Another knockout game, another 120 minutes, another survival. Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in Kansas City on Saturday night, and the scoreline is lying to you — this was agony until the 112th minute, when Julián Álvarez decided to end it himself in stunning fashion. Here are my four takeaways from a quarterfinal that had everything,…
Erling Haaland’s day ended earlier than many expected. About 15 minutes later, Norway’s run in the World Cup ended as well. The Vikings’ biggest star didn’t shine Saturday. Haaland was a nonfactor for much of his team’s quarterfinal against England and — at least in part because of the strain of dealing with hot and…
It wasn’t as decisive as England would have liked, but the Three Lions clinched a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals with a scrappy 2-1 win over Norway in extra time on Saturday at Miami Stadium. England coach Thomas Tuchel was satisfied with the result — why wouldn’t he be? He’s the first…
Jude Bellingham scored in the third minute of extra time to lift England past Norway 2-1 and into the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 2018. Bellingham’s goal was his second of the game — he also had an equalizer late in the first half. The Real Madrid star is now tied with…
Thibaut Courtois’ injury proved to be costly for Belgium in its 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal match against Spain on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium. Courtois, Belgium’s all-time leader in clean sheets, saves and appearances as a goalkeeper, tearfully exited the match in the 71st minute with an apparent injury and Senne Lammens subbed on….
Spain advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, but its latest victory joined a list of unimpressive performances that it’s had during this tournament. “I don’t know if it’s a great team,” Alexi Lalas said on Friday’s “State of the Union.” “The rhythm and the beauty, for lack of a…
Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans was scratched Friday from the starting lineup in the World Cup quarterfinals against Spain after getting injured during pregame warmups. Hans Vanaken replaced Tielemans in the starting lineup in another blow to the Red Devils’ depth. Tielemans is Belgium’s captain and a key component of the team’s efforts on offense and…
There’s something you should know about me: I’m a romantic. For better or worse, I am often blamed for idealizing emotion. Someone who thrives for beauty out of the simplest things in life. I also love to root for a narrative to be twisted on its head. It brings joy out of something unexpected. It’s…
Kylian Mbappe spread his arms out wide and spun around after scoring his eighth goal of this year’s World Cup. He later gave the jubilant France fans dotted around the stadium a wave when he left the game because of an injury scare. Les Bleus, with a star striker who said he’s fine despite a…
France star Kylian Mbappé has done nothing but stack his numbers every time he takes the stage at the World Cup. As he does so, he’s either on the precipice or already matching all-time records at the World Cup. So, with Mbappé already approaching some historic marks in the history of the World Cup, is…
