Superb Spain silence France to reach World Cup final

Spain are through to the World Cup final after surprising favourites France with a convincing semi-final victory at Dallas Stadium. Luis de la Fuente’s side blunted a France team brimming with attacking talent, controlled a game of few chances and will deservedly take their place in Sunday’s showpiece thanks to goals in either half from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. They will tackle either England or Argentina in their quest to clinch a second world title.

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Egypt reach Round of 16 after shootout win over Australia

Egypt recorded their first World Cup knockout victory as Australia’s decision to send on goalkeeper Mat Ryan specifically for the penalty shoot-out failed to pay off. Ryan replaced Patrick Beach with the score at 1-1 with 90 seconds remaining in a pre-determined tactic – however the former Brighton keeper failed to guess the right way, never mind get near any of Egypt’s attempts, as the African side prevailed 4-2 on spot-kicks.

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Erling Haaland fires Norway into last 16 with dramatic winner against Ivory Coast

Erling Haaland scored a late winner as Norway progressed through to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in Dallas. Antonio Nusa scored his ninth international goal to give Norway a half-time lead, but Manchester United’s Amad Diallo levelled things up with a moment of magic before Haaland scored in his 13th straight competitive international to send Norway through.

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Messi scores again as Argentina ease past Jordan

Lionel Messi came off the bench to score yet again as Argentina made it three wins from three at the World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Jordan. Messi made it six goals in three games at this tournament, extending his own all-time World Cup record to 19 goals, with a low free-kick 10 minutes from time that ensured Argentina topped Group J with a perfect record. Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez had put the World Cup holders in control with first-half strikes, but Mousa Al Tamari pulled one back for Jordan, who at least exited the competition having scored in all three games of their debut World Cup.

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Japan and Sweden draw to secure knock-out progression

Japan and Sweden booked their places in the knockout phase of the World Cup as they drew 1-1 in their final Group F clash in Dallas. The point sends Japan through in second place behind the Netherlands with Sweden top of the third-place teams, dealing another blow to Scotland’s hopes of reaching the last 32.

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