’s 3-2 ​last-16 victory over Mexico, writing: “Harry Kane of England ​is ⁠a GREAT player!!!”

The following day, Trump revealed the pair had played golf together.

“I think Kane is a great player,” ⁠Trump ​said. “I played golf with him, ​and I like him a lot. He’s a good golfer. He’s really ​great.”

Morocco would have needed a boldness bordering on arrogance to go toe-to-toe with France, but instead abandoned the exhilarating attacking style that had made them ​one of the tournament’s most compelling teams.

Their 4-5-1 formation, with Brahim Diaz isolated up front, signalled caution. ​Few teams would choose to trade blows with France, whose pace in transition has ⁠been unmatched throughout the competition, and they have now scored 16 goals – eight from Kylian Mbappe and five ​for Ousmane Dembele.

But Morocco did more than manage the risk. They returned to the defensive resolve that carried them ​to the semi-finals in 2022, placing their faith in goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Bounou, known as Bono, saved a weak Mbappe penalty in the 28th minute, but Morocco’s approach was always likely to fail as France patiently worked the ball around the edge of the ​area.

After talking the talk, saying they were here to win the World Cup, Morocco did not walk the walk.

“In ​the spells when we did not have the ball and let them keep it, we felt they were not dangerous and ‌that ⁠we had nothing to fear from that team,” France midfielder Adrien Rabiot said.

“That was the feeling we had on the pitch.”

Curled effort

Morocco’s first shot on target came six minutes from time, by which point Mbappe’s curled effort and Dembélé’s low drive had settled the match.

The two-goal margin did not fully reflect the gap between the sides. Rabiot ​and Manu Kone bossed the ​midfield, while Morocco’s Ayyoub ⁠Bouaddi struggled to impose himself and lost possession too often under France’s pressure.

“We knew they could have scored earlier. We would have liked to hold out a little ​longer without conceding, to see how France would react,“ said Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

“I ​told the ⁠players that they needed to go in with their heads high.”

Strikingly, that was not the case.

France advanced to a third successive World Cup semi-final, where they will face Belgium or Spain. Spain has yet to concede at the tournament and ⁠would ​offer Didier Deschamps’ side another formidable test.

“There can be no let-up,” ​said Mbappe, who was substituted in the 77th after feeling a slight pain in his ankle. “There is still a long way to go, and ​what lies ahead will be even tougher, but we will recover well.”

The use of technology has been at the heart of every major controversy at the ​tournament, including the saga around the red card for Folarin Balogun that drew in US President Donald Trump.

Criticism of technology has ranged from charges of over-reach and inconsistency of application to full-blown conspiracy theories ‌that VAR was being used to determine the outcome of matches in favour of certain teams or players.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan gave voice to all three on Tuesday after his team had a goal scratched off by VAR because of a foul at the other end of the pitch, and a penalty shout that went unchecked, before losing 3-1 to Argentina in the last 16.

“What’s happening isn’t fair,” he said.

FIFA referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina said in an interview on Wednesday that he was happy with how things were going and in particular defended the ​decision to disallow the Egypt goal for a foul in the lead-up.

“There is no defined limit regarding either the distance from the goal or the amount of time between the incident and the goal,” he wrote.

“We ​believe that a foul is a foul. Regardless of whether the foul appears ‘obvious’, if the referee did not see it on the field of play, the VAR can intervene.”

The ⁠Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was initially developed as a remedy for “clear and obvious” refereeing mistakes, such as Diego Maradona’s famous ‘Hand of God’ handball goal against England in the 1986 tournament.

The introduction of VAR at the World Cup was resisted by Sepp ​Blatter when he was FIFA president, but it was quickly adopted by Infantino when he took over the job in 2016.

There were 20 VAR interventions in 64 matches at the 2018 World Cup, and fewer than 30 in the same ​number of games in Qatar in 2022, but those numbers were quickly dwarfed in the early stages of the 2026 tournament, which will have 104 matches.

More interventions

This was deliberate, with the expanded role of the now four match officials in the television booth a key plank in Collina’s strategy for the World Cup.

In collaboration with the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the custodians of the rules of the game, Collina introduced four more areas where VAR could intervene.

Network scientist Brennan Klein said a future where a panopticon of cameras and AI adjudicated the ​match in real time, while possible, was unlikely simply because fans had already reached their limit.

“This kind of dystopian future of over-refereeing everything kind of fails to address what it’s originally designed to intervene on,” Klein, who, with his team ​at Northeastern University, has been analysing data throughout the tournament, told Reuters.

“My sense is that fans in the stadium, by and large, just hate this. They’ve sort of been informed that this is the right way to do things, but not really had ‌a say in ⁠it.

“I think fans seem to be voting with their boos.”

“Abuse of technology”

Had the round-of-32 match between Croatia and Portugal taken place at the 2014 World Cup, it would almost certainly have ended up 2-2 at the end of regulation time.

Josko Gvardiol found the net in the 13th minute of stoppage time to equalise for Croatia, but VAR said the ball had touched Igor Matanovic on the way through to the defender, rendering his teammate offside.

The touch was not clear to the human eye, and the ball did not noticeably deviate from its course, but a sensor embedded in the ball registered contact, possibly from Matanovic’s hair.

“(The sensor) is capable of determining any slight contact … allowing officials an unprecedented level of data to make ​fast, accurate decisions,” FIFA said in a social media ​post.

Croatia’s great Luka Modric, whose 24-year World Cup career ⁠came to an end with the 2-1 defeat, was unimpressed.

“For some things, it’s useful, but it’s either being used incorrectly or selectively, depending on the size of the team or whatever else,” he said.

“If it’s a 200% mistake, then you intervene. If it’s not, if it’s in a grey area, then there’s no reason to get involved.”

The Croatian football federation (HNS), ​who are in favour of the use of VAR, has written to FIFA asking for an explanation of the call, calling it “an abuse of technology”.

Klein said red cards ​had more than tripled in comparison ⁠with the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, with 13 issued to players up until the end of the round of 16, albeit in 94 games compared to 64 for the two previous World Cups.

At least two of them would not have been shown before VAR, with US striker Balogun and England defender Jarell Quansah sent off for fouls missed in real time by the referee.

Trump cited the “unfairness” of the red card when he revealed that he had contacted Infantino in a bid to have Balogun’s one-match ⁠ban overturned, even ​if the FIFA chief later said he had nothing to do with it ultimately happening.

At least Quansah’s red card and a VAR penalty ​awarded against his captain, Harry Kane, in their round-of-16 contest did not result in England going out of the World Cup.

That did not do much to calm the mood of England manager Thomas Tuchel after the dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

“VAR overturns (but) is this a clear ​and obvious error for the penalty? For sure not,” said the furious German.

“They overturned a situation where (the referee) doesn’t even give a foul. Referees are just not good enough, fourth officials are just not good enough.”

In an interview published on inside.fifa.com on Thursday, Collina said ‌criticism of referees was part of football, but he condemned the questioning of the officials’ integrity after Egypt complained about the officiating following the defeat.

“Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have ​no place in our sport,” Collina said.

“Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World ​Cup match officials … Nobody can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by ⁠anyone, not even by the FIFA president (Gianni Infantino).”

Collina said that such allegations could provoke threats against ​referees and their families.

Egypt exited the tournament but claimed they had been treated unfairly after Argentina overturned a ​2-0 deficit to snatch victory with a stoppage-time winner from Enzo Fernandez.

Coach Hossam Hassan alleged that after the match, there may have been pressure on the referee to keep Argentina in the tournament. And the Egyptian Football Association said, “Several key incidents raised serious concerns and left profound questions about the consistency and fairness of decisions ​that directly influenced the course of the game.”

Egypt argued that Mostafa Zico’s second-half strike was incorrectly ruled out for ‌what it described as a non-existent foul in the build-up. Egypt were also incensed that a challenge on Mohamed Salah was not penalised moments before Argentina launched the move that produced the winning goal.

FIFA’s Collina said VAR had correctly recommended overturning Zico’s goal after identifying a foul by Marwan Attia on ​Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez ​during the attacking possession ⁠phase.

“We believe that a foul is a foul,” Collina said. “Regardless of whether the foul appears ‘obvious’, if the referee did not see it on the field ​of play, the VAR can intervene.”

Collina also defended the decision not to ​award Egypt ⁠a penalty before Argentina’s winner, saying both the referee and VAR judged the contact between Salah and Julian Alvarez to be “normal football contact”.

“Stepping on an opponent’s foot is a foul, whereas a defender who touches ⁠the ball first and then makes normal football contact has not ​committed a foul,” he said.

While acknowledging that some decisions would always involve an element of subjectivity, Collina said FIFA was satisfied ​with how VAR principles had been applied throughout the tournament.

With the build-up, match and aftermath subject to a heavy security presence in France, the Boston setting may lend the occasion a more familial feel: a meeting between countries whose histories are inseparable, but whose footballers and supporters are often connected by migration, language, family and friendship.

Morocco was under French protectorate ​from 1912 to 1956.

The two countries have remained closely connected through education, business and migration, while football has become one of ​the clearest expressions of those ties.

Six members of Morocco’s squad were born in France, while several others have played in ⁠Ligue 1 or passed through France’s youth system before choosing to represent Morocco.

Their paths reflect the dense sporting links between the countries, and Morocco’s ability ​to turn its diaspora into a competitive strength.

Teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi is one of the clearest examples of those overlapping ties: born in France, developed at Lille ​and capped by France at youth level before choosing Morocco, he embodies the kind of dual footballing identity that gives this fixture particular resonance.

France, world champions in 2018, are one of the game’s established powers, with the tournament experience and attacking talent expected of a team chasing another World Cup.

Morocco arrive with the confidence of a side who ​have made a habit of shifting expectations, four years after becoming the first African country to reach a World Cup semi-final.

Their meeting in Qatar in ​2022, won 2-0 by France, was charged with emotion but also marked by a striking sense of mutual recognition.

Morocco’s run captivated supporters far beyond its borders while ‌France’s squad ⁠again illustrated the multicultural currents that have long shaped its football.

Intriguing setting

Boston provides an intriguing setting for the rematch.

The Moroccan community is smaller and less visible than in French cities, but it is established in the wider metropolitan area, where Morocco-born residents have helped build a network of families, students, professionals and businesses.

For those supporters, the quarter-final will not necessarily divide a room cleanly in two.

“Some live in the same building and French and Moroccans will watch the ​game together and shake hands at the ​end,” said Mohammed Saadi, a 57-year-old ⁠taxi driver.

“There is no tension here. Soccer is a family thing, and France v Morocco will be no different. Quite the opposite, even.”

In Boston Common, over 1,000 fans gathered, singing Dima l-Maghrib (Always Morocco) and waving flags in a ​peaceful gathering ahead of Thursday’s game.

“I’ve come all the way from Finland,” said Youssef Bennani, a 36-year-old software engineer.

“I’ve ​been to all ⁠of Morocco’s games, and here it’s the best place. I met a lot of Moroccans, also some French, and it’s going to be a big party tomorrow.”

Morocco’s progress has changed the texture of the fixture.

They are no longer simply the compelling underdogs of 2022 but a side with the organisation, player development and belief to ⁠challenge the ​sport’s traditional powers.

Their squad has benefited from a federation strategy that has connected domestic development ​with talent raised in Europe.

France, who beat Paraguay to reach the last eight, have their own reasons to be wary.

Their attack has been among the most potent at the tournament, but ​Morocco’s 3-0 win over Canada underlined the pace, discipline and ambition that have carried them back to the quarter-finals.

Argentina’s dramatic comeback on Tuesday was overshadowed by an unusually delayed VAR intervention that ruled out Egypt’s second goal, a decision many believe altered the course of the match before a series of contentious incidents culminated in the defending champions’ victory, Al Jazeera says in a report.

The latest dispute came just a day after FIFA drew criticism for overturning US striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension after Trump publicly disclosed that he had urged the governing body to review the red-card ban.

Although Belgium went on to eliminate the hosts 4-1 despite Balogun’s reinstatement, the episode fuelled broader concerns about the integrity of decision-making at the tournament.

Trump shadow lingers over World Cup

While criticism over the Balogun affair was directed at both FIFA and Trump, Egypt’s fury after Tuesday’s defeat was aimed squarely at football’s governing body.

Head coach Hossam Hassan suggested officials had come under pressure to ensure Argentina — and, more specifically, Lionel Messi — remained in the tournament.

“Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running,” Hassan told beIN Sports after the match.

“In football, there are sometimes external factors that go beyond the technical aspects. The world champions received support at every level.”

The comments have intensified debate over the growing intersection of politics and football at this year’s World Cup.

Simon Chadwick, professor of Afro-Eurasian sport at Emlyon Business School in Shanghai, said recent events had blurred the distinction between sporting and political influence.

“After the Balogun affair, who knows which decisions are legitimate and can be trusted, and which can’t?” Chadwick told Al Jazeera.

“If the Trump administration is maintaining a watching brief over the tournament, it’s worth remembering that Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, is a staunch Trump supporter.”

Trump and Milei have cultivated close political ties, with the Argentine leader frequently attending pro-Trump events in the United States.

Trump has previously described Milei as his “favourite president”.

Chadwick also suggested Hassan’s outspoken support for Palestine during the tournament may have shaped perceptions around the match, arguing that such positions can sometimes create “built-in biases” among decision-makers.

Before facing Argentina, Hassan had used his pre-match press conference to call attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza and express solidarity with Palestinians.

VAR decision under scrutiny

The flashpoint came when VAR intervened well after play had continued to rule out Egypt’s second goal for an earlier foul, cutting the lead before Argentina completed its comeback.

Chadwick described the sequence as “distinctly unusual”, questioning why the referee had not identified the infringement immediately and why the review occurred only after Egypt had scored.

“There was something distinctly unusual about the goal and VAR decision,” he said.

He also pointed to what he viewed as inconsistent officiating, arguing that a similar infringement by an Argentine player in the build-up to one of their goals went unpunished.

“At the very least, refereeing standards during the game were somewhat inconsistent, although critics are clearly making much more serious claims,” he said.

Not everyone agreed that Egypt had been unfairly denied victory.

Football analyst Ali El Garni argued the officiating decisions were marginal rather than clear-cut.

“‘Robbed’ might be a strong word,” he said.

“I’d say decisions made by both the referee and VAR could have gone either way, and Argentina benefited from all the 50-50 incidents.”

El Garni maintained the foul that preceded Egypt’s disallowed goal was legitimate but questioned the extent to which VAR should retrospectively examine attacking moves.

He also wondered whether the same level of scrutiny would have been applied had Argentina scored under similar circumstances.

“Would the goal have been disallowed had it been scored by Argentina? It’s unlikely,” he said.

He further noted that VAR did not intervene before Argentina’s decisive third goal despite what appeared to be a foul on Mohamed Salah during the build-up.

Chadwick argued that greater transparency could help restore confidence in VAR, suggesting fans should be allowed to hear officials explain the reasoning behind controversial decisions.

“A sense of injustice was induced by the VAR decision,” he said.

“This technology was supposed to minimise doubt and bring consistency. Instead, its use during this match had significant cognitive and behavioural effects.”

He also criticised the referee’s handling of the aftermath, saying greater discretion might have helped calm emotions rather than inflame tensions.

While dismissing suggestions that the match had been deliberately manipulated in Argentina’s favour, Chadwick acknowledged the commercial significance of Messi’s continued presence at the tournament.

“There is no doubt that Messi is a box office attraction the tournament really can’t afford to be without,” he said.

Enzo Fernandez headed home the winner three minutes into stoppage time, meeting Lautaro Martinez’s cross to complete a remarkable comeback after Egypt appeared destined to force extra time.

Argentina had looked on the brink of a shock exit after Mostafa Zico doubled Egypt’s lead with 23 minutes remaining, having earlier seen another effort ruled out for offside.

Cristian Romero sparked the fightback in the 79th minute when he rose unmarked to head home from close range, before Lionel Messi levelled four minutes later with a powerful strike from inside the penalty area.

Egypt had taken the lead in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim got in front of Lisandro Martinez to power a header into the far corner.

Messi missed the chance to equalise earlier in the match after his penalty was saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, marking the Argentina captain’s second spot-kick miss of the tournament.

But Argentina piled on the pressure in the closing stages and completed the turnaround in stoppage time when Lautaro Martinez delivered a cross that Fernandez headed past Shobeir to seal victory.

Argentina will face either Switzerland or Colombia in Saturday’s quarter-final in Kansas.

Balogun was permitted to play, despite receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, after US President Donald Trump’s unprecedented intervention, but he barely had an impact on the pitch.

The 25-year-old forward did win the free kick which led to a first-half equaliser, though Belgium’s Nicolas Raskin said ​the perceived injustice had actually motivated Balogun’s opponents.

“I think there was always justice somewhere in life and the fact that something ​can happen like that … but we don’t think that was fair,” Raskin said.

US coach Mauricio Pochettino said the row had ⁠not affected his team and attributed their poor performance to an off-day against a top side.

“We were not good enough today, we don’t need ​to find another excuse … I think it wasn’t a situation that affects us,” he told reporters.

Defeat ends co-hosts’ run

De Ketelaere gave Belgium the lead ​in the ninth minute with a simple tap-in, taking full advantage of a nervous start by the US to quickly deflate the partisan crowd.

Malik Tillman’s deflected free kick levelled the game in the 31st minute, but De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s lead almost immediately with a back-post header.

The US improved after the break until a calamitous error from goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed ​substitute Hans Vanaken to score in the 57th minute.

Romelu Lukaku then added a fourth in added time to send US fans streaming for the ​exits and Belgium into the quarter-finals for the third time in the last four World Cups.

They will play European champions Spain in Los Angeles on Friday.

The ‌US defeat ⁠means all three co-hosts are out of the tournament, after Canada and Mexico lost their last-16 games.

“In the moments that we were doing well (in the tournament), we felt amazing,” US midfielder Tyler Adams said.

“And then obviously, an opportunity like today, we didn’t grasp it – and it’s gonna sting.”

Balogun lacks impact

The US struggled with Belgium’s intensity from the start and, with the crowd still going through their first chant of “U-S-A!”, Timothy Castagne forced Freese ​into a fingertip save.

Youri Tielemans fluffed ​an early chance, but the US ⁠did not learn their lesson and De Ketelaere tapped home Raskin’s cross after the hosts failed to clear their lines.

Belgium’s momentum was stalled by Amadou Onana’s early injury, which coach Rudi Garcia said may end the midfielder’s ​tournament.

The hydration break came at a good time for the US, and they got a slice of luck ​with Tillman’s equaliser, but swiftly ⁠conceded another cheap goal to cede the initiative once more.

Any hopes of a comeback were then shattered when Freese dawdled on the ball out of his goal and gave Vanaken an open goal, before Lukaku bagged his seventh career World Cup goal and 93rd for Belgium late on, 12 years after he scored against the ⁠US in another ​last-16 victory.

Despite their exit, Pochettino said the future was bright for the US squad, ​and the Argentinian coach also suggested he wanted to continue.

“I think now … it’s (time to) rest a little bit, to think, to have conversations, and then see what the decision is from ​the federation and from us,” he added. “But I am so happy.”

Yet the one prize that always slipped through his grasp remained out of reach on ​Monday, as the 41-year-old bowed out of a sixth World Cup with tears in his eyes after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in ‌the round of 16.

Portugal’s hopes ended in painful fashion as Mikel Merino struck in the 91st minute to give Spain a 1-0 victory in Arlington, a day after a relaxed Ronaldo announced that this would be his last World Cup.

Leaving a press conference to applause from journalists on Sunday, he insisted he had no regrets about a career that has stretched the ​boundaries of longevity.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez celebrated his commitment to soccer after the match, describing him as an icon of the sport.

“We will ​always be grateful for what he tried to do at this World Cup, because the dream was to win the ⁠World Cup and he tried with an incredible example of leadership as a captain,” Martinez said.

“This is not the moment to look beyond what we’re talking ​about: a soccer icon. There are not many Cristiano Ronaldos.”

27 matches, 11 goals

Ronaldo’s World Cup record includes 27 appearances and 11 goals.

Fittingly, his only knockout-stage goal ​came last week to help Portugal eliminate Croatia, briefly keeping alive the dream that had accompanied him since his debut in 2006.

That first World Cup also produced his deepest run.

At 21, Ronaldo was part of the Portugal side that reached the semi-finals before falling to France.

In the quarter-finals, he calmly converted the decisive penalty in a shootout victory over ​England, a moment that still lives in Portuguese memories and seemed at the time to foreshadow greater triumphs.

They failed to arrive.

For much of his international ​career, Ronaldo appeared to carry the weight of Portugal’s ambitions on his shoulders.

But the landscape changed as a new generation of talent emerged, and by this tournament, questions persisted ‌over whether ⁠he should still be a guaranteed starter.

Against Spain, the veteran played the full 90 minutes and managed three attempts on goal, but was unable to create a decisive opening.

Opponents paid tribute to one of the game’s greats, who against Spain produced in 2018 what was probably his best World Cup display, a hat-trick in a 3-3 group-stage draw that included a brilliantly taken free kick in the 88th minute.

“I’m a great admirer of him, of his values, of what he ​stands for, of how he approaches the ​sport, and I think he’s a ⁠role model for young people,” Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said after the game.

“Whenever we have the chance to be together, we acknowledge our mutual admiration and the pride we feel at knowing him.”

Messi rivalry

Ronaldo largely avoided questions ​throughout the tournament about comparisons with Lionel Messi.

Still, as his World Cup story closes, the contrast is difficult ​to ignore.

Their rivalry ⁠defined an era, but never fully extended to the World Cup stage.

Messi guided Argentina to the 2014 final and then achieved the ultimate glory by winning the title in 2022, while Ronaldo’s runs repeatedly ended in frustration.

There was, however, the prospect of a World Cup meeting.

Had Portugal topped their group instead of finishing behind Colombia, and ⁠had both ​teams continued to advance, Ronaldo and Messi could have met in the quarter-finals.

“It would be ​top,” Ronaldo said of the potential showdown after scoring twice in Portugal’s 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan in the group stage, his best performance in the tournament in North America.

For a player who conquered ​nearly every other challenge the sport could offer, that sense of what might have been will accompany Ronaldo’s World Cup farewell.

The former pacer was considered one of the pioneers of the country’s rise in international cricket.

In a statement, the ACB paid tribute to Zadran, describing him as one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghan cricket whose dedication and commitment played a key role in the development of the game in the country.

“Shapoor Zadran was one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghanistan cricket, whose dedication, passion and unwavering commitment played a vital role in the rise and development of the game in our country,” the board said.

Zadran represented Afghanistan for more than a decade, taking 43 wickets in One-Day Internationals and 37 in Twenty20 Internationals.

The left-arm pacer played a key role in Afghanistan’s climb through the ICC World Cricket League divisions and was instrumental in the team’s historic first victory at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2015, when Afghanistan defeated Scotland.

He finished as Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker at the tournament with 10 wickets.

Zadran was also part of the Afghanistan side that earned Full Member status of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2018.

He made his final appearance for the national team in 2020 before retiring from all forms of cricket in 2025.

Thomas Tuchel’s side made it hard for themselves against the ‌co-hosts but handed the battling Mexicans their first-ever World Cup defeat at the iconic venue to set up a last-eight clash with Norway, who shocked Brazil 2-1 earlier on Sunday.

Mexico, who beat Ecuador 2-0 in the last 32 for their first knockout-stage win in 40 years, had only lost two competitive games at the Azteca in 89 matches since 1966, but England made it three with a performance of attacking verve and ​defensive grit.

“It was a crazy game,” Kane said. “We had to fight. We had to find something. I can’t really talk. Yeah, the occasion, the team, everything against us. ​We found a way.”

After the game was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms, Mexico attacked from the start, backed by their fanatical ⁠support, who raised the decibel level even higher than before, but England held firm and managed to take the sting out of the game.

Mexico’s only notable early chance came after 15 ​minutes when Raul Jimenez’s diving header was brilliantly saved by Jordan Pickford after a pinpoint cross from Roberto Alvarado.

Pickford saves

Pickford, who was to pull off several key saves, was making his ​17th World Cup appearance to equal fellow keeper Peter Shilton as the record holder for England’s men’s team.

Player of the match Bellingham put England ahead with a superb diving header from Bukayo Saka’s cross just past the half-hour and made it 2-0 within two minutes after another break down the right, with captain Harry Kane providing the assist.

The Mexican crowd responded with chants of “Yes we can”, and their players responded when ​livewire winger Julian Quinones volleyed home inside the box after a scramble following a free kick to get the hosts back into the match.

Soon after the break, England went close ​to extending their lead when Nico O’Reilly hit the post, but they were soon to be down to 10 men when defender Jarell Quansah was sent off for a rash sliding challenge with a high ‌foot on ⁠Jesus Gallardo.

The red card was shown by the referee in the 54th minute after a VAR review, leaving Quansah as only the fourth England player ever to be sent off at a World Cup.

The visitors kept their cool, though, and when Anthony Gordon ran through on goal he was fouled by keeper Raul Rangel. Kane calmly scored from the spot on the hour mark.

No breathing space

Just as England looked to enjoy some breathing space, captain Kane gave away a penalty as he tried to clear the ball, and after a VAR review the referee pointed ​to the spot.

Raul Jimenez stepped up ​to make it 3-2 and give Mexico ⁠hope again.

With just over 20 minutes to go, England had their backs to the wall and had to dig deep to keep the Mexicans at bay.

Despite giving up most of the possession, they hung on for a famous victory in the last match of this World ​Cup in Mexico.

“We needed everything, and it was super difficult, and always in the moments when we thought we could catch the momentum, ​we had like setbacks, but ⁠that’s a proper mentality.

Well done,“ said Tuchel.

“When the going gets tough, they never give up; they never lose belief. It was one step more.”

Mexico had not lost a competitive game at home since 2013 but had to say farewell to a tournament they have graced with passion on the pitch, in the stands and across the country.

Their fans sang their hearts out until the ⁠very end.

“You ​can’t make mistakes because they punish you,” Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said.

“We had a couple of errors there, and ​it saddens me for the people, but my players can be at peace because they did everything they could against a great team.”

It was England’s first visit to the famous stadium since they lost to Argentina in the ​1986 World Cup quarter-finals after Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal and mazy dribble through a hapless defence sank Bobby Robson’s side.

The advanced bowling machine displays a high-contrast LED animation of a bowler on the front screen, which synchronises exactly with the release of the ball, according to a PCB statement.

The bowler animations are based on legitimate bowling actions, allowing batters to work on their triggers, decision-making and batting sequences in conditions close to a match environment.

The machine allows coaches and players to adjust line, length, speed, swing and height, while individual balls, overs and spells can also be saved and used in sequence or shuffled to create random match-like scenarios.

“The Trueman 3 machine is the latest technology, and we are the first cricket board to use it. In traditional bowling machines, it is often difficult for players to adjust to the release point of the bowler, their trigger movements and the timing of when to get ready.

“The advantage of this machine is that the batter can see the bowler’s video on the screen and synchronise himself accordingly. At the same time, the machine can be programmed according to a batter’s requirement, which helps in preparing the player very close to a match situation.”

Salman Ali Agha, who faced deliveries from the machine at the NCA, told PCB Digital: “The biggest advantage of this machine is that the batter can relate his practice to a match situation. As cricket is moving towards the modern day, new shots and new methods are being introduced, and this machine helps us prepare for those challenges.

“It feels like a bowler is running in and bowling. The ball comes with an action, so you have to match your timing like you do in a match. I think this technology will help batters improve further and we will benefit even more from it in future.”

The forward converted a stoppage-time penalty in Brazil’s 2-1 loss, a result that eliminated ​the five-time champions and extended their wait for ​a sixth World Cup title.

Speaking briefly after ⁠the match to Bruno Formiga, a pundit for Brazilian ​channel GE TV, Neymar indicated that his tenure with ​Brazil had come to an end.

“I tried, I tried … Now it’s over! I started here, I finished here,” Neymar said, ​referring to the stadium in New Jersey, where ​he made his Brazil debut in a friendly against the United ‌States in 2010.

The 34-year-old was moved to tears after the match.

It was the national team’s worst World Cup performance since 1990.

Brazil are now heading towards their ​longest spell without ​a World ⁠Cup title since they first won the tournament.

By 2030, they will have ​gone 28 years without lifting the trophy.

If ​Neymar ⁠confirms his international retirement, he will end his Brazil career with 80 goals and 58 assists in 130 ⁠appearances.

Neymar ​has won multiple titles at ​club level, but his only senior trophy with Brazil was the 2013 ​Confederations Cup.

Neymar’s penalty deep into stoppage time was little consolation for Brazil, for whom Bruno Guimaraes missed an early penalty as they failed to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1990.

With their fans hugely outnumbered and in conditions that felt like a sauna, Norway tuned out the noise and the heat, with Haaland using every bit of his 6-foot-5-inch frame to head in the opening goal after 79 minutes before blasting home a shot from distance.

“I said to the boys ⁠today that I don’t think it’s 50-50, but we have a fair chance if we play at our best and have match winners, and ​we had that,” Norway coach Stale Solbakken said.

The Brazil players were left shattered by the humbling loss.

“It’s inexplicable,” defender Marquinhos said. “We have to take ​responsibility for this so that future generations can build on it.”

‘A new peak’ from Haaland

Yellow jerseys dominated the stands for Brazil, hoping to see another sublime performance from a team who had been on an 11-match unbeaten World Cup streak in the US.

Instead, they watched in disbelief as Haaland’s side sentenced them to their longest ​World Cup drought in the history of the tournament, with their last triumph in 2002.

The momentum appeared in Brazil’s favour at the start, as ​Kristoffer Ajer conceded an early penalty with a foolish challenge on Matheus Cunha after 13 minutes.

But the Brazilian fans were left scratching their heads as Guimaraes stepped ‌up to ⁠take the kick instead of Vinicius Jr, and that confusion turned to exasperation when Orjan Nyland dived left to save the penalty.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken replaced both wingers after halftime, sending on Andreas Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb, a masterstroke that gave Haaland the supporting cast he needed to put on a show.

The Manchester City striker was a full head above the Brazilian defenders as he headed in the opener from a superb cross ​by Schjelderup.

Eleven minutes later, Schjelderup again ​teed up Haaland, who appeared ⁠exhausted but found enough strength to fire in an unstoppable strike from outside the box as Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti sat grim-faced in the dugout.

“I peaked a couple of times in this tournament, but now ​and then I get a new peak,” said Haaland.

“If I get a chance or two, it usually turns ​into a goal. ⁠I don’t know how I do it, but that’s how I am. It’s about being focused.”

Neymar’s penalty 10 minutes into added time did nothing to change his Italian coach’s demeanour, and the Brazilian great wept openly after his final World Cup match.

Haaland, who has now scored in 14 consecutive competitive games ⁠and pulled ​level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race with his ​seventh goal of the tournament, led the celebrations, banging a drum to the Norwegian fans’ famous Viking row as the sea of Brazilian fans left the stadium.

Norway will play Mexico ​or England in the quarter-finals.

The MoU was signed by Saudi Cricket Federation Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Muhammad Al Saud and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

This partnership marks another step in cricket’s expansion into the Middle East and Saudi Arabia’s sports growth.

Pakistan brings decades of expertise in stadium design, construction, and cricket facility management.

Under the agreement, the two countries will work jointly to plan the cricket stadium, develop infrastructure, exchange technical expertise, and improve operational standards, so as to develop a modern and world-class cricket venue.

Speaking on the occasion, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Mohammed Al Saud said that this partnership is not limited to the construction of a cricket stadium in Jeddah, but will prove to be the foundation for the long-term development of cricket in Saudi Arabia.

He said that this project reflects a shared vision, strong partnership and sustainable investment.

He added that the proposed stadium will play a significant role in enabling Saudi Arabia to host international cricket matches and major sporting events.

At the same time, this project will promote investment in sports, tourism and community engagement, which is in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Jeddah’s new stadium could host international matches, regional tournaments, and training camps.

The project fits into Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify entertainment and sports infrastructure.

The collaboration strengthens sports diplomacy between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia beyond traditional ties.

It can create opportunities for Pakistani engineers, architects, coaches, and sports administrators.

A modern cricket stadium in Jeddah would boost the sport’s profile in the Gulf region.

It may also attract international cricket boards to consider Saudi Arabia as a neutral venue.

Success here could lead to more cricket infrastructure projects across the Middle East.

Earlier, Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday, where he also held talks with Saudi authorities on bilateral cooperation in various fields including security, drug prevention, and institutional cooperation.

The move thrust FIFA’s disciplinary process into the global spotlight, prompted an angry response from Belgium and ensured that one of this tournament’s biggest talking points would centre not on tactics or team selection, but on the relationship between football’s governing body and political power.

Within minutes, the decision had ignited one of the tournament’s biggest media storms, dominating sports bulletins and talk shows as pundits, commentators and former players argued over whether FIFA had upheld justice or undermined ​its own rules.

As questions mounted over the circumstances surrounding the decision, FIFA did not respond to multiple Reuters requests for comment about the decision and Trump’s call with Infantino.

Balogun scored his ​third goal of the World Cup in the 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina but was shown a red card in the second half for planting his ⁠boot into the ankle of Tarik Muharemovic.

The 25-year-old was sent off after a VAR review, with US coach Mauricio Pochettino saying it was never a red card offence.

Trump called Infantino to ask world soccer’s governing body ​to review the sending-off, according to a source briefed on the call.

FIFA is allowing Balogun to play without rescinding the red card.

“In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the ​match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” FIFA said in a statement.

“If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”

The judicial body has the discretion to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary sanction.

‘A great injustice’

“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a ​great injustice,” Trump wrote on Truth Social while the White House celebrated Balogun’s reinstatement in the squad with a post on X saying: “USA-USA-USA.”

US Soccer accepted the decision while Balogun’s teammates said they only found out ​via social media on their way to training ahead of Monday’s game in Seattle.

“We found out about it just coming over here,” American forward Christian Pulisic told reporters.

“At first, you’re like, ‘Oh really, is this real?’ And then ‘Oh, this ‌is great news’.”

Pochettino ⁠welcomed the news at a US press conference in Seattle on Sunday evening.

“I think 99.9% of people in football have said this is an unfair punishment, and there’s evidence from the past that makes it possible to suspend a punishment and to fulfil it later on, so I don’t understand how people can be surprised,” he told reporters.

“This has happened in the past. It’s not something extraordinary that has only happened for us, it has happened in the past. And we’ve seen many players in this World Cup that were not punished, and I’m happy for this because it would have been unfair.”

Belgium ‘astonished’ by decision

The Royal Belgian ​Football Association (RBFA) said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision ​to declare Balogun eligible to play in the ⁠match, pointing to the rule book while it investigated all potential options.

“FIFA bases its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction,” the RBFA said.

“However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA ​Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all ​previous red cards issued during ⁠this FIFA World Cup.”

It said the decision was in direct contradiction with the provisions of the tournament’s Regulations.

“As set out in Article 10.5: ‘If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match,’” the RBFA added.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was able to play his side’s opening World Cup matches after FIFA suspended the final two games of ⁠a three-match ban ​last year when he was sent off in their penultimate qualifying match against Ireland.

Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo was handed a five-match ​ban after receiving a red card for a tackle that seriously injured Canada midfielder Ismael Kone during a group match at the tournament.

Monday’s match will now be played against the backdrop of a decision that has become one of the defining controversies of ​the tournament, with the debate over FIFA’s powers unlikely to end at the final whistle.

An announcement in this regard was made by the Pakistan Cricket Board in Lahore on Sunday.

Pakistan will play a two-match Test series against the West Indies from July 25 to August 6, followed by a three-match Test series in England from August 19 to September 13.

A 16-member squad has been named for the West Indies series, while a 17-member squad has been announced for the England series.

Saud Shakeel has been included as the 17th member for the England series, subject to fitness.

Left-arm spinner Ali Usman, right-handed batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah and wicket-keeper batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori are the uncapped players in the squad.

The 16-member squad for West Indies series:

Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

The 17-member squad for England series:

Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

Schedule for West Indies series:

July 25-29 – First Test, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba

August 2-6 – Second Test, Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Port of Spain

Schedule for England series:

August 19-23 – First Test, Leeds

August 27-31 – Second Test, Lord’s

September 9-13 – Third Test, Birmingham

Disgruntled Polish third seed Swiatek lost a titanic first-set battle that lasted almost 90 minutes and had no answer to a fearless Eala after that as ‌she lost 7‑6(9), 6-2.

Rybakina, the 2022 champion who doubled her Grand Slam tally this year by winning the Australian Open, also fell away badly after a close first set, going down 7-6(4), 6-1 to Mertens, who has reached the last 16 for the fourth time.

“Definitely I need to analyse and change something because it’s not working,” said Rybakina, for whom a run to the quarter-finals here could have seen her become world number one.

There was American disappointment on the ​day of the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as Serena Williams, one of its greatest ever athletes, withdrew from her eagerly-awaited doubles with sister Venus because of injury.

In an ​Instagram post Williams, who returned to the tournament after a four-year absence but lost to Maya Joint in the singles, said she was “heartbroken to have ⁠to withdraw”.

But there were July 4 fireworks on Centre Court as 26th seed Madison Keys upset last year’s runner-up Amanda Anisimova, seeded six, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in an all-American blockbuster.

Americans take centre stage

Keys, ​on a roll on the grass after her title run in Eastbourne last week, was one of eight American singles players in action on the nation’s big day.

There was further US success as qualifier Ashlyn Krueger ​enjoyed a comprehensive 6-3, 6-2 victory over Ukraine’s Daria Snigur but 23rd seed Emma Navarro went out to Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in three sets.

The shocks did not continue to the men’s draw though, where second seed and newly-crowned French Open champion Alexander Zverev maintained his impressive start with a 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-4 victory over American Marcos Giron.

Frances Tiafoe, the 17th seed, fell 4-6 7-6(5), 7-6(11), 4-6, 6-3 to Kazakh 10th seed Alexander Bublik.

With defending champion Jannik Sinner already through, ​Italy began the day with hopes of four men in the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time since the 1947 French Open.

French Open runner-up Flavio Cobolli, seeded nine, lost ​the opening set 6-0 against Russia’s Karen Khachanov but rallied to win in five 0-6, 7-6(4), 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-2.

Cobolli will face Australian Alex de Minaur next after he beat American Zachary Svajda 6-2, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4.

Lorenzo Sonego could ‌not join ⁠the Italian surge, though despite a strong start against American sixth seed Taylor Fritz, losing 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(5).

Former runner-up Matteo Berrettini then went down 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3 to Grigor Dimitrov in a late Centre Court duel.

Eala sets up Paolini clash

Eala, seeded 29, the first player from the Philippines to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam, has a message in Tagalog etched on her cap which translates as “once it grows, it cannot be stopped”.

That motto will be tested by 13th seed Jasmine Paolini after the 2024 runner-up thrashed Greece’s Maria Sakkari 6-1, 6-2.

“For someone who grew up in the Philippines… I ​went to training with my brother and my ​grandfather every day after school with my ruffled ⁠socks and my light-up shoes and chubby cheeks, so… to her, this is everything,” Eala told an enchanted Centre Court crowd.

“But because I’m emotional does not mean I’m satisfied, so yeah, okay, next round. Let’s go.”

She went toe-to-toe with Swiatek in a gripping first set and saved a set point in ​the tiebreak as her opponent netted a forehand — the Pole laughing sarcastically and shouting at her entourage in the stands.

Eala remained composed in the ​second set as she sprinted ⁠clear and held her nerve to claim a famous win.

While Eala’s joy was uncontained, six-times Grand Slam champion Swiatek slumped off, trying to digest another disappointing loss.

“Honestly, I don’t care anymore about the results. I’ve been so focused on them that it’s hard to continue like that,” she told reporters later.

“So I’m really trying to let it go.”

The biggest roars around the grounds on Saturday were reserved for British battler Arthur Fery who ⁠kept the home ​flag flying with a thrilling comeback victory against Belgium’s Zizou Bergs on a raucous Court 18 despite three nosebleeds.

Fery trailed ​by two sets to one and a double break at 1-4 but refused to roll over and came back to win the longest match of the tournament in a deciding-set tiebreaker.

“I was down for pretty much the whole match, managed to scramble ​back from two breaks and 4-1 in the fifth, and just tried to put up as much of a fight as I could,” he said.

Mbappe’s 19th World Cup goal in as many appearances ensured there would be no repeat of Paraguay’s shock elimination of four-time champions Germany — or Cape Verde’s near-miracle against ​Argentina the previous day — as France survived a contest their opponents repeatedly dragged into murky waters.

“We knew what kind ​of match we were going to have. If we have to get our hands dirty, we ⁠can do that. We can play ugly football. They thought we would turn up in tuxedos, but we were there,” ​said Mbappe.

“Even at that game, we were better than them. That’s their football — there is no right or wrong way to ​play the game. They tried to get at us that way, but we won.”

Despite Aurelien Tchouameni’s last-gasp withdrawal with a muscle injury, France looked prepared for the scrap, dominating the ball before turning frustration into urgency after the break to set up a repeat of their semi-final ​against Morocco four years ago.

Paraguay had hoped to avenge their 1998 last-16 defeat by eventual champions France, settled by Laurent Blanc’s ​golden goal, but their minimalist approach was again left unrewarded.

France made one change from the side who beat Sweden 3-0, with Manu Kone ‌replacing ⁠the injured Tchouameni alongside Adrien Rabiot in midfield, while Paraguay set up in a defensive 5-4-1.

With temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius, France found clear openings hard to come by against a Paraguay side who defended ruggedly.

Neither side managed a shot on target before the break, with Rabiot, Kone and Ousmane Dembele all trying their luck without reward, while Julio Enciso offered Paraguay’s lone ​threat at the other end.

For ​France, it was turning into ⁠a test of patience, but they pressed on after the interval and finally broke through when substitute Desire Doue, on for Bradley Barcola, was tripped in the box by Diego Gomez.

After ​a VAR review, referee Ilgiz Tantashev awarded the penalty and Mbappe coolly converted in the ​70th minute, wrongfooting ⁠Orlando Gill for his seventh goal of the tournament, putting him level with Lionel Messi and one behind the Argentine talisman in the all-time list.

Nerves crept in when Mike Maignan was finally called into action in the 90th minute, making his first save of ⁠the game ​as Paraguay, provocative until the end and hunting for fouls around the ​box, tried to turn the final minutes into chaos.

France then faced another sweaty spell in stoppage time after Mbappe was denied twice in quick succession by ​Gill, leaving Les Bleus to close out the win the hard way.

The visitors trained at Pumas UNAM’s Cantera complex after arriving in Mexico City on Friday, getting their first feel of the altitude before facing an unbeaten Mexico side backed by a raucous home crowd.

“We are in ​an iconic place, an iconic stadium, a massive game, a knockout game against Mexico at the Azteca,” Tuchel told ​reporters.

“It’s an iconic match and a big stage, and we feel it.”

Much of the build-up has centred ⁠on Mexico City’s 2,200-metre altitude after England had only four days between their round-of-32 victory over DR Congo and Sunday’s game.

England’s ​players, however, appeared relaxed during the 15 minutes of training open to the media, joking with one another and smiling as they ​went through their warm-up drills.

Tuchel acknowledged the conditions during England’s first training session in the capital and insisted his players would not use them as an excuse.

“The players felt it in the first minutes of the training session and the longer it went, they could cope with it better,” the ​German said. “It’s just what it is.”

The England manager also dismissed suggestions his side expected a hostile reception despite facing the co-hosts ​in front of a fervent home crowd.

“I don’t expect a hostile environment,” he said.

“I think it will be emotional and full of support for ‌the home ⁠nation. Altitude, it is what it is. Home crowd, it is what it is.

“We need to overcome obstacles, but we have the spirit, the commitment, the pure will and the glue in the team to overcome these things.”

‘It doesn’t get much bigger’

Midfielder Jordan Henderson said England had embraced the magnitude of the occasion rather than the challenges surrounding it.

“It doesn’t get much better or bigger than ​playing Mexico in Mexico City in ​this stadium,” the 36-year-old ⁠said.

“It’s an incredible occasion for everyone. Mexico are a very good side. It’ll be a really tough test, but everybody’s looking forward to coming and playing this game.”

Henderson echoed his manager’s view that ​England’s focus remained on factors they could control.

“Everything that we can’t influence, like altitude or kickoff ​times, is not ⁠in our control,” he said.

“For us, it’s about full focus on our job ahead. No excuses. We’re ready to go.”

England return to the Azteca for a competitive match for the first time since their 1986 World Cup quarter-final defeat by eventual champions Argentina, remembered for Diego ⁠Maradona’s “Hand of ​God” goal and his brilliant solo effort later christened the “Goal of the Century”.

Tuchel ​rejected the idea that Sunday’s match carried any sense of unfinished business.

“We’re not here for revenge,” he said. “We are here to write our own chapters. We are ​in good spirits and we are ready to go for tomorrow.”